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Average Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric Salary in California

Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric in California earn an average annual salary of $316,950, which is below the national average of $366,180. This disparity is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including the state's high demand for specialized medical professionals and the significant cost of living that necessitates competitive compensation structures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $316,950 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $475,425.
  • Outlook: The orthopedic surgery job market in California appears robust, with a local workforce of 2,560 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.54 indicates a concentration of these specialists that is 54% higher than the national average, suggesting strong demand and a significant presence within the state's healthcare ecosystem.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$316,950

The average Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric in California earns-13.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$152.4

Weekly

$6,095

Monthly

$26,413

Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but seasoned professionals with extensive experience and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their specialized skills and contributions to patient care.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$113,800$54.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$237,713$114.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$316,950$152.4
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$396,188$190.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$475,425$228.6

Detailed Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$316,950

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$228,845

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the nominal average salary of $316,950 in California is substantial, it must be considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that everyday expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary may be less than it appears when compared to lower-cost regions.

Job Market Context

2,560

Total Jobs

0.142

Per 1K Jobs

1.54

Location Quotient

Major Hub

California has 1.5x the national concentration of Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

California's Location Quotient of 1.54 for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric signifies a market where these specialists are more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a competitive environment but also suggests a high demand for their services, as the state employs a larger proportion of these professionals relative to its overall workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatrics?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric make in California?

The median annual salary for a Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric in California is $316,950. This typically ranges from $113,800 for entry-level positions to $475,425 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 13.4% lower than the national median of $366,180.

Is California a lucrative place for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatrics?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a high nominal salary for Orthopedic Surgeons, but the elevated cost of living means the real value of this income should be carefully assessed against personal financial goals.

Is California a good place to live for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatrics?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does California's average salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average annual salary for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric in California is $316,950, which is lower than the national average of $366,180.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.54 mean for job opportunities?

A Location Quotient of 1.54 indicates that Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric are 54% more concentrated in California than the national average, suggesting a strong presence and potentially high demand for these specialists.

How does the cost of living affect the Orthopedic Surgeon's salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. This means that the $316,950 salary may have less purchasing power compared to lower-cost states, despite its high nominal value.

What is the total number of Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric in California?

There are approximately 2,560 Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric employed in California.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,560 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.142 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.