Source: SalaryDr salary data for Orthopedic Surgery (N=90 verified submissions, updated February 7, 2026, data as of 2026-02-07). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
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Data-driven answers for Orthopedic Surgery
The median physician salary is $790,000 in 2026 in Orthopedic Surgery, based on 90 verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average physician salary is $791,425, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.
The median base salary for physicians in Orthopedic Surgery is $660,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $130,000. Total compensation ($790,000 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.
Physicians in Orthopedic Surgery work an average of 54 hours per week, based on 90 verified submissions. This includes clinical hours, administrative duties, charting, and call responsibilities. Work hours vary significantly by specialty and practice setting.
Physicians in Orthopedic Surgery report 84% satisfaction with their careers, and 87% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.
Private practice physicians typically earn 15-30% more than hospital-employed counterparts, though with greater income variability and business risk. Based on SalaryDr data, practice owners and partners often reach the top 10% of earners in their specialty. However, employed positions offer more predictable income, benefits, and less administrative burden.
New physicians starting their careers earn $250,000-$350,000 in their first year, depending on specialty and location. Many employers offer signing bonuses of $20,000-$50,000+, relocation assistance, and loan repayment programs. Salaries increase significantly within the first 3-5 years of practice.
1099/locums physicians earn higher gross pay (often 20-40% more per day) but must pay self-employment tax, purchase their own benefits, and manage malpractice tail coverage. W-2 employees receive lower gross pay but benefit from employer-paid taxes, health insurance, retirement matching, and PTO. The net advantage depends on individual circumstances and hours worked.
A competitive RVU rate depends on specialty, with most physicians earning $45-$65 per work RVU (wRVU). Primary care typically sees $50-$60/wRVU, while surgical specialties may see $35-$55/wRVU with higher volume. The total RVU value includes your base guarantee, so compare total compensation per wRVU rather than bonus rate alone.
A physician earning $790,000 gross typically takes home $489,800-$568,800 after federal taxes, state taxes (varies 0-13%), and deductions. High-income strategies like maximizing 401(k), HSA, backdoor Roth IRA, and practice-specific deductions can improve take-home significantly.
SalaryDr salary data comes from 90 anonymous submissions from verified physicians across the United States. Each submission includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, specialty, location, practice setting, and years of experience. Data is updated in real-time and outliers are handled statistically to ensure accuracy.
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