How Much Does An Orthopedic Doctor Make?

A career as an orthopedic doctor could be ideal if you strongly desire to help others, learn about the human body, and work with your hands.

Orthopedic doctors are well compensated for their time and sophisticated medical expertise due to the many years of school and training necessary. Although the job can be challenging and time-consuming, many orthopedic doctors find it satisfying.

This article reviews their job responsibilities, educational requirements, abilities needed to be a successful orthopedic doctor, and how much orthopedic physicians earn.

Who Is An Orthopedic Doctor?

Orthopedic physicians work to improve their patient’s lives through treatments and therapies. To build a therapy plan and restore quality of life, they address the fundamental causes of pain or determine why a patient lacks mobility.

An orthopedic doctor may perform surgery to fix bone deformities, prescribe medications and therapies, or recommend non-surgical treatments such as medication or rehabilitative physical therapy during their day.

The disorders and injuries that impact the musculoskeletal system are studied in depth by orthopedic doctors. Muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves are all included in this system. Scoliosis, fractured hips, and degenerative diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis are all conditions that orthopedic doctors treat.

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What Does An Orthopedic Doctor Do?

Orthopedic doctors perform procedures and treatments to enhance a patient’s condition, reduce pain, and slow the progression of degeneration. A hip replacement, for example, can relieve arthritis pain, restore mobility, and stop bone loss.

The musculoskeletal system is a complicated network of bone and muscle, and orthopedic doctors are skilled in the mechanical aspects of surgery to treat the overall structural system of the body.

Despite spending a large portion of their day in surgery, orthopedic doctors also:

• Consult patients.
• Educate patients about their situation.
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as MRIs and X-rays.
• Use surgical procedures such as arthroscopy to identify joint problems and to set shattered bones.
• Medication or post-surgery rehabilitation should be prescribed.
• Take into account any bacterial or viral illnesses.
• Take care of genetic conditions
• Complete and accurate patient record charting
• Be available to respond to emergencies such as vehicle accidents or trauma.

How Much Does An Orthopedic Physician Make?

According to salary.com, the average Orthopedic physician’s salary is $257,245, but the salary range typically falls between $210,455 and $323,778.

Salary ranges can differ widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the years you have spent in your profession.

Additionally, an orthopedic doctor’s income varies depending on where they practice. Most orthopedic doctors see patients in private offices and operate in hospitals.

As a result, they may need to move from a workplace to a hospital regularly. Some of their more complicated surgeries can take several hours to complete, resulting in work hours that are longer than the average.

Orthopedic doctors can earn more money than most other doctors and surgeons. The amount of money an orthopedic doctor makes is determined by their level of expertise.

An orthopedic physician’s salary may rise over time as they continue to work and get more experience performing surgery.

Average Orthopedic Physician Salary By State

The compensation of an orthopedic doctor varies depending on the state in which they operate. According to Indeed and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are the average orthopedic wages by state:

• Alabama: $256,320 per year
• Alaska: $227,730 per year
• Arizona: $225,464 per year
• Arkansas: $244,291 per year
• California: $226,660 per year
• Colorado: $244,940 per year
• Connecticut: $224,570 per year
• Delaware: $277,280 per year
• Florida: $231,978 per year
• Georgia: $230,683 per year
• Hawaii: $116,992 per year
• Idaho: $241,030 per year
• Illinois: $230,137 per year
• Indiana: $270,780 per year
• Iowa: $263,270 per year
• Kansas: $184,746 per year
• Kentucky: $188,750 per year
• Louisiana: $253,630 per year
• Maine: $286,810 per year
• Maryland: $185,455 per year
• Massachusetts: $249,254 per year
• Michigan: $244,356 per year
• Minnesota: $259,416 per year
• Mississippi: $280,350 per year
• Missouri: $238,677 per year
• Montana: $266,470 per year
• Nebraska: $269,352 per year
• Nevada: $151,544 per year
• New Hampshire: $275,840 per year
• New Jersey: $191,686 per year
• New Mexico: $280,430 per year
• New York: $198,094 per year
• North Carolina: $254,900 per year
• North Dakota: $219,390 per year
• Ohio: $256,248 per year
• Oklahoma: $167,969 per year
• Oregon: $252,388 per year
• Pennsylvania: $225,660 per year
• Rhode Island: $257,000 per year
• South Carolina: $256,650 per year
• South Dakota: $227,710
• Tennessee: $210,464 per year
• Texas: $268,907 per year
• Utah: $218,210 per year
• Vermont: $272, 550 per year
• Virginia: $248,549 per year
• Washington: $220,222 per year
• West Virginia: $267,629 per year
• Wisconsin: $256,953 per year
• Wyoming: $194,994 per year

You may want to see the 15 Best Medical Schools for Orthopaedic Surgeons In 2023

Job Outlook For Orthopedic Doctors

The need for orthopedic doctors is expected to grow by 3% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Researchers are continually discovering new diseases, preventions, and cures. Thus, demand is expected to rise. More surgeons would be required to treat and cure any diseases or ailments.

As the demand for healthcare grows, especially among elderly and aging people, orthopedic doctors will need to treat more painful muscles and joints.

More orthopedic doctors will be required as the population grows to care for infants and children who have issues with their growing bones and muscles.

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Why Should You Consider Becoming An Orthopedic Doctor?

Orthopedic doctors use surgery or rehabilitation to help patients return to normal lives. This can produce instant improvements, allowing patients to feel better sooner rather than later, resulting in increased job satisfaction and fulfillment.

These professionals assist their patients in regaining their health and making positive changes in people’s lives.

They work with innovative technologies like robotics and implants regularly. As an orthopedic doctor, you may specialize in a particular field, such as treating sports injuries or working with professional sports teams.

You may conduct orthopedic oncology to remove cancers from the musculoskeletal system, potentially saving lives.

Orthopedic doctors typically work:

• In solo practice
• For a private practice group
• In academia (teaching hospitals)
• For government agencies
• In the military

How To Become An Orthopedic Doctor

Orthopedic doctors devote significant time and effort to intensive education and training. Orthopedists study the vast and complex musculoskeletal system for many years before advancing to a specialization or specializing in specific body parts such as the spine, ankle, or hand.

The seven steps to becoming an orthopedic doctor are as follows:

1. Earn a degree

You must first obtain a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. General chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and English are among the subjects covered in the coursework. Students can enroll in pre-med coursework, apply for internships, and select science electives. A bachelor’s degree takes an average of four years to obtain.

2. Pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

After that, you’ll take a seven-hour test to show your medical school readiness. Individually scored portions make up the test, with a total score ranging from 472 to 528. Candidates for orthopedic surgery should achieve the highest possible score.

MCAT section focuses on the following:

• Physical Sciences
• CARS
• Biological Sciences
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

Related Post: 10 Best MCAT Prep Courses In 2023

3. Attend Medical School

You’ll apply to medical school after passing the MCAT. Orthopedic doctors have either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree (DO). During your four years of medical school, you will learn about the following:

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Genetics

You’ll also take part in clinical rotations in common medical disciplines like:

• Surgery
• Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Radiology
• Psychiatry
• Neurology

4. Complete residency

After that, you’ll spend five years learning on the job in a residency. Students complete the first two or more years of their training in general surgery before moving on to orthopedic surgery in their final years. Students work alongside attending physicians during this period and grow confidence in their abilities while learning to build patient rapport.

5. Complete a fellowship

Most orthopedic doctors go on to complete a fellowship or enter a specialization after completing their residency. A fellowship is a one- to two-year program in which orthopedic doctors study the following topics:

• Hand, foot, ankle, and spine surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Orthopedic oncology
• Reconstructive surgery
• Surgical sports medicine

6. Earn your license

To practice medicine, orthopedic doctors must complete and pass the national US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Examination (COMLEX). Licensing requirements differ from state to state, so check to see if your area has additional licensing needs.

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7. Become board certified

Orthopedic doctors do not need to pass a board test to practice; the designation instills confidence in patients and verifies the surgeon’s commitment to their field.

Board certification assures that orthopedic doctors are competent and knowledgeable and have passed a peer review.

The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS) or the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (AOBOS) administers board exams that consist of 320 multiple-choice, computer-based questions.

Following the written component, surgeons must pass an oral question-and-answer exam assessing their surgical technique knowledge and expertise.

Orthopedic doctors must participate in continuing education and have their certification renewed every seven to 10 years through board evaluation and tests. These standards ensure that surgeons are current on the latest research and developments.

Tips To Become A Board-Certified Orthopedic Doctor

Becoming an orthopedic doctor is complex, and residency applicants face stiff competition. We have a few pointers to help you stand out and start your road to medical school or residency.

Here is a list of tips to stand apart from the competition:

1. Study science while in high school

If you’re still in high school, now is the time to enroll in science or medicine courses. Speak with a counselor or advisor who can assist you in selecting suitable courses to help you prepare for college and meet the prerequisites.

Medical residencies come after your medical school. Check out the 15 Shortest Residency Programs in the World | 2023

2. Earn high scores on MCAT and licensing exams

Future orthopedic doctors not only pass but exceed their exam scores. Consider enlisting the support of study partners or tutors to help you grasp complex concepts, build study habits, or take practice exams.

The MCAT assesses students’ scientific knowledge and critical thinking, analytic, problem-solving, and writing abilities. See how To Effectively Study For The MCAT And Pass

3. Maintain stellar medical school grades

Choose a medical school that has a history of placing students in residencies. Consult with consultants to ensure you’re meeting the orthopedic doctor’s criteria. Seek assistance or help from mentors or study partners on maintaining your grades.

4. Collect strong letters of recommendation

Build a network of mentors, professors, and other experts who can provide letters of recommendation that speak to your character, devotion, and commitment. When reputable professionals authenticate your work, medical schools and residencies are more likely to accept you.

Related Post: How to Write a Recommendation Letter with Examples

5. Perform well in clinical rotations

Surgical skills are learned during your schooling and training and further developed throughout clinical rotations. Successful clinical rotations may result in letters of recommendation or the discovery of a specialization that matches your talents and abilities.

Skills Required To Be A Successful Orthopedic Doctor

Knowing an orthopedic physician’s salary is not the hack to job success; to be a thriving orthopedic doctor, you’ll need the master the following skills listed below.

• Communication skills – As they frequently engage with patients, their families, and other medical professionals, they need to communicate effectively.
• Decision-making skill – When deciding what types of procedures to perform on patients, decision-making abilities are essential.
• Motor skills – During long and arduous procedures, motor skills and hand-eye coordination are essential.
• Ability to remain calm in the face of adversity
• Leadership skill – You’ll need leadership abilities to direct other medical experts throughout a complex surgery.
• Problem-solving skills – As they diagnose and treat patients with rare illnesses, orthopedic doctors encounter problems that demand high-level problem-solving skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Orthopedic doctors, like all doctors, have some of the highest salaries of any profession. Self-employed doctors who run their practice generally earn more than doctors who work for a hospital on a wage.

On the other hand, doctors who work for a hospital will automatically receive health insurance and vacation time from their employer. In contrast, most self-employed doctors will be responsible for providing and paying for these benefits.

References

• indeed.com – How Much Do Orthopedic Surgeons Make?
• indeed.com – How To Become an orthopedic surgeon in Seven Steps
• salary.com – Orthopedic Doctor Salary
• bls.gov – Physicians and Surgeons

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