Here are eight comparisons on orthopedic surgeon, plastic surgeon and cardiologist compensation, respectively, from 2024 from three of Medscape‘s specialty-specific reports:
Average base salary
Orthopedists: $558,000
Plastic surgeons: $536,000
Cardiologists: $525,000
Pay was a main factor in selecting specialty
Orthopedists: 1%
Plastic surgeons: 5%
Cardiologists: 3%
Percent of specialists who believe physicians are underpaid
Orthopedists: 72%
Plastic surgeons: 75%
Cardiologists: 61%
Percent of specialists who feel fairly paid based on work demands
Orthopedists: 44%
Plastic surgeons: 39%
Cardiologists: 48%
How pay increased/decreased in 2024
Orthopedists: -3%
Plastic surgeons: -13%
Cardiologists: +3%
Percent of specialists who take extra work to boost income
Orthopedists: 49%
Plastic surgeons: 33%
Cardiologists: 37%
How much income is impacted by competing physician practices
Orthopedists: 59%
Plastic surgeons: 69%
Cardiologists: 37%
Are incentive bonuses possible:
Orthopedists: 52%
Plastic surgeons: 53%
Cardiologists: 70%
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.