Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric salary by state
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
Typical experience: varies by employer. Entry-level roles usually require little or no prior experience; senior roles typically require 5 or more years in the occupation. See the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for the specific entry path.
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.
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric pay by experience level
Entry level$87,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$187,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$371,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$549,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$682,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+4.1%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
400
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric salary by industry
Ambulatory Health Care Services
10,600 workers
$382,000
Offices of Physicians
10,290 workers
$378,500
Hospitals
2,800 workers
$434,500
Hospitals, Privately Owned
2,370 workers
$445,500
Educational Services
670 workers
$251,000
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
650 workers
$257,000
Educational Services, State Government Owned
490 workers
$184,000
Hospitals, Local Government Owned
280 workers
$489,500
Hospitals, State Government Owned
150 workers
$152,500
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals$458,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
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.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Exempt · Professional, Administrative, or Executive exemption
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Exempt when paid above the salary threshold, provided they satisfy the duties test for one of the FLSA exemption categories. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
How this role compares
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric pays 139% above the average across 91 roles in the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical job family (family average $162,000).
Similar-paying roles in Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric make?
The average base salary for a Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric in the United States is $386,500 per year, or about $185.82 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $187,000 and $549,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Healthcare Practitioners and Technical roles?
The Healthcare Practitioners and Technical job family averages $162,000 across 91 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
