Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric out-earn Registered Nurses by $261K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric land at $358,550 and Registered Nurses at $97,550. The education gap is real: orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric is Missouri ($842,800); for Registered Nurses it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric or Registered Nurses?
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric earn more nationally. The median is $358,550 for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $261K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses has the better 10-year outlook at 4.9% projected growth, compared to 4.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric or Registered Nurses?
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric get paid the most?
Missouri is the top-paying state for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric at $842,800/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Wisconsin, Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric earn $572,060 vs. $95,530 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.