Source: SalaryDr salary data for Orthopedic Surgery (N=89 verified submissions, January 2026). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Average orthopedic surgeon pay in 2026: $853,996. Median: $800,000. Typical range: $696,000–$900,000.
$800,000
$853,996
$696,000
$900,000
Go beyond salary data. Discover real physician experiences, work-life balance insights, and what Orthopedic Surgery doctors love (and would change) about their specialty.
Explore orthopedic surgery salary data across different states. Click on any state to view detailed compensation information for that location.
Planning your career path? Check out our comprehensive physician salary benchmarks to see how compensation compares across different specialties and regions.
View Physician BenchmarksBased on verified submissions from orthopedics across the U.S., the average total compensation in 2026 is $853,996, with most reporting between $696,000 and $900,000. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what orthopedics truly earn today.
Based on verified submissions from orthopedic surgeons across the U.S., the average total compensation in 2026 is $853,996, with most reporting between $696,000 and $900,000. SalaryDr aggregates real physician data — not surveys — to show what orthopedic surgeons truly earn today.
Explore orthopedic salaries by location: California, Texas, New York, or view all locations.
Orthopedic Surgeon pay varies significantly by geographic location. States with higher costs of living and greater demand for medical services typically offer higher compensation packages.
| Practice Type | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|
| Private Practice | $962,062 | 50 submissions |
| Hospital-employed |
Average Salary: $400,000
Based on 150 reports
Average Salary: $380,000
Based on 120 reports
Average Salary: $350,000
Based on 100 reports
Average Salary: $340,000
Based on 90 reports
Average Salary: $360,000
Based on 80 reports
Average Salary: $370,000
Based on 70 reports
* Showing locations with the most reported salaries.
Distribution based on 89 verified physician salary submissions.
Median Salary: $800,000
Average satisfaction rating reported by Orthopedic Surgery physicians (1-5 scale).
Percentage of Orthopedic Surgery physicians who would choose this specialty again.
Physicians cite the variety of cases and patient relationships as most rewarding aspects of this specialty.
On-call demands, administrative burden, and work-life balance are cited as the top challenges.
Average Salary
$853,996
Median Salary
$800,000
Salary Range
$696,000 - $900,000
National Average
$853,996
Difference
+0% vs National Average
Sample Size
89 local / 89 national reports
Get answers to the most common questions about physician salaries in Orthopedic Surgery.
Data Source: All salary information is based on verified submissions from practicing physicians and is updated regularly to reflect current market conditions.
Step-by-step guide to negotiating a competitive Orthopedic Surgery salary with confidence and data-driven strategies.
Research current Orthopedic Surgery salary data using verified sources like SalaryDr, MGMA, and local market reports. Document the median, 25th, and 75th percentile ranges for your specialty and experience level.
Learn more →Create a comprehensive list of your qualifications, certifications, years of experience, patient outcomes, and any unique skills or subspecialty training. Quantify your contributions with specific metrics where possible.
Look beyond base salary to include benefits, bonuses, CME allowances, malpractice insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks. Calculate the total compensation value to make informed comparisons.
Develop three negotiation scenarios: your minimum acceptable offer, target salary, and ideal compensation package. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs between salary and benefits.
Rehearse your negotiation conversation focusing on your value to the organization, market data, and specific reasons for your salary request. Practice addressing common objections professionally.
Request a formal meeting with decision-makers. Present your research professionally, emphasize your value, and be prepared to negotiate on multiple aspects of the compensation package.
Professional Tip: This guide provides general recommendations. Always consult with career advisors, mentors, and legal professionals for personalized advice specific to your situation.
The average orthopedic surgeon salary in 2026 is $853,996, with a median of $800,000. Most orthopedic surgeons earn between $696,000 and $900,000, with top performers earning up to $3,725,000 annually.
States with the highest orthopedic surgeon salaries typically include California, New York, Texas, and Florida. These states offer higher compensation due to increased demand, higher costs of living, and competitive markets for medical professionals.
Most orthopedic surgeons work approximately 54 hours per week, though this can vary significantly by practice setting. Academic positions may offer more predictable schedules, while private practice often involves more variable hours and call responsibilities.
Private practice orthopedic surgeons often earn higher compensation than their employed counterparts, with potential for profit sharing and productivity bonuses. However, employed positions may offer more stable schedules and comprehensive benefits packages.
Orthopedic Surgeons can increase their earning potential by developing subspecialty expertise, building strong clinical reputations, understanding local market rates, and negotiating comprehensive compensation packages that include base salary, bonuses, and benefits.
We need more Orthopedic Surgery physician in United States salary submissions to provide accurate insights. Your data helps colleagues make informed career decisions.
Orthopedic Surgeon compensation increases significantly with experience and varies by practice setting.
Many orthopedic surgeons describe their job as rewarding but mentally taxing. The specialty offers a unique blend of procedural work, patient interaction, and critical thinking.
Orthopedic Surgery ranks among the higher-paying medical specialties, with compensation comparable to other procedural specialties.
Orthopedic Surgeons can increase their earning potential through strategic career moves, negotiation skills, and understanding market dynamics.
| $764,375 |
| 28 submissions |
| Academic | $590,909 | 11 submissions |
* Practice types with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
| Years of Experience | Average Salary | Sample Size |
|---|
| 0-2 years | $512,500 | 8 submissions |
| 3-5 years | $927,194 | 18 submissions |
| 6-10 years | $917,048 | 21 submissions |
| 11-15 years | $858,004 | 29 submissions |
| 16+ years | $852,000 | 13 submissions |
* Experience levels with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
* Some locations may be omitted if they have fewer than 3 reports.
Explore orthopedic surgery physician salaries in major cities across the United States. Click any city to see detailed compensation data for that location.
| Subspecialty | Average Salary | Sample Size | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spine | $1,283,667 | 9 submissions | Addresses complex spinal disorders through both surgical and non-surgical means, including minimally invasive spine surgery. |
| Joint | $1,042,162 | 13 submissions | Focuses on specialized joint procedures and treatments within orthopedic surgery, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Sports | $946,000 | 5 submissions | Focuses on specialized sports procedures and treatments within orthopedic surgery, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Hand | $815,000 | 9 submissions | Specializes in intricate surgery of the hand, wrist, and upper extremity, including microsurgery and complex reconstruction. |
| Trauma |
* Subspecialties with fewer than 3 submissions may be omitted for privacy.
* Data is aggregated from verified physician submissions.
| $797,000 |
| 5 submissions |
| Provides emergency surgical care for critically injured patients, specializing in acute care surgery and critical care management. Trauma surgeons work in Level I and II trauma centers. |
| Foot and Ankle | $747,667 | 12 submissions | Focuses on specialized foot and ankle procedures and treatments within orthopedic surgery, providing expert care in this specific area. |
| Sports Medicine | $640,375 | 12 submissions | Treats athletic injuries and conditions, focusing on arthroscopic procedures and accelerated rehabilitation protocols. |