Explore orthopedic surgeon salary ranges, hourly rates, and how surgical volume and locum work shape earning potential in 2026.
Orthopedic surgery consistently ranks among the highest-compensated physician specialties. Across major national benchmarks, most full-time orthopedic surgeons earn between $611,000 and $795,000 annually, with subspecialty focus, surgical volume, and practice ownership driving the widest variation.
| Source | What it Measures | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2026) | Average total compensation | $611,000 |
| Doximity Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Median total compensation | $679,517 |
| Merritt Hawkins 2024 | Average starting salary | $686,000 |
| SalaryDr (April 2026, 96 verified submissions) | Median verified compensation | $795,000 |
Operative throughput, ancillary revenue from imaging and physical therapy, and practice ownership structure are the primary drivers of orthopedic compensation above the benchmark median.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed (derived from Medscape avg, ~2,080 hrs) | ~$294 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $225 /hr |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $400 /hr |
Sources: Medscape 2026; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
Orthopedic surgery locum rates vary significantly by subspecialty and call intensity. Spine, joint replacement, and trauma coverage command the top of the rate band.
Geographic variation in orthopedic compensation reflects both supply-demand dynamics and the concentration of surgical volume. Rural and underserved markets pay the highest locum premiums because they have the fewest alternatives for coverage and the most urgent surgical needs.
Rural and underserved markets pay the highest orthopedic locum premiums. These markets cannot recruit permanent surgeons quickly enough and have no alternatives for emergency and elective surgical coverage.
A standard full-time orthopedic surgeon performs 8 to 12 operative cases per week, with clinic days for new patient evaluations, post-operative follow-up, and injection procedures. Subspecialty focus — spine, joint replacement, sports medicine, trauma, or hand surgery — significantly affects both case volume and compensation. Trauma call is the most demanding and highest-compensated component of the role.
Locum rates range from $225 to $400 per hour. The four scenarios below use representative rates from within that band.
To exceed $800,000: focus on spine, joint replacement, and trauma coverage in markets with the most acute orthopedic surgeon shortages.
Orthopedic surgery locum income scales with subspecialty demand and surgical complexity. Trauma and spine coverage consistently command the top of the rate band.
A $325/hr locum rate versus a $294/hr W-2 equivalent is a meaningful structural advantage. 1099 orthopedic surgeons unlock business deductions across licensing, CME, travel, and equipment; higher retirement contributions through a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k); the Qualified Business Income deduction of up to 20%; and S-corp structuring at higher income levels. Barton partners with Earned to help locum physicians navigate these decisions.
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
We’ll schedule a phone consultation to discuss your interests, goals, and work history to find the right opportunities.
Your Barton rep will submit your information to the facility you want to take an assignment at and work on next steps.
Barton handles licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive so you’re ready on day one.
Most earn between $611,000 (Medscape) and $795,000 (SalaryDr median). Doximity reports a median of $679,517. Merritt Hawkins reports an average starting salary of $686,000.
W-2 employed orthopedic surgeons average approximately $294 per hour. Locum tenens rates range from $225 to $400 per hour, with trauma and spine coverage commanding the top of the band.
Hybrid models combining employed income with regular locum days can push total compensation above $728,000. Full-time locum at $400/hr working 15 days per month yields approximately $720,000 annually.
Rural and underserved markets pay the highest locum premiums. These markets cannot recruit permanent surgeons quickly enough and have no alternatives for emergency and elective surgical coverage.
Tell us a bit about yourself to get started — we’ll match you with the right opportunities.
