Orthopedic surgeons were the highest-paid physician specialists this year, earning $22,000 more than plastic surgeons, who took the second spot, according to Medscape's 2024 "Physician Compensation Report" published April 12.
Orthopedic surgeons earn an average of $558,000 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:
2. Plastic surgeons: $22,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
3. Cardiologists: $33,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
4. Urologists: $43,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
5. Gastroenterologists: $46,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
6. Radiologists: $60,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
Lowest-paying specialties:
1. Diabetes and endocrinologists: $302,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
2. Pediatricians: $298,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
3. Infectious disease specialists: $297,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
4. Public health and preventive medicine specialists: $295,000 less than orthopedic surgeons
5. Family medicine specialists: $286,000 less than orthopedic surgeons