Orthopedic surgeons were named the highest-paid medical specialty in 2025, with the average salary reaching $543,000, according to Medscape’s 2025 “Physician Compensation Report,” published April 11.
Orthopedic surgeons were trailed by radiologists, who came in second, and plastic surgeons.
Here is how the three highest-paid physician specialists have changed since 2015:
Orthopedic surgeons: $421,000
Cardiologists: $376,000
Gastroenterology: $370,000
Orthopedic surgeons: $443,000
Cardiologists: $410,000
Dermatologists: $381,000
Orthopedic surgeons: $489,000
Plastic surgeons: $440,000
Cardiologists: $410,000
Plastic surgeons: $501,000
Orthopedic surgeons: $497,000
Cardiologists: $423,000
Orthopedic surgeons: $482,000
Plastic surgeons: $471,000
Otolaryngologists: $461,000
Orthopedic surgeons: $511,000
Plastic surgeons: $479,000
Otolaryngologists: $455,000
Plastic surgeons: $526,000
Orthopedic surgeons: $511,000
Cardiologists: $459,000
Plastic surgeons: $576,000
Orthopedic surgeons: $557,000
Cardiologists: $490,000
Plastic surgeons: $619,000
Orthopedic surgeons: $573,000
Cardiologists: $507,000
Orthopedic surgeons: $558,000
Plastic surgeons: $536,000
Cardiologists: $525,000
2025
Orthopedic surgeons: $543,000
Radiologists: $520,000
Plastic surgeons: $516,000
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.