Orthopedic Surgery vs Neurosurgery: Salary Comparison (2026)
Compare Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery compensation across salary, lifestyle, and career metrics. See how Orthopedic Surgeon salaries stack up against Neurosurgeon pay using verified physician data on SalaryDr.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orthopedic Surgery | Neurosurgery |
|---|---|---|
| Training Length | 5-year residency | 7-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | Orthopedic Surgeon | Neurosurgeon |
| Live Salary Data | View Orthopedic Surgery salary → | View Neurosurgery 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
- Orthopedic Surgery: 5-year residency
- Neurosurgery: 7-year residency
Practice Setting
Both Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery offer diverse practice settings including academic medical centers, private practice, and hospital employment. Compensation varies significantly by setting.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Orthopedic Surgery
Demanding with significant call and trauma coverage. High physical demands.
Neurosurgery
Most demanding surgical specialty with heavy call. Long cases and high acuity.
Career Considerations
Job Market Outlook
Both Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery 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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