You can’t overlook the fact that doctors also work about 1.5–2x standard work hours. About 60 hrs/week is on par for most doctors. Many surgeons will be putting

You can’t overlook the fact that doctors also work about 1.5–2x standard work hours. About 60 hrs/week is on par for most doctors. Many surgeons will be putting in 80 hrs/week or else take a pay cut. Adjusting for that in addition to cost of medical school and time spent in school and residency (7–11 years after college), I don’t think the salary is really that substantially different.