Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Also called: General Surgeon · Hand Surgeon · Orthopaedic Surgeon · Orthopedic Surgeon · Physician · Surgeon
Median pay (national)
$239,200+
$83,390–$239,200+ (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
14,160
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.1%
~400 openings/yr
Typical entry
Doctoral or professional degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $239,200+ versus $83,390 at the bottom 10% — 2.9x. The median of $239,200+ leaves roughly 0% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.1% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 400 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 36 states with released data, California pays the most for this role (median $239,200, 0% vs the national median), while Massachusetts sits lowest at $193,200 — a 24% spread for the same job title.
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What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
- Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
- Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions, and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
- Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
- Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
- Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
- Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
- Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
- Operate on patient's musculoskeletal system to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patient's functions.
Tools & technology
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Windows
- Computer imaging software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Human resources management system HRMS
- Image-guided surgery software
- Integra Radionics NeuroSight Arc
- Medical laser control software
- Practice management software PMS
- Robotic surgery software
- Three-dimensional 3D virtual surgery software