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Healthcare career
Orthopedic Surgeon
Also called: Orthopaedic Surgeon · Bone Surgeon · Sports Medicine Surgeon · Joint Replacement Surgeon
What orthopedic surgeons do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an orthopedic surgeon do?
Orthopedic surgeons are physicians who diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles, often with surgery. The median pay is $358,550 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 14 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +4.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$358,550$172.38/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.0%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train14 years after high schoolTypical program length
- U.S. jobs15,500Employment, 2025
What orthopedic surgeons do
Orthopedic surgeons keep people moving. They repair fractures, replace hips and knees, reconstruct torn ligaments, fix spine problems, treat sports injuries and arthritis, and manage bone tumors and deformities. Many subspecialize in sports medicine, joints, hand, spine, trauma or pediatrics.
Orthopedic surgeons complete medical school and a five-year orthopedic surgery residency, usually followed by a one-year fellowship. They are among the highest-paid physicians.
Typical duties
- Diagnose musculoskeletal problems
- Repair fractures
- Replace joints
- Reconstruct ligaments and tendons
- Treat arthritis and sports injuries
- Order and read imaging
- Guide rehabilitation
Work environment and schedule
Orthopedic surgeons work in hospitals, surgery centers and clinics.
Schedule: Long days with surgery and clinic, plus trauma call.
A day in the life
- Perform a total knee replacement.
- Repair an ACL tear arthroscopically.
- See clinic patients with joint pain.
- Give a joint injection.
See a full day in the life of an orthopedic surgeon →
Orthopedic Surgeon salary
Half of orthopedic surgeons earned more than $358,550 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $84,170 for the lowest 10% to $659,290 for the top 10%.
Full orthopedic surgeon pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an orthopedic surgeon
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Complete medical school
- Complete orthopedic residency
- Complete a fellowship
- Pass boards
Medical school plus a five-year orthopedic surgery residency are required; most also complete a fellowship.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an orthopedic surgeon →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Orthopedic surgery
- Arthroscopy
- Joint replacement
- Fracture fixation
- Imaging interpretation
People skills
- Decisiveness
- Stamina
- Communication
- Teamwork
All orthopedic surgeon skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Among the highest-paid physicians
- Visible results
- Many subspecialties
- Strong demand
Cons
- Very long training
- Physically demanding surgery
- Trauma call
- High stress
Certifications and licenses
- ABOS board certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- State medical license: Required.
- Sports medicine subspecialty certification: Added qualification.
- Hand surgery certification: Subspecialty.
Career path
- Orthopedic Resident: Train.
- Fellow: Subspecialize.
- Orthopedic Surgeon: Practice.
- Department Chief: Lead orthopedics.
Learn the job before day one
Our Orthopedic Surgeon training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as evaluate a knee injury and splint a fracture, safety and how to land your first job.
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Orthopedic Surgeon FAQ
How long does it take to become an orthopedic surgeon?
About 14 years after high school.
Do orthopedic surgeons only do surgery?
No, many patients are treated with injections, bracing and therapy.
What subspecialties exist?
Sports, joints, spine, hand, trauma, pediatrics and more.
How much does an orthopedic surgeon make?
The median annual wage for orthopedic surgeons was $358,550 ($172.38 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $84,170 and the highest 10% earned more than $659,290.
How long does it take to become an orthopedic surgeon?
Most people need about 14 years after high school of training. Medical school plus a five-year orthopedic surgery residency are required; most also complete a fellowship.
Do you need a degree to be an orthopedic surgeon?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
More orthopedic surgeon questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1242 (Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.