Orthopedic surgeons were the second-highest-paid physician specialists this year, earning $46,000 less than plastic surgeons, according to Medscape's 2023 "Physician Compensation Report" published April 14, which surveyed more than 10,000 physicians across 29 specialties.
Orthopedic surgeons earn an average of $573,000 a year, according to the report. Here is the difference in pay between orthopedic surgeons and the highest- and lowest-earning physician specialties:
Highest-paying specialties:
1. Plastic surgeons: $46,000 more than orthopedic surgeons
3. Cardiologists: $66,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
4. Urologists: $67,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
5. Gastroenterologists: $72,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
6. Otolaryngologists: $88,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
Lowest-paying specialties:
1. Diabetes and endocrinologists: $306,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
2. Infectious disease physicians: $311,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
3. Family medicine physicians: $318,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
4. Pediatricians: $322,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
5. Public health and preventive medicine physicians: $324,000 less than orthopedic surgeons