How Much Does Working More Matter? 12 Statistics on Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation

Depending on the subspecialty, whether orthopedic surgeons worked more or less than 46 weeks per year could mean a difference of more than $100,000 or as little as $1,600. Here are 12 statistics on orthopedic surgeon compensation based on productivity from MGMA's Physician Compensation and Production Survey: 2011 Report Based on 2010 Data. In most cases, surgeons who worked 46 weeks or more in 2010 received more than their counterparts who worked less than 46 weeks. However, there were two notable exceptions. Foot and ankle surgeons who worked less received $122,649 more and sports medicine specialists who worked less received $1,670 more than their counterparts who worked 46 weeks or more last year.

Hip and joint surgeons who worked more than 46 weeks last year received the highest average compensation, with spine surgeons closely following. Interestingly, foot and ankle surgeons who worked more than 46 weeks last year received the lowest compensation, even lower than general orthopedic surgeons who worked less than 46 weeks.

Here are the statistics by subspecialty:

General orthopedic surgeons
Less than 46 weeks: $462,044
More than 46 weeks: $494,568

Foot and ankle surgeons
Less than 46 weeks: $549,700
More than 46 weeks: $427,051

Hand surgeons
Less than 46 weeks: $513,064
More than 46 weeks: $526,745

Hip and joint surgeons
Less than 46 weeks: $539,060
More than 46 weeks: $642,167

Spine surgeons
Less than 46 weeks: $601,044
More than 46 weeks: $633,392

Sports medicine surgeons
Less than 46 weeks: $574,633
More than 46 weeks: $572,963

Related Articles on Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation:
10 Benchmarks for General Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation
16 Benchmarks for Orthopedists on Highest and Lowest Compensating Regions
Spine vs. Neurosurgeon Compensation: 5 Points on Who Received More