Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and perform surgery on the musculoskeletal system, treating conditions like fractures, arthritis, and sports injuries. They work in hospitals, surgical centers, and private practices, combining diagnostic work with operative procedures to restore function and prevent disease progression.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes evaluating patients with imaging and physical exams, performing surgical procedures in operating rooms, managing post-operative care, and consulting on complex cases. Surgeons review X-rays and MRIs, document findings, communicate treatment plans to patients, and may spend significant time in the operating room performing procedures ranging from arthroscopic repairs to joint replacements.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRS. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely excel in this role if you're drawn to investigative problem-solving—diagnosing what's wrong and planning precise interventions—and realistic, hands-on work. You're comfortable with the practical, physical demands of surgery and detailed technical procedures, and you can commit to extensive education and training.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience).
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Physician - Orthopedic Surgeon · Veterans Health Administration · Fresno, California · $325000–$365000
- ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON (JOINT REPLACEMENT) · Veterans Health Administration · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · $225000–$400000
- Physician (Orthopedic Surgeon) · Veterans Health Administration · Tucson, Arizona · $325000–$400000
- Orthopedic Surgeon - Physician · Veterans Health Administration · Providence, Rhode Island · $375000–$400000
- Physician (Orthopedic Surgeon) · Veterans Health Administration · Albuquerque, New Mexico · $320000–$400000
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $213,900 | $842,800 | $869,540 | — |
| West Virginia | $199,820 | $597,740 | $717,500 | 120 |
| Wisconsin | $358,550 | $572,060 | $679,800 | 290 |
| Montana | $363,050 | $560,820 | $703,410 | — |
| Arizona | $558,970 | $558,970 | $558,970 | 110 |
| New Hampshire | $78,570 | $555,670 | $668,770 | 80 |
| Washington | $205,020 | $553,310 | $577,990 | 290 |
| Mississippi | $543,400 | $544,130 | $568,120 | — |
| Minnesota | $242,590 | $537,830 | $809,530 | 320 |
| Oklahoma | $174,260 | $530,070 | $588,540 | 30 |
| Nebraska | $365,440 | $507,770 | $534,820 | 200 |
| Virginia | $296,180 | $478,710 | $623,030 | 170 |
All 31 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certification in Orthopedic Surgery (COS) — American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
- Board Certification in Orthopedic Surgery — American Board of Physician Specialties
- Primary Certification in Orthopedic Surgery — American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1242.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.