Quick Facts
Median Salary$282,194
Most Common EducationPh.D. or professional degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+17.48%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
An Orthopedic Surgeon diagnoses and performs surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Core Tasks:
- Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
- Order, perform, and interpret tests and analyze records, reports, and examination information to diagnose patients' condition.
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, or examination results.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
- Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
- Refer patients to medical specialists or other practitioners when necessary.
- Coordinate work with nurses, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, and other health care providers.
- Plan, implement, or administer health programs or standards in hospitals, businesses, or communities for prevention or treatment of injury or illness.
- Train residents, medical students, and other health care professionals.
What to expect as an Orthopedic Surgeon
1Earn a Ph.D. or professional degree
12% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Orthopedic Surgeon related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
2271 openings for Orthopedic Surgeons
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Orthopedic Surgeon. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.



