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Job outlook for orthopaedic surgeons in the United States
Orthopaedic surgeon job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected orthopaedic surgeon job growth rate is 7% from 2018-2028.
About 55,400 new jobs for orthopaedic surgeons are projected over the next decade.
Orthopaedic surgeon salaries have increased 5% for orthopaedic surgeons in the last 5 years.
There are over 7,403 orthopaedic surgeons currently employed in the United States.
There are 3,563 active orthopaedic surgeon job openings in the US.
The average orthopaedic surgeon salary is $233,520.
Are orthopaedic surgeon jobs in demand?
Orthopaedic surgeon job and salary trends over time
Orthopaedic surgeon jobs over time
Orthopaedic surgeon job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,403 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 4,935 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,569 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,454 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,121 | 0.00% |
Average orthopaedic surgeon salary over time
Orthopaedic surgeon salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $233,520 | $112.27 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $227,850 | $109.54 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $224,005 | $107.69 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | $221,178 | $106.34 | --0.4% |
| 2021 | $222,073 | $106.77 | +2.2% |
Orthopaedic surgeon jobs by state
Most common states for orthopaedic surgeons
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 49 | 4% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 17 | 3% |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 103 | 2% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 24 | 2% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 17 | 2% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 16 | 2% |
| 7 | New York | 19,849,399 | 177 | 1% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 163 | 1% |
| 9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 108 | 1% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 87 | 1% |
| 11 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 82 | 1% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 77 | 1% |
| 13 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 77 | 1% |
| 14 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 76 | 1% |
| 15 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 60 | 1% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 54 | 1% |
| 17 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 32 | 1% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 21 | 1% |
| 19 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 14 | 1% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 9 | 1% |
Most common cities for orthopaedic surgeons
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 1 | 4% | $184,013 |
| 2 | Beaumont | 1 | 2% | $138,359 |
| 3 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $170,817 |
| 4 | Columbia | 1 | 1% | $171,380 |
| 5 | Baltimore | 3 | 0% | $171,706 |
| 6 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $218,820 |
| 7 | Fresno | 2 | 0% | $142,794 |
Orthopaedic Surgeon job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of orthopaedic surgeon experts
Western University of Health Sciences
University of Virginia
Rebecca Moellmer DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM, DABPM
Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs and Faculty Affairs, Associate ProfessorWestern University of Health Sciences
Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry
What Orthopaedic Surgeon skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Moellmer DPM, FACFAS, FAAPSM, DABPM: When first starting out, regardless of your hard work and salary, live modestly and invest - find an investor you trust. Again, take every opportunity that comes your way. You'll meet new people and find new skills and interests. It is also important to take the path to board certification which opens more doors.
What skills stand out on Orthopaedic Surgeon resumes?
Rajesh Balkrishnan Ph.D.: Flexibility and resilience with work
Ability to lead projects with minimal supervision
Self-starter abilities and evidence of adaptability to newer work environments