Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic Surgeons specialize in the musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
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Getting Started
How to Become a Orthopedic Surgeon
At 13 years to get started, this takes longer than the 10.8 years average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Doctoral Degree (typically 13 years) at an estimated cost of $250k–$375k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for orthopedic surgeon practice.
Begin Working
Orthopedic Surgeon earn a median salary of $239k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Pathway quick answers
- How do you become a Orthopedic Surgeon?Complete required education, licensing, and supervised training for Orthopedic Surgeon.
- How long does it take?Typical path to first paid role: 13 years.
- How much does it cost?Estimated education and training cost range: $250k-$375k (living expenses excluded).
Estimates use College Scorecard tuition data plus cited pathway and licensing requirements.
Overview
What Does a Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
Orthopedic Surgeons specialize in the musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. They treat conditions ranging from traumatic fractures and sports injuries to degenerative diseases like arthritis. Orthopedic surgery is among the highest-paid medical specialties, driven by high surgical volumes and aging demographics.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Orthopedic Surgeon Make?
At $239k/yr, orthopedic surgeon earn more than most Doctoral Degree-level careers, where the average is $207k/yr.
$239k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $239k/yr |
| Physician Assistant | $133k/yr |
| Internal Medicine Physician | $239k/yr |
| Cardiologist | $239k/yr |
| Family Medicine Physician | $239k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
After investing roughly $313k in education, orthopedic surgeon typically begin earning within 13 years. Based on entry-level salaries of $179k/yr growing toward a $239k/yr median. The average education cost for Doctoral Degree-level careers is $289k.
Orthopedic Surgeon ROI
Net earnings over 20 years
$1.7M
Pre-tax 20-year estimate after required education and training costs; taxes and living expenses excluded.
How the 20-year estimate is calculated
Orthopedic Surgeon Career ROI (20-year net earnings)
Track how education costs and earnings typically accumulate from enrollment through year 20.
Cumulative net earnings (USD)
The full chart keeps 20-year context. The detail chart below zooms in on early pathway years.
Sources: Accreditor, Accreditor, AccreditorSee Sources and methods.
Early-years detail
Years 0-15
Years 0-15. Scaled to early-year values. Black markers show key checkpoints.
Quick answers
- Is becoming a Orthopedic Surgeon financially worth it?Typical 20-year net estimate: $1.7M (pre-tax, living expenses excluded).
- How much does training cost for a Orthopedic Surgeon?Estimated required education and licensing cost to become a Orthopedic Surgeon: $349k (range used: $252k-$445k). Breakdown: Bachelor's Degree (Pre-Med): $130k; Medical School (MD/DO): $215k; Medical Licensure and Board Certification: $4k.
- How long does it take to become a Orthopedic Surgeon?Typical time to first paycheck is about 8 years. Typical time to enter the target Orthopedic Surgeon role is about 13 years.
- How do you become a Orthopedic Surgeon?See How to Become for pathway steps, timing, and credential requirements.
Detailed math
How 20-year net is built from each training and career phase.
| Phase | Time window | Gross earnings | Education/training cost | Net contribution | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor's Degree (Pre-Med) Education | Years 0-3 (m0-m47) | $0 | -$130,000 | -$130,000 | |
Medical School (MD/DO) Education | Years 4-7 (m48-m95) | $0 | -$215,000 | -$215,000 | |
Residency Training Training/Licensing | Years 8-12 (m96-m152) | $356,250 | $0 | $356,250 | |
Medical Licensure and Board Certification Training/Licensing | Year 13 (m156-m156) | $0 | -$3,500 | -$3,500 | |
Orthopedic Surgeon Career | Years 13-19 (m156-m239) | $1,674,372 | $0 | $1,674,372 | |
Model reconciliation Reconciliation | Years 0-20 (m0-m239) | $18,778 | $0 | $18,778 | None |
| 20-year totals | $2,049,400 | -$348,500 | $1,700,900 | Matches 20-year ROI formula | |
Sources and methods
Sources
Assumptions
- Pathway sequence and timing follow the cited training and licensing pathway for this role.BLSBLS
- Earnings benchmarks come from cited occupation wage references.BLSBLS
- Education and training cost uses College Scorecard tuition and cited pathway fees when needed.Source unavailable
- Cost allocation follows a model rule: short completed steps post in completion year; longer tuition steps are spread across phase years.Model ruleBLSBLS
- Taxes and living expenses are excluded from this estimate.Model rule
Future-Proofing
Orthopedic Surgeon Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 3% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 4.8% average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
3%
About as fast as average
Current Employment
20k
jobs nationwide
AI Impact
High AI Impact
Orthopedic Surgeon roles face significant AI impact — higher AI exposure than most Doctoral Degree-level careers. AI independently handles one or more major task components in this field. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.
Why It's Safe
- +Performing general physical activities
- +Handling and moving objects
- +Repairing and maintaining mechanical equipment
- +Repairing and maintaining electronic equipment
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
What Could Be Automated
- −Getting information
- −Monitoring processes, materials, or surroundings
- −Processing information
- −Evaluating information to determine compliance with standards
- −Analyzing data or information
Based on evidence-based AI impact methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
Explore More
Similar Careers to Compare
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Internal Medicine Physician
Cardiologist
Family Medicine Physician
Emergency Medicine Physician
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Sources
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
Advanced Methodology
Education cost source id: pathway_sum_2026
Source update dates: BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12