Male orthopedic surgeons in the early stages of their careers are earning substantially more than female peers, according to Medscape’s salary explorer.
Among orthopedic surgeons with one to seven years of experience, men earn 48% more than women in employed roles, averaging $443,021 compared to $299,971. In self-employed settings, men earn $525,463, while women earn $346,483 — a 52% gap.
The disparity mirrors national trends across medicine. A 2025 Doximity report found the physician gender pay gap now exceeds 26%, even after adjusting for factors such as specialty and experience.
