Career comparison
Athletic Trainer vs. Orthopedic Surgeon
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Orthopedic surgeons earn more at the median ($358,550 vs. $62,520), while athletic trainers usually get to work faster (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s of training). Athletic trainers prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people. Orthopedic surgeons repair bones, joints, ligaments and tendons with surgery and treatment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Athletic Trainer | Orthopedic Surgeon | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,520 | $358,550 ($172.38/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,180 – $88,760 | $84,170 – $659,290 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +12.7% (much faster than average) | +4.0% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 2,400 | 400 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s | 14 years after high school |
| Key credential | BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) | ABOS board certification |
| Work setting | Athletic trainers work in training rooms, on fields and courts, in clinics and at industrial sites, in all weather.. | Orthopedic surgeons work in hospitals, surgery centers and clinics.. |
What each job does
Athletic Trainer
- Prevent injuries with taping, bracing and conditioning
- Evaluate injuries on the field and in the clinic
- Provide emergency care
- Design and supervise rehabilitation
- Manage concussion protocols
Orthopedic Surgeon
- Diagnose musculoskeletal problems
- Repair fractures
- Replace joints
- Reconstruct ligaments and tendons
- Treat arthritis and sports injuries
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, teamwork, and high responsibility. They sit in different fields, beauty, fitness & personal care and healthcare, but share transferable skills such as calm under pressure and decisiveness.
Which should you choose?
Choose athletic trainer if…
- I love sports and medicine
- I stay calm during injuries
- I like hands-on care
Choose orthopedic surgeon if…
- I love surgery
- I’m interested in sports and movement
- I have physical stamina
Still torn? Take the Athletic Trainer fit quiz and the Orthopedic Surgeon fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, athletic trainer or orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedic Surgeons earn more at the median: $358,550 versus $62,520 for athletic trainers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Athletic Trainers typically train faster (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s) than orthopedic surgeons (14 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects athletic trainers to grow +12.7% from 2025–35, compared with +4.0% for orthopedic surgeons.