Trends in Orthopaedic Surgeon Compensation: A Comparative Analysis Over Twenty Years

Healthcare finance in the United States is continually changing with increased consolidation of healthcare organizations, fluctuating reimbursement cycles, and shifting institutional and federal policies. The economics of practicing medicine are dynamic and challenging relative to other professions. The purpose of this study was to analyze compensation trends in orthopaedic surgery over the past 20 years compared to other professions.

Income data for orthopaedic surgeons and other professions every five years from 2000 to 2020 was collected from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and peer-reviewed literature. Income data were adjusted for inflation and analyzed to identify trends in compensation.

The rate of absolute income trajectory over two decades for orthopaedic surgeons when adjusted for inflation was -38%. Outside of healthcare professions, economists, lawyers, and engineers saw some of the highest increases with inflation-adjusted increases at +31, 26, and 24%, respectively. Orthopaedic surgeon salary rates declined the most of all professions analyzed, including all healthcare workers.

Adjusted orthopaedic surgeon compensation has declined significantly in the two decades between 2000 and 2020. Compared to other high-skilled professions, orthopaedic compensation showed the greatest decline in adjusted rates over time. This trend carries major implications for the future of the field, potentially affecting recruitment, satisfaction, burnout, and patient access to care. It underscores the need for a re-evaluation of compensation models in orthopaedic surgery to ensure sustainability.