Orthopedic surgeon salary and the national average
Orthopedic surgeons are among the highest-paid medical specialists in Australia. Their earnings consistently sit well above the national full-time average, but how much do they actually make? This article looks at the published data and explains what would move this pay above or below the line.
The published figure for surgeons
The most reliable source for surgeon earnings is the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, reported by Jobs and Skills Australia. For surgeons (ANZSCO 2535) as a whole, the median full-time weekly earnings are $3,905. That works out to about $203,060 a year before tax, assuming a 52-week year. The median hourly rate is $80, compared to $47 for all occupations. These figures are for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, which excludes part-time workers, managers, and those paid below adult rates.
Importantly, no separate median is published for orthopedic surgeons (ANZSCO 253514) because the ABS does not release earnings for six-digit occupations due to high standard errors. However, orthopedic surgeons are a subset of the surgeon group, and their pay is likely similar or higher than the group median.
How it compares to the national line
The national full-time adult average ordinary-time earnings, as measured by the ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026, is $2,083.70 per week or about $108,352 per year. This is the line that Average line uses as its benchmark. The surgeon median of $3,905 per week is 87% higher than that average. Even the top quartile of full-time workers across all occupations earns $2,560 per week, which is still below the surgeon median.
For context, the full-time median across all occupations is about $1,887 per week ($98,124 per year), and the all-employees median is $1,436 per week ($74,672 per year). Orthopedic surgeons clearly sit far above these figures.
What moves this pay above or below the average
Several factors influence whether an orthopedic surgeon earns more or less than the surgeon median:
- Public vs private practice: Surgeons in public hospitals are often paid under award or enterprise agreements, while those in private practice can bill patients directly and earn significantly more. The median figure includes both settings.
- Experience and seniority: A newly qualified surgeon will earn less than a senior consultant with decades of experience. The median age for surgeons is 43, suggesting many are in mid-to-late career.
- Location: State full-time averages vary. For example, Western Australia has a full-time average of $115,825 per year, and the Australian Capital Territory $119,090. Surgeons in these states may command higher fees. Conversely, Tasmania’s average is $96,008, which may be reflected in lower surgeon earnings.
- Hours worked: Surgeons work an average of 54 hours per week, well above the all-occupations average of 44 hours. Longer hours directly increase weekly earnings.
- Specialty within surgery: Orthopedic surgery is one of several surgical specialties. Cardiothoracic and neurosurgeons may earn differently, but the published median covers all surgeons.
The role of the minimum wage and awards
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, $1,004.90 per week, or about $52,255 per year on a 38-hour week. Award minimums rose by 4.75% in the same period. Orthopedic surgeons are not covered by the minimum wage or typical awards; their pay is set by individual arrangements or collective agreements. The ABS notes that 38.5% of all employees have their pay set by individual arrangement, and this proportion is likely higher among specialists.
State and territory context
While we don’t have state-level surgeon earnings, the national full-time averages by state provide a backdrop. The highest state average is in the ACT ($119,090), followed by WA ($115,825) and NSW ($109,658). Surgeons in these areas may have higher earning potential. The lowest state average is Tasmania ($96,008). If you want to see how your state compares, visit our States and territories page.
Using the data on this site
Average line lets you place any salary against the national full-time average. For an orthopedic surgeon earning $3,905 per week, the site would show a weekly figure of $3,905, an hourly figure of $102.76 (based on a 38-hour week), and a distance of +$1,821.30 above the average. You can also explore Job medians to see how other occupations compare.
Tax considerations
For the 2026–27 financial year, resident tax rates are: nil up to $18,200; 15% from $18,201 to $45,000; 30% from $45,001 to $135,000; 37% from $135,001 to $190,000; and 45% above $190,000. A surgeon earning $203,060 would fall into the top bracket on part of their income, plus the 2% Medicare levy. The after-tax figure would be substantially lower, but still well above the national average.
Summary
Orthopedic surgeons earn far above the national full-time average. The published median for surgeons is $3,905 per week, and while no specific figure exists for orthopedic surgeons, they are part of this high-earning group. Factors like practice setting, experience, location, and hours worked can push earnings higher or lower. For the most accurate comparison, use the How the figures are set page to understand the methodology behind the averages and medians.