Orthopedic Surgeon Salary

An orthopedic surgeon operates on the parts of the musculoskeletal system. The salary of an orthopedic surgeon is outlined in the CareerStint article below, along with details about his profession and educational qualifications.

Confusion, is it?
Bear in mind, that both, neurosurgeons as well as orthopedic surgeons operate on the spine. Depending on the specific nature of the problem, either of them may operate on the spine.

One of the most specialized medical designations is that of a surgeon. These skilled professionals operate on the different parts of the body. There are several categories – neurosurgeon, cardiovascular surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, plastic surgeon, etc. An orthopedic surgeon (or orthopedic, as he is popularly called) is the one who works with the parts of the body, like the hands, feet, joints, knees, shoulders, spine, etc. They help rectify the complications, like arthritis, bone fracture, ligament injury, etc. They may or may not use surgical methods in treating the complications. The article below enlists the salary range of these skilled professionals.

• An orthopedic surgeon operates on the musculoskeletal system.
• He has to first diagnose the extent of injuries of the patient.
• He has to scan X-rays and other reports to assess the problem.
• As mentioned before, not all surgeons operate. Many of them recommend non-invasive procedures.
• They work in conjunction with physiotherapists and neurologists and other general practitioners.
• When they do operate, the procedure depends on the body part.
• Generally, they cut open the layers of the skin, plate bones, install new joints, attach ligaments, etc.
• After the procedure, they close up the patient.
• They follow-up after surgery too, because they need to estimate the success of the operation.
• They prescribe accurate medication and suggest physical therapy for rehabilitation.

• No mincing words here; the career path for an orthopedic surgeon is long and arduous, though it is completely worth the wait.
• Your pre-requisite should be a bachelor’s degree in biology or related subjects.
• Post graduation, you need to enroll for a 4-year medical degree.
• Orthopedic surgery requires a residency period of 4 to 5 years, to say the least.
• If you wish to specialize in a particular discipline, you need to complete a fellowship program after your residency. This may last for about 2 years.
• You can start your career in general hospitals or trauma care centers. With sufficient experience, you may go in for private practice.

• Orthopedic surgeons are among the highest-paid individuals in medicine. However, as mentioned before, the salary varies as per a number of factors.
• A median salary range, as of today, would fall in between USD 100,000 to USD 500,000.
• Even at an entry-level, these surgeons are paid lucratively, as compared to their counterparts.
• The approximate salary distribution is given in the paragraphs below.

• As per statistics, the salary is on a rise in highly urbanized states, like New York and Connecticut.
• States like Arkansas and California fall in a medium level.
• Hawaii and Idaho have comparatively lesser salaries.

Source: Indeed.com as of March 13, 2015. Figures are in US Dollars.

• This is an important factor in deciding the salary.
• At an entry-level, the pay falls between USD 95,000 to USD 150,000.
• An experience level between 1 to 4 years fetches a salary between USD 200,000 to USD 350,000.
• Surgeons with an experience of 5 to 10 years earn between USD 400,000 to USD 600,000.
• An experience of 10 to 20 years qualifies for a pay of more than USD 650,000 to as high as USD 800,000.

• Orthopedics is a vast field with a myriad specialties and sub-specialties. Salaries vary heavily as per the specialization.
• Surgeons specializing in hip, joint, and shoulder replacement earn more than USD 580,000.
• Spine surgeons earn more than USD 700,000.
• Pediatric orthopedic surgeons earn between USD 400,000 to USD 600,000, depending on the complexity of the case.
• Knee replacement surgeons earn more than USD 750,000.
• Surgeons who operate on the hand, foot, ankles, and arms earn more than USD 650,000.

• Those who work in sports medicine and related fields earn more than USD 600,000.
• Some professionals specialize in trauma units and emergency care, and earn more than USD 580,000.
• Surgeons with multi-specialty groups earn more than USD 500,000.
• It is observed that those in private practice earned the most; approximately, USD 700,000 to USD 900,000.
• Surgeons in regular hospitals earn more than USD 600,000.
• Some of the professionals, after considerable experience, share offices with their peers as medical consultants. They earn more than USD 560,000 as well.
• Experienced professionals enter the academic field as well, and may earn around USD 400,000.

The field of orthopedics offers great career opportunities. Qualified and skilled surgeons are a necessity in every orthopedic department. If you are considering a career in orthopedics, you have to work really hard, but rest assured, your efforts will be handsomely rewarded. All the best!!