The highest-paid orthopedic surgeon in New York City, the most populated U.S. city, earns $708,000 per year, according to Medscape’s salary reporter tool.
The average annual wage for orthopedic surgeons across the U.S. is $365,060, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to World Population Review, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Phoenix are the most populated cities in the U.S. in 2025.
Here is what the highest-paid orthopedic surgeon earns annually in the five largest cities in the U.S., their amount of experience and their practice setting.
The highest paid orthopedic surgeon in New York City has an average annual salary of $982,2000, has 29-35 years of experience and works in a self-employed setting.
The highest paid orthopedic surgeon in Los Angeles has an average annual salary of $1,011,500, has 22-28 years of experience and works in a self-employed setting.
The highest paid orthopedic surgeon in Chicago has an average annual salary of $944,300, has 15-21 years of experience and works in an employed setting.
The highest paid orthopedic surgeon in Houston has an average annual salary of $1,064,500, has 22-28 years of experience and works in an employed setting.
The highest paid orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix has an average annual salary of $858,700, has 15-21 years of experience and works in an employed setting.
