How to Become a Neurosurgeon: Education, Training & Salary

Becoming a neurosurgeon is one of the most intellectually demanding and technically advanced journeys in medicine. With life-changing surgeries performed on the brain, spine, and nervous system, neurosurgeons are among the most highly trained—and highest-paid—physicians. If you’re inspired to pursue this specialty, this guide outlines everything you need to know about the neurosurgery career path in 2025 and beyond.

What Does a Neurosurgeon Do?

Neurosurgeons are surgical specialists trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the brain, spine, and nervous system. This includes complex procedures such as brain tumor removal, spinal cord surgery, and treatment for traumatic injuries, strokes, or neurological disorders.

Neurosurgeons may work in major trauma centers, children’s hospitals, or high-tech surgical suites. Many also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including neurologists, radiologists, and anesthesiologists.

Why Neurosurgery is in High Demand

The neurosurgical workforce is growing—but not fast enough. As of 2025, there are approximately 6,300 practicing neurosurgeons in the United States, each serving an average of 50,000–60,000 people. The aging population, increased incidence of neurodegenerative conditions, and expanded access to health insurance have all fueled demand. Rural and underserved areas remain especially short on neurosurgical specialists.

Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Neurosurgeon

Step 1: Complete a Pre-Med Undergraduate Degree

Start with a bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, or another pre-med track. Focus on:

• Biology and human physiology
• General and organic chemistry
• Physics and biochemistry
• Mathematics and statistics

To stand out, students should maintain a high GPA and gain clinical exposure through hospital volunteering or medical internships like Go Elective’s Pre-Med Programs.

Step 2: Take the MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) assesses critical thinking, scientific knowledge, and problem-solving skills. Strong MCAT scores are essential for admission to competitive medical schools.

Step 3: Attend Medical School (4 Years)

Medical school combines classroom learning with clinical rotations. During the first two years, students study anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and ethics. In the final two years, students rotate through specialties like surgery, internal medicine, and neurology.

You must pass the USMLE (or COMLEX if attending a DO school) Step 1 and Step 2 exams during this period.

Step 4: Match Into a Neurosurgery Residency

After medical school, neurosurgeons complete a 7-year residency. This includes:

• 1 year of general surgery internship
• 6 years of intensive neurosurgical training
• Exposure to trauma, spinal, cranial, and pediatric cases
• Research, ICU rotations, and endovascular experience

Residency positions are highly competitive—top USMLE scores, glowing recommendation letters, and research publications are key to matching successfully.

Step 5: Get State Medical Licensure

All neurosurgeons must pass USMLE Step 3 and obtain licensure in the state(s) where they plan to practice.

Step 6: Earn Board Certification

Board certification through the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) includes:

• Primary written exam (typically during residency)
• Oral examination (1–2 years into independent practice)
• Continuous certification through CME and ABNS online modules
  
  

Optional: Subspecialize Through Fellowships

Fellowship programs offer additional training in fields like:

• Pediatric neurosurgery
• Spine surgery
• Neuro-oncology
• Endovascular neurosurgery
  
  

Neurosurgery Residency and Training Overview

• Duration: 7 years (one of the longest residencies)
• Number of U.S. programs: ~115 ACGME-accredited
• Average annual trainees: ~230 new residents matched
• Operative volume: 200–300 surgeries/year per neurosurgeon
• Common procedures: Spinal fusions, craniotomies, tumor resections, and more
  
  

Neurosurgeon Salary and Workforce Data

• Average annual salary: $700,000–$800,000
• Top earners: Over $1 million/year, especially in private spine practices
• Starting salary (post-residency): $350,000–$450,000+
• Training cost: ~$1.2 million per neurosurgical resident
• Residency stipend: ~$60k–$80k/year

For more context, Go Elective’s internship programs give aspiring surgeons early exposure to real hospital settings, including high-acuity departments like neurosurgery, internal medicine, and trauma.

Technological Advances in Neurosurgery

Modern neurosurgery is defined by innovation. Tools and techniques now include:

• AI and machine learning for diagnostics and surgical planning
• Robotic-assisted surgery for precision and minimally invasive procedures
• Augmented reality (AR) for intraoperative visualization
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and chronic pain
• Laser ablation and focused ultrasound for tumor and tremor treatment

These innovations are reshaping the training landscape, with residents learning both traditional surgical techniques and emerging technologies.

The Future of the Neurosurgery Workforce

The U.S. is projected to face a shortage of over 1,200 neurosurgeons by 2025. Contributing factors include:

• Retirement of senior neurosurgeons
• High burnout rates
• Limited training slots
• Aging population and increased surgical demand
  
  

Efforts to address this include:

• Expanding residency programs
• Offering scholarships and loan forgiveness for underserved area service
• Enhancing telemedicine and rural outreach
• Training allied providers (like neurosurgical PAs)
  
  

Is Neurosurgery Right for You?

If you're passionate about solving complex problems, operating at the highest levels of precision, and want to make a real difference in patients' lives, neurosurgery might be for you. But it’s also one of the most demanding specialties, requiring exceptional academic commitment, resilience, and technical skill.

Students can begin exploring this field through hands-on experiences abroad. Consider Go Elective’s surgical electives in Kenya and Tanzania, where you can shadow surgeons, participate in ward rounds, and witness high-stakes procedures in low-resource settings.

Final Thoughts

Neurosurgery is not for the faint of heart—but for those who commit, it offers unmatched impact and professional fulfillment. With its high salaries, evolving technology, and global demand, the neurosurgery career pathway remains one of the most prestigious in medicine.

Start early. Plan strategically. And seek clinical exposure with purpose—like a clerkship program through Go Elective—to begin your journey toward becoming a neurosurgeon.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 15, 2025