Here are six figures that offer insight into the demographics of the orthopedic workforce.
This information uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment statistics survey and Physicians Thrive's "2023 Physician Compensation Report."
19,060: The total number of actively practicing orthopedic physicians in the U.S. (Note: This number does not include self-employed physicians.)
4,990: The number of orthopedic surgeons in California, the most of any state.
5: The number of states with fewer than 100 orthopedic surgeons: Idaho, New Mexico, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
5.9 percent: The percentage of the orthopedic workforce that is female. Orthopedics has the least female representation of all specialties.
83.6 percent: The percentage of orthopedic specialists who identify as white. Orthopedics was found to be the least racially diverse specialty.
97 percent: The percentage of orthopedic specialists who would choose orthopedics as their specialty if given a chance to restart their careers.