Cardiology vs Orthopedic Surgery: Salary Comparison (2026)
Compare Cardiology and Orthopedic Surgery compensation across salary, lifestyle, and career metrics. See how Cardiologist salaries stack up against Orthopedic Surgeon pay using verified physician data on SalaryDr.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cardiology | Orthopedic Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Training Length | 3yr IM residency + 3yr fellowship | 5-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | Cardiologist | Orthopedic Surgeon |
| Live Salary Data | View Cardiology salary → | View Orthopedic Surgery salary → |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures are updated in real-time on each specialty page from verified physician submissions.
Key Differences
Training Path
- Cardiology: 3yr IM residency + 3yr fellowship
- Orthopedic Surgery: 5-year residency
Practice Setting
Both Cardiology and Orthopedic Surgery offer diverse practice settings including academic medical centers, private practice, and hospital employment. Compensation varies significantly by setting.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Cardiology
Busy schedule with call for interventional cardiologists. Non-invasive cardiology has better lifestyle.
Orthopedic Surgery
Demanding with significant call and trauma coverage. High physical demands.
Lifestyle Comparison by the Numbers
| Metric | Cardiology | Orthopedic Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | 3.7/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Would Choose Again | 96% | 100% |
| Avg Hours/Week | 53 | 52 |
| Physician Insights | 24 insights | 11 insights |
“I work very hard but feel appropriately compensated. Of my 75 hrs, 8 hrs on average are done from home (reading tests etc)”— Cardiology Physician
“4.5 day workweek, 2 days in OR, call is miserable”— Orthopedic Surgery Physician
Career Considerations
Job Market Outlook
Both Cardiology and Orthopedic Surgery continue to see strong demand driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access. Geographic demand varies; rural and underserved areas often offer higher compensation to attract specialists.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both specialties typically increase with experience, with the largest jumps in the first 5-10 years post-training. Partnership or ownership in private practice can meaningfully accelerate earnings.
Subspecialization Opportunities
Both specialties offer fellowship pathways that can further differentiate earning potential and lifestyle. Compare detailed salary data for each specialty to see how subspecialties affect pay.
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