Orthopedic Surgeon Salary in India: What They Earn and Why It Varies

When you think of an orthopedic surgeon, a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Also known as a bone doctor, they’re the ones who fix broken hips, replace worn-out knees, and help athletes get back on their feet. In India, their pay isn’t fixed—it swings wildly based on where they work, how long they’ve been practicing, and whether they’re in a city hospital or their own clinic.

The orthopedic surgeon salary in India can start at around ₹15-20 lakhs per year for fresh graduates joining government hospitals. But that’s just the beginning. Surgeons with 5-10 years of experience in private hospitals in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore can easily earn ₹30-60 lakhs annually. Top-tier surgeons running their own clinics or working in premium private chains often clear ₹1 crore or more. What’s driving that gap? It’s not just skill—it’s demand. With an aging population and rising cases of arthritis, sports injuries, and osteoporosis, the need for these specialists keeps growing. And unlike many other doctors, orthopedic surgeons often earn through procedures—joint replacements, spinal fusions, fracture repairs—each of which adds to their income.

Location matters a lot too. A surgeon in a tier-2 city like Jaipur or Lucknow might earn less than half of what one makes in Hyderabad or Pune, even with the same experience. Private practice pays more than corporate hospitals, but it also means handling your own overheads—staff, equipment, rent. And then there’s the side hustle: many orthopedic surgeons consult for clinics, teach medical students, or write for health platforms like this one. These extra roles don’t just fill gaps—they boost earnings.

It’s not all about money, though. The training is long—5.5 years of MBBS, 3 years of MS in surgery, then often another 2-3 years of super-specialization. That’s over a decade of work before you’re fully qualified. But for those who stick with it, the rewards go beyond salary. You’re the person who helps someone walk again after a fall, or play cricket after a torn ACL. That kind of impact? It’s priceless. And if you’re curious about what these doctors actually do day-to-day, or how their work connects to tests like MRIs and DEXA scans, or even how joint pain leads to surgery—or keeps people from needing it—you’ll find real stories and data below.