Environmental Engineer vs Orthopedic Surgeon Salary
Orthopedic surgeons earned a median of $358,550 a year in May 2025, $251,440 (235%) more than environmental engineers at $107,110, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do the two jobs compare?
| Measure | Environmental Engineer | Orthopedic Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $107,110 | $358,550 |
| Median hourly | $51.50 | $172.38 |
| Mean annual | $112,910 | $373,570 |
| 10th percentile | $69,990 | $84,170 |
| 90th percentile | $162,220 | $659,290 |
| Jobs on record | 38,340 | 14,100 |
| Projected growth, 2025 to 2035 | +6.3% | +4.0% |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
Source: BLS OEWS national file, May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035. Wage and salary jobs only; the self-employed are not counted. Confirm any figure in the OEWS tables at bls.gov.
What is the pay range for environmental engineers?
Pay for environmental engineers runs from $69,990 at the 10th percentile to $162,220 at the 90th, around a median of $107,110.
What is the pay range for orthopedic surgeons?
Pay for orthopedic surgeons runs from $84,170 at the 10th percentile to $659,290 at the 90th, around a median of $358,550.
Source: BLS OEWS national file, May 2025.
Which job pays more in each state?
Environmental engineers earn more than orthopedic surgeons in 0 of 31 states and territories where both have a published median. The widest gap is in Missouri, where orthopedic surgeons lead by $744,630.
| State | Environmental Engineer | Orthopedic Surgeon | Environmental Engineer minus Orthopedic Surgeon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $102,650 | $324,570 | -$221,920 |
| Arizona | $93,970 | $558,970 | -$465,000 |
| Arkansas | $85,280 | $262,470 | -$177,190 |
| California | $130,410 | $253,430 | -$123,020 |
| Colorado | $106,890 | $385,410 | -$278,520 |
| Florida | $116,840 | $473,750 | -$356,910 |
| Georgia | $96,530 | $474,820 | -$378,290 |
| Illinois | $107,990 | $426,580 | -$318,590 |
| Indiana | $92,460 | $177,710 | -$85,250 |
| Iowa | $94,830 | $189,410 | -$94,580 |
| Kansas | $94,070 | $311,630 | -$217,560 |
| Massachusetts | $115,800 | $392,300 | -$276,500 |
| Michigan | $105,080 | $413,450 | -$308,370 |
| Minnesota | $115,750 | $537,830 | -$422,080 |
| Mississippi | $91,100 | $544,130 | -$453,030 |
| Missouri | $98,170 | $842,800 | -$744,630 |
| Montana | $100,140 | $560,820 | -$460,680 |
| Nebraska | $120,620 | $507,770 | -$387,150 |
| New Hampshire | $88,610 | $555,670 | -$467,060 |
| New Jersey | $102,630 | $341,430 | -$238,800 |
| New York | $101,270 | $414,290 | -$313,020 |
| North Carolina | $99,440 | $323,630 | -$224,190 |
| Ohio | $113,180 | $323,480 | -$210,300 |
| Oklahoma | $92,090 | $530,070 | -$437,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $103,330 | $354,020 | -$250,690 |
| Tennessee | $97,190 | $325,520 | -$228,330 |
| Texas | $123,060 | $200,780 | -$77,720 |
| Virginia | $104,940 | $478,710 | -$373,770 |
| Washington | $125,460 | $553,310 | -$427,850 |
| West Virginia | $83,200 | $597,740 | -$514,540 |
| Wisconsin | $89,990 | $572,060 | -$482,070 |
Source: BLS OEWS state file, May 2025.