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The differences between orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an orthopedic surgeon, becoming a podiatrist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an orthopedic surgeon has an average salary of $137,571, which is higher than the $94,771 average annual salary of a podiatrist.
The top three skills for an orthopedic surgeon include patients, spine and EMR. The most important skills for a podiatrist are patients, EMR, and patient care.
| Orthopedic Surgeon | Podiatrist | |
| Yearly salary | $137,571 | $94,771 |
| Hourly rate | $66.14 | $45.56 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 5,046 | 16,003 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 37% |
| Average age | 49 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
An orthopedic surgeon specializes in performing surgeries to treat different issues concerning a patient's musculoskeletal system. Their responsibilities primarily revolve around conducting extensive examinations on a patient to determine their condition, analyzing their medical records, coordinating with nurses and other specialists to ensure the accuracy of treatments, and maintaining a thorough record of information. Records include appointments, comments, and results. There are also instances when a surgeon must refer patients to therapists and provide advice for post-surgery care. Furthermore, it is essential to monitor a patient's condition before and after surgery.
As a podiatrist, the responsibility is to diagnose and advise treatment of minor or serious injuries and diseases of the feet, ankles, and the lower part of legs. They examine patient's leg and even perform surgeries concerning the foot and ankle, prescribing orthotics and step by step application of treatments for issues like arthritis, including fractures and calluses. They also review the patient's medical history and advice the patient's foot care. This role requires a doctoral degree and experience in a hospital or clinic.
Orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Orthopedic Surgeon | Podiatrist | |
| Average salary | $137,571 | $94,771 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $257,000 | Between $49,000 And $181,000 |
| Highest paying City | Brockton, MA | Rockville, MD |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Trinity Health | Baylor Scott & White Health |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an orthopedic surgeon and a podiatrist in terms of educational background:
| Orthopedic Surgeon | Podiatrist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 39% | Bachelor's Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Nursing | Podiatric Medicine |
| Most common college | New York University | Kent State University |
Here are the differences between orthopedic surgeons' and podiatrists' demographics:
| Orthopedic Surgeon | Podiatrist | |
| Average age | 49 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 34.1% Female, 65.9% | Male, 39.9% Female, 60.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 1.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Asian, 12.7% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 1.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% Asian, 13.3% White, 73.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 36% |