Orthopedic Surgeon Salary in 2026
How Much Do Orthopedic Surgeons Make?
Orthopedic Surgeons earn a median annual salary of $239,200 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $83,390 at the 10th percentile to $239,200 at the 90th percentile — a range of $155,810. The highest-paying state is Alabama at $239,200.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,390 |
| 25th percentile | $209,730 |
| Median (50th) | $239,200 |
| 75th percentile | $239,200 |
| 90th percentile | $239,200 |
Orthopedic Surgeon Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alabamatop | $239,200 |
| Florida | $239,200 |
| Georgia | $239,200 |
| Illinois | $239,200 |
| Indiana | $239,200 |
| Kansas | $239,200 |
| Louisiana | $239,200 |
| Maryland | $239,200 |
| Michigan | $239,200 |
| Mississippi | $239,200 |
| Missouri | $239,200 |
| Montana | $239,200 |
| Nebraska | $239,200 |
| New Hampshire | $239,200 |
| New Jersey | $239,200 |
| North Carolina | $239,200 |
| North Dakota | $239,200 |
| Arizona | $239,200 |
| Oklahoma | $239,200 |
| Oregon | $239,200 |
| South Carolina | $239,200 |
| South Dakota | $239,200 |
| Tennessee | $239,200 |
| Texas | $239,200 |
| Utah | $239,200 |
| Arkansas | $239,200 |
| Vermont | $239,200 |
| Virginia | $239,200 |
| Wisconsin | $239,200 |
| California | $239,200 |
| Colorado | $239,200 |
| Connecticut | $239,200 |
| Ohio | $220,390 |
| Nevada | $219,790 |
| New York | $215,630 |
| Massachusetts | $193,200 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic Surgeon Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$83,390 – $209,730 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$239,200 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$239,200 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $239,200+ |
How to Earn More as an Orthopedic Surgeon
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Orthopedic Surgeons in Alabama earn $239,200 — $0 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($239,200) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Orthopedic Surgeon Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Orthopedic Surgeonthis career | $239,200 |
| Pediatric Surgeon | $239,200 |
| Cardiologist | $239,200 |
| Chiropractor | $79,000 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | $239,200 |
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SOC: 29-1242.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.