As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Orthopedic Surgeon in the United States is $550,250 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $265.
However, an Orthopedic Surgeon's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Orthopedic Surgeon's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Orthopedic Surgeon's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Orthopedic Surgeon | $528,827 |
| Intermediate Level Orthopedic Surgeon | $532,794 |
| Senior Level Orthopedic Surgeon | $552,605 |
| Specialist Level Orthopedic Surgeon | $585,569 |
| Expert Level Orthopedic Surgeon | $591,456 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Orthopedic Surgeons. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.08% |
| Acute Care | 4.37% |
| Medical Education | 3.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Scheduling
|
$594,270 |
8%
|
|
Oncology
|
$566,758 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$561,255 |
2%
|
|
Internal Medicine
|
$561,255 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$561,255 |
2%
|
|
Acute Care
|
$561,255 |
2%
|
Orthopedic Surgeon salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $583,662. While startup companies pay approximate $497,363.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $497,363 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $525,033 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $564,576 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $583,662 |
For Orthopedic Surgeon roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Orthopedic Surgeon positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Orthopedic Surgeon as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $660,300 | $317.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Orthopedic Surgeons enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Orthopedic Surgeon with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $518,937 and $597,597).
Orthopedic Surgeon Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 3.9% |
| Associates | 2.0% |
| Bachelors | 1.3% |
| Masters | 2.6% |
| Doctorate | 89.5% |
Understanding how an Orthopedic Surgeon's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for an Orthopedic Surgeon can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $231,993 in 2023 to around $226,789 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Orthopedic Surgeon salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Orthopedic Surgeon roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Orthopedic surgeons are among the highest-paid medical specialists in the US. The minimum salary is approximately $433,230, with a mid-range salary of about $551,070, and potential earnings can reach up to $712,940 annually. Residents typically earn around $100,000 per year.
The highest-paid type of orthopedic surgeon typically earns a maximum salary of around $712,940. On average, orthopedic surgeons have a mid-range salary of approximately $551,070, with entry-level positions starting at a minimum salary of about $433,230. Specializations and experience can significantly influence these figures.
Orthopedic Surgeons typically earn the highest salaries in regions with a high demand for specialized medical services. The minimum salary is approximately $433,230, while the mid-range salary is around $551,070, and the maximum can reach up to $712,940. Areas with advanced healthcare facilities and affluent populations often offer the best compensation.
The highest-paid doctor in the USA is an Orthopedic Surgeon, with a salary range from $433,230 to $712,940 annually. The average salary for this specialty is approximately $551,070, making it one of the top-earning medical professions in the country.
An orthopedic surgeon is among the highest-paid specialists in the USA. They perform surgeries related to the musculoskeletal system. The salary range for orthopedic surgeons is significant, with a minimum of $433,230, a mid-level salary of $551,070, and a maximum of $712,940 annually, reflecting their expertise and the demand for their services.
Orthopedic surgeons face significant stress due to high patient volumes, diverse procedures, and the complexity of trauma cases. This demanding environment can lead to burnout, but short-term stress may enhance professional growth. With salaries ranging from $433,230 to $712,940, the financial rewards reflect the challenges and responsibilities of the role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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