How Much Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Make in a Year?
Orthopedic surgery is a complex area of medicine that treats afflictions of the human skeleton with operative procedures. Orthopedic surgeons also tackle problems relating to the musculature, joints and ligaments that append the skeleton. She requires a deep knowledge of the subject and a highly technical skill set. To acheive this takes extensive training and application; her salary reflects the level of commitment required to reach the position.
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Pay
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As a basic salary, orthopedic surgeons earn an average of $407,856 per year, according to the website MySalary.com. Surgeons who have just qualified are likely to start on a lower salary, but as they gain experience the rewards will rise. Very experienced orthopedic surgeons may be able to secure basic salaries of $700,000 or more. In addition, orthopedic surgeons will usually be offered extra incentives such as health care insurance and pension provision as part of their contract.
Training
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The comparatively high average salary available to an orthopedic surgeon is a reflection of the time and dedication she must commit in order to achieve the rank. A four-year bachelor's degree is followed by a four-year course at a medical school. Then she is required to practice in general medicine for five years before being eligible to pursue specialized training in orthopedic surgery. This is achieved by undertaking a fellowship of between 2 and 4 years.
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Work
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Much of an orthopedic surgeon's training will be of a practical nature, assisting in a hospital or specialized surgery center. This is invaluable experience as the majority of orthopedic surgeons pursue their careers in these establishments. Some, usually those who have an excellent professional standing accrued over years in the field, may set up their own private practice or join a group practice. She may also wish to branch out into tertiary-level teaching or orthopedic research.
Future
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As a specialized surgery professional, the orthopedic surgeon can expect to achieve good remuneration packages for the foreseeable future. This is because demand is expected to rise considerably until at least 2018. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for physicians and surgeons will be greater than the national average due an aging population; orthopedic surgeons will be particularly in demand to treat the bone complaints that often accompany old age.
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References
- Photo Credit x-ray of bones image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
