Orthopedic surgeons remain the highest-paid physician specialists in 2024, with an average annual salary of $558,000, according to Medscape's 2024 "Physician Compensation Report," published April 12.
While orthopedists remain the highest-paid specialists, their annual salary is down 3% from 2023, according to the report. Orthopedic surgeons have jockeyed with plastic surgeons for the top spot over the last five years.
This year, they outearned plastic surgeons by $22,000. While orthopedists remain the highest paid, only 44% feel content with their compensation.