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Neurosurgeon Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Neurosurgeon, or Brain Surgeon, is responsible for using surgical techniques to diagnose and treat problems with the nervous system, including the brain and spine. Their duties include ordering tests for patients based on their neurological symptoms, operating robotic mechanisms to perform non-invasive procedures, and removing brain and spinal tumors.

Neurosurgeon Duties and Responsibilities

A Neurosurgeon specializes in surgical procedures dealing with the brain and nervous system. This narrows their duties and responsibilities down to everything dealing with that process. Some of these duties may consist of:

  • Assessing and diagnosing patients to determine if and what kind of surgery they may need
  • Meeting with the families of patients to keep them updated on the patient’s condition and surgery details
  • Keeping records of patients, their diagnosis and medical history
  • Writing prescriptions for patients for all needed medication dealing with their condition
  • Filling out all paperwork involved in each process
  • Performing any emergency surgeries that may come by, such as patients with a stroke or aneurysm

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Neurosurgeon Job Description Examples

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What Does a Neurosurgeon Do?

Neurosurgeons work at hospitals and surgery centers to provide specialized surgical care related to neurological conditions and injuries. They collaborate with Neurologists, Nurses and General Practitioners to identify the likely cause of a patient’s chronic pain, discomfort, mood swings or other symptoms. Neurosurgeons decide which surgical techniques have the best chance of success and research other similar cases to refine their strategy. They communicate with patients about the surgery and the recovery process before beginning the operation. Neurosurgeons often conduct research on brain trauma, neurological disorders and surgical techniques as part of their role.

Neurosurgeon Skills and Qualifications

A Neurosurgeon candidate should possess a wide array of skills and qualifications to perform their job correctly and efficiently. When it comes to performing surgery on some of the body’s most vital organs, a Neurosurgeon candidate is highly recommended to have skills such as being detail-oriented to not commit any mistakes during a procedure and problem-solving for immediate problems that arise and need immediate solutions. Other skills Neurosurgeon have are:

  • Motor skills are a must in order to keep hands steady during a procedure and good hand-eye coordination to avoid any slips
  • Teamwork skills help when it comes to working with nurses, technical staff, other doctors and any medical students in the workplace
  • Leadership skills to manage the team within the operating room easily
  • Critical thinking skills to come up with creative decisions quickly and efficiently in emergency situations
  • Physical stamina to handle the high number of patients they may have at a time and the long hours that come with the job

Neurosurgeon Salary Expectations

Based on submissions made to Indeed, the average salary for a Neurosurgeon is $123,532 per year. This information is based on 35 salaries anonymously submitted to Indeed by employees and users, along with information collected by past and present job advertisements.

Neurosurgeon Salary Expectations

2025-10-01400.00867.441400.00DAILY
  • Common salary: 867.44 DAILY
  • Typical salaries range from 400.00 - 1400.00 DAILY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Neurosurgeon Education and Training Requirements

A Neurosurgeon should have four years of pre-medical education at a college or university, followed by four years of medical school to gain their M.D. or D.O. degree. Neurosurgeons should also continue their education afterward by attending conferences, annual meetings and reading scientific journals to stay up to date with all advances made in this complex field. Neurosurgeons also need to become licensed in the medical field by either submitting an application to their state’s medical board or apply for board certification through the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Neurosurgeon Experience Requirements

Further requirements in the extensive process to become a Neurosurgeon are to complete a one-year internship for general surgery and at least five to seven years in a neurosurgery residency program. It can take at least 16 years for a candidate to become a neurosurgeon through all the education and further training required. For these reasons, only the most rigorous surgeons become Neurosurgeons.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

If a Neurosurgeon isn’t quite what you are seeking, here are some job descriptions for similar positions for your convenience:

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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