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Healthcare

Surgeon

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and prevent diseases, injuries, and conditions in the human body

Annual openings

10

Median wage

$385,410

Typical education

First professional degree

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

First professional degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenMay vary
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Doctoral (Advanced Degree)

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Analyze patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and examination results to verify operation's necessity and to determine best procedure.
  2. Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes related to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases.
  3. Diagnose bodily disorders and orthopedic conditions, and provide treatments, such as medicines and surgeries, in clinics, hospital wards, or operating rooms.
  4. Diagnose or treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
  5. Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, residents, and other medical staff.
  6. Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
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