Orthopedic surgeons have the highest average starting salary of 20 top-recruited specialties, according to AMN Health’s 2025 “Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives” report.
Four notes:
1. The average starting salary for orthopedic surgeons is $576,000. Although the specialty has the highest starting pay, that figure decreased 16% year-over-year from AMN Health’s 2024 report.
2. 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.
3. Of all specialties measured, the average starting salary is $403,000, a small dip from $406,000 in AMN Health’s 2024 report.
4. Orthopedics was among the top 20 most requested searches by specialty, AMN Health’s report said. It ranked on the lower end at No. 18, followed by ENT and rheumatology.
