Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
29-1242.00
Updated 2023

A subset of this occupation's profile is available. Data collection is currently underway to populate other parts of the profile.

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent rheumatic and other diseases in the musculoskeletal system.

Sample of reported job titles: General Surgeon, Hand Surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Orthopedic Surgeon, Physician, Surgeon

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
  • Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
  • Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions, and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
  • Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
  • Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
  • Examine patient to obtain information on medical condition and surgical risk.
  • Follow established surgical techniques during the operation.
  • Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
  • Operate on patient's musculoskeletal system to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, or improve or restore patient's functions.
  • Order and interpret the results of laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging procedures.
  • Prepare case histories.
  • Prescribe preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, or preparation and treatment of the patient's operative area.
  • Provide consultation and surgical assistance to other physicians and surgeons.
  • Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
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Technology Skills

  • Graphics or photo imaging software — Computer imaging software
  • Human resources software — Human resources management system HRMS
  • Medical software — Electronic medical record EMR software; Epic Systems Hot technology ; MEDITECH software; Three-dimensional 3D virtual surgery software; 5 more
  • Operating system software — Microsoft Windows Hot technology
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Occupational Requirements

Detailed Work Activities

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Experience Requirements

Job Zone

Title
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Related Experience
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
SVP Range
(8.0 and above)

Training & Credentials

State training
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Certifications
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Worker Characteristics

Interests

Interest code: IRS
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  • Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
  • Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
  • Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2022)
$115.00+ hourly, $239,200+ annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
19,400 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Average (2% to 4%)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
500
State trends
Top industries (2022)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data and 2022-2032 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

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