Orthopedics remains one of the top-paid specialties, according to reports from Medscape, AMN HealthCare and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Five things to know:
1. The average salary for an orthopedic surgeon is $564,000, according to Medscape. Of 29 specialties included in a report, orthopedics had the highest average annual income.
2. Orthopedic surgeons saw a 1% increase in annual salary in 2024 from the previous year’s report.
3. The average starting pay for orthopedics is also the highest among 20 specialties at $576,000, according to AMN Health’s 2025 “Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives” report.
4. The average starting pay for orthopedic surgeons in academic settings is lower with $442,500. Non-academic orthopedic starting pay is an average $629,000.
5. In some of the most populated U.S. cities the top-paid orthopedic surgeon has an average salary of $800,000 to $1 million. The highest paid orthopedic surgeon in Los Angeles has an average annual salary of $1,011,500, and the highest paid orthopedic surgeon in New York City has an average annual salary of $982,2000. The highest paid orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix has an average annual salary of $858,700.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.