Orthopedic surgeon salary is essential for those considering a career in this medical specialty.
Orthopedic surgeons are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
They use surgical and non-surgical techniques to treat various conditions, including fractures, arthritis, osteoporosis, and sports injuries.
As such, they often command high salaries for their services.
This article will explore factors that can influence an orthopedic surgeon’s salary, including location, experience, specialization, type of employer, and more.
Orthopedic Surgeon Salary
According to Medscape, the average compensation for orthopedic surgeons in 2022 was $557,000, an increase from the average of $511,000 in 2021.
In 2022, orthopedic surgeons received the highest average incentive bonus at $126,000, compared to $116,000 in 2021.
This figure includes base salary, bonuses, and profit-sharing contributions but does not consider other forms of compensation, such as benefits and 401(k) contributions.
Note: This figure is just a rough estimate, and the actual salary of an orthopedic surgeon may differ based on the specific factors mentioned above.
The cost of living in different areas of the country can also affect an orthopedic surgeon’s salary.
For instance, an orthopedic surgeon in a high-priced location like New York City or San Francisco might earn more than one in a lower-priced area like a small town in the Midwest.
How Much Do Orthopedic Surgeons Make Per Year?
Regarding salaries, Orthopedic Surgeons are among the best-paid doctors in the world. An orthopedic surgeon’s salary ranges across all the physicians in the field.
The average salary for an orthopedic surgeon in the United States is $149,049 per year. Below is one salary projection:
- Entry-Level: $101,160 – $517,110
- Mid-Career: $118,493 – $564,760
- Experienced: $126,646 – $595,114
- Late-Career: $196,939 – $699,216
And here are a few average orthopedic surgeon salaries by state:
- New York – $437,349
- Maryland – $411,991
- California – $400,520
- Nevada – $400,000
- Minessotta – $383,878
- New Jersey – $382,713
- Kansas – $366,108
- Texas – $358,970
- Missouri – $346,901
- North Carolina – $312,611
Many orthopedic surgeons’ salaries currently range between $387,500 to $400,000 in the United States.
And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of surgeons is projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026.
And as mentioned before, an orthopedic surgeon’s salary is also determined by the area of expertise. Below is a table illustrating orthopedic salaries for different areas of expertise.
| Area of Expertise | Hourly Salary | Daily Salary | Weekly Salary | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
| Sports Medicine | $200 – $225 | $1,600 – $1,800 | $8000 – $9000 | $34000 – $39000 | $408000 – $468000 |
| Joint Reconstruction | $175 – $200 | $1,400 – $1,600 | $7,000 – $8,000 | $30,000 – $34,000 | $360,000 – $408,000 |
| Trauma Surgery | $150 – $175 | $1,200 – $1,400 | $6,000 – $7,000 | $26,000 – $30,000 | $312,000 – $360,000 |
| Neurosurgery | $200 – $225 | $1,600 – $1,800 | $8,000 – $9,000 | $34,000 – $39,000 | $408,000 – $468,000 |
Factors That Affect Orthopedic Surgeon Salaries
Many factors can influence the salary of an orthopedic surgeon. These include:
- Location: Orthopedic surgeons who practice in specific geographic regions may earn higher salaries due to a higher demand for their services or a higher cost of living in those areas.
- Experience: Orthopedic surgeons who have been practicing for longer may command higher salaries due to their increased knowledge and expertise.
- Specialization: Orthopedic surgeons who specialize in a particular area of the field, such as sports medicine or pediatric orthopedics, may earn higher salaries due to the additional training and expertise required for these subspecialties.
- Type of employer: Orthopedic surgeons who work for hospitals or large medical practices may earn higher salaries than those who work in solo or smaller practices.
- The number of patients seen: Orthopedic surgeons who see a higher volume of patients may earn higher salaries due to the increased workload.
- Management responsibilities: Orthopedic surgeons with management responsibilities, such as overseeing a team of medical professionals or managing a practice, may earn higher salaries due to their additional responsibilities.
It’s vital to note that besides salary, job satisfaction, work balance, and the opportunity to make an impact on patient’s lives should be essential considerations when choosing a career in orthopedic surgery.
Orthopedic Surgeon Education and Training
To become an orthopedic surgeon, individuals must complete a long and rigorous education and training process, including:
- Undergraduate education: Orthopedic surgeons must complete a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years. During this time, they must also meet the necessary premedical coursework, including biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
- Medical school: After completing their bachelor’s degree, individuals must attend medical school, which typically takes four years. During this time, they receive training in the basic medical sciences and gain clinical experience through rotations in various medical specialties.
- Residency: After medical school, individuals must complete a residency program in orthopedic surgery. It takes five years and includes training in surgical and non-surgical treatment of orthopedic conditions.
- Fellowship: Some orthopedic surgeons may choose to complete a fellowship program after their residency, which provides additional specialized training in a particular area of orthopedic surgery. Fellowships typically last one to two years.
In addition to their education and training, orthopedic surgeons must also get licensed to practice medicine in the state where they work, which requires passing a licensure exam.
Learn More: Orthopedic Surgeon: Career info and Requirements
