Source: SalaryDr satisfaction data for Orthopedic Surgery (N=105 verified submissions, updated July 18, 2026, data as of 2026-07-18). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
88% of orthopedic surgeons would choose their specialty again, with an average satisfaction of 4.1/5 and median salary of $790,000, based on 105 verified physician submissions on SalaryDr.
$790,000
$871,362
$680,000
$900,000
Based on 105 physician responses (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied)
92 of 104 respondents would choose orthopedic surgery again
Based on 105 physician responses (bar scaled to 80 hrs/week)
Anonymized responses from orthopedic surgeons about their career and work-life balance.
“Meeting new people, fast pace practice, rewarding results. ”
On career & specialty — Verified Orthopedic Surgeon
“Nothing really, I love it. ”
On career & specialty — Verified Orthopedic Surgeon
“Poorly run OR, limited OR time, very inflexible administration”
On career & specialty — Verified Orthopedic Surgeon
“There is a heavy administrative burden of owning the practice, but I enjoy the challenges of business ownership. I choose to be more hands on in business decisions. ”
On career & specialty — Verified Orthopedic Surgeon
“I have an amazing work place environment and love my day-to-day patient interactions”
On career & specialty — Verified Orthopedic Surgeon
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