Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatrics out-earn Registered Nursess by $261K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatrics land at $358,550 and Registered Nursess 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 Pediatrics is Missouri ($842,800); for Registered Nursess 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 Pediatrics or Registered Nursess?
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatrics earn more nationally. The median is $358,550 for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatrics versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $261K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Pediatrics get paid the most?
Missouri is the top-paying state for Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatrics 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 Pediatrics earn $572,060 vs. $95,530 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.