Orthopedic Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities: Orthopedic surgeons treat patients musculoskeletal systems. This means they care for patients who have problems with their bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Salary: The median annual surgeon orthopedic salary is $462,867 Education: The orthopedic surgery career path requires 8-9 years of post-baccalaureate education, along with continued maintenance of board certification. Demand or need for this profession: They also need an M.D. degree and 4-5 years residency in a hospital. Reflection: I wouldn't want to be a Orthopedic Surgeon because I wouldn't be able to perform surgery on someone.