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Trauma Surgeon Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Trauma Surgeon needed in the Central Valley, CA A Medical Foundation and Medical Center is recruiting for a Fellowship trained Trauma Surgeon. They have 6 Board Certified General Surgeons and have a ...

Join Enloe Health-Seeking an Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon Location: Chico, California Facility: Enloe Health-Enloe Medical Center | Level II Trauma Center | 298 Beds About Us Enloe Health is the ...

Join Enloe Health-Seeking an Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon Location: Chico, California Facility: Enloe Health-Enloe Medical Center | Level II Trauma Center | 298 Beds About Us Enloe Health is the ...

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Trauma Surgeon information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$321.2K

$394.3K

How much do trauma surgeon jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for trauma surgeon in California is $321,155.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $246,700.00 and $385,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Trauma Surgeon?

Trauma surgeons perform emergency surgery on patients who have critical injuries, such as blunt-force trauma and severe penetration wounds. Unlike emergency room doctors who treat all patients that come to the ER, trauma surgeons are not usually a part of the emergency room staff. They are typically called in for life-threatening injuries that need surgery. Trauma surgeons become the primary care provider for their patients after surgery and provide follow-up care for their patients when they are admitted to the hospital.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trauma Surgeon, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trauma Surgeon, you need advanced surgical skills, in-depth knowledge of emergency medicine, and completion of a general surgery residency followed by trauma or critical care fellowship. Proficiency with trauma management protocols, operating room technology, and systems like Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification is essential. Excellent decision-making, teamwork, and resilience under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for delivering rapid, life-saving interventions and ensuring optimal patient outcomes in high-stakes, unpredictable environments.

What are some common challenges faced by trauma surgeons during their shifts?

Trauma surgeons often encounter unpredictable and high-pressure situations, as emergencies can arise at any time. They must quickly assess injuries, make fast decisions, and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including nurses, anesthesiologists, and other specialists. Balancing the emotional toll of severe injuries with the need to remain focused can be challenging, and long, irregular hours are common. However, the role is also highly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make immediate, life-saving impacts.

What are trauma surgeons and what do they do?

Trauma surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the surgical treatment of traumatic injuries, often caused by accidents, falls, or violence. They are trained to quickly assess and manage life-threatening conditions, perform emergency surgeries, and coordinate care with other specialists in trauma centers. Trauma surgeons often work in high-pressure environments and are available around the clock to respond to critical cases. Their expertise is essential in saving lives and improving outcomes for severely injured patients.

What is the difference between Trauma Surgeon vs Emergency Physician?

Trauma SurgeonEmergency Physician
Requires surgical residency and trauma surgery certificationRequires emergency medicine residency and board certification
Works primarily in trauma centers, hospitals, and surgical unitsWorks in emergency departments, urgent care, and hospitals
Focuses on surgical intervention for traumatic injuriesProvides initial assessment, stabilization, and non-surgical care

Trauma Surgeons specialize in surgical treatment of traumatic injuries, often working in surgical units and trauma centers. Emergency Physicians provide immediate care and stabilization in emergency departments. While both roles handle trauma cases, Trauma Surgeons perform surgeries, whereas Emergency Physicians focus on initial assessment and stabilization. Understanding these differences helps patients and healthcare facilities choose the appropriate specialist for trauma care.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trauma Surgeon jobs in California? The most popular types of Trauma Surgeon jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Trauma Surgeon jobs? Cities in California with the most Trauma Surgeon job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Trauma Surgeon jobs in CA? For Trauma Surgeon jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Trauma Surgeon job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $321,155 per year, or $154.4 per hour.

Job description

Trauma & Acute Care Surgery Surgeon

Surgical Affiliates Management Group, Inc. (SAMGI) is seeking one full-time Trauma & Acute Care Surgery (ACS) Surgeon to join our established program at Los Robles Regional Medical Center, a Level II Trauma Center in Thousand Oaks, California. This is a high-acuity clinical environment with strong operational infrastructure, including experienced Advanced Practice Provider (APP) support and a Surgery Residency Program. Surgeons in this program play an active role in trauma care delivery, emergency general surgery, and resident education.

Program & Position Highlights:

  • Level II Trauma Center
  • Dedicated Trauma & Acute Care Surgery Program
  • 24-hour in-house Trauma Surgeon coverage
  • Strong APP and surgical resident support
  • High-acuity trauma and emergency general surgery case mix
  • Daily multidisciplinary rounds
  • Active participation in resident education and supervision

Trauma Surgeon Responsibilities:

  • Respond to Tier I and Tier II trauma activations
  • Manage trauma consults and trauma operative cases
  • Provide trauma service coverage and inpatient management

Acute Care Surgery Responsibilities:

  • Manage ACS consults and operative cases
  • Perform emergent and urgent general surgery procedures

Coverage Structure:

  • When an ACS surgeon is not separately scheduled on weekdays, the Trauma Surgeon will cover:
    • Combined Trauma + ACS consults
    • Inpatient rounds
    • 24-hour backup call coverage provided daily
  • Trauma patients are primarily admitted to the Trauma Service
  • Post-operative and post-discharge patients are followed in the outpatient surgical clinic.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide comprehensive Trauma and Acute Care Surgery clinical care
  • Respond to Tier I and Tier II trauma activations
  • Perform trauma and emergency general surgery procedures
  • Manage ACS consults and operative cases
  • Participate in daily inpatient multidisciplinary rounds
  • Collaborate with and supervise Advanced Practice Providers
  • Actively participate in surgical resident education
  • Provide post-operative outpatient follow-up care

Benefits & Practice Support:

  • Full-time benefits eligibility based on annual shift minimums
  • Paid malpractice insurance
  • Established infrastructure including APP and residency support
  • Dedicated contracts and credentialing team
  • Long-term stability within SAMGI, a multi-state surgical group with over 25 years of experience

Qualifications:

  • Board-Certified or Board-Eligible in General Surgery
  • Board-Certified in Surgical Critical Care (SCC)
  • Current or recent clinical experience practicing at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center
  • Eligible for California medical licensure
  • Fellowship training in Trauma/Surgical Critical Care preferred
  • Strong clinical judgment in high-acuity trauma and emergency surgery environments
  • Commitment to team-based care and surgical education