Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles. The work is highly specialized and requires extensive education beyond high school, but it offers the chance to help patients restore mobility and function.
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Orthopedic surgeons evaluate patients with musculoskeletal conditions through physical exams and imaging studies. They perform surgical procedures to repair fractures, reconstruct damaged joints, and address degenerative conditions. They also provide non-surgical treatment plans, manage patient recovery, and monitor long-term outcomes. The work requires staying current with evolving surgical techniques and evidence-based practices. You work in operating rooms, clinics, and hospitals, often collaborating with other medical professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care.
Core work activities
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Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric earn a median of $358,550 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 400 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
This career requires a medical degree followed by specialized residency training in orthopedic surgery. You start with a strong foundation in science and mathematics at the high school level, then pursue undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, and related fields. Medical school typically follows, where you gain broad clinical knowledge. After earning your medical degree, you complete an orthopedic surgery residency program that provides hands-on training in surgical and non-surgical treatment. This entire pathway takes many years of focused study and clinical practice.
The path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon involves medical school and residency training. The timeline and specific steps can vary, so if you are exploring this career, Pathly can map the orthopedic surgeon, except pediatric path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to understand the full scope of preparation ahead.
Many orthopedic surgeon, except pediatrics must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to understanding how the body works and solving complex medical problems. You enjoy investigative work, research, and applying scientific knowledge to improve patient outcomes.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).