Application Fee
$674.00Verified by CA Board of Healthcare
Orthopedic Surgeon Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for orthopedic surgeon in California, including $674.00 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Orthopedic Surgeon in California
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 2
Fees: Application and fingerprint: $674.00.
- 3
Initial license: $888, reduces to $456.50 to those enrolled in postgraduate training at time of licensure.
- 4
Examination Frequency: Ongoing national exam administered by Federation of State Medical Boards.
- 5
See their website at www.fsmb.org and the United States Medical Licensing Examination website at www.usmle.org.
- 6
Exam Locations: Computerized sites, see above for notation.
- 7
Experience Requirement: Two years pre-professional education, a minimum of four-academic years medical education from a medical school recognized by the Medical Board of California with diploma and one or two-year Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada approved/slotted post-graduate training.
Exam and processing details
- Frequency
- Ongoing national exam administered by Federation of State Medical Boards. See their website at www.fsmb.org and the United States Medical Licensing Examination website at www.usmle.org. Locations: Computerized sites, see above for notation. Experience
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application and fingerprint | $674.00 |
| Initial license | $888, |
| Biennial | $888 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Medical Board of California
- Current Filing Fee
$674.00
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$316,950 median salary
- State Salary Rank
#19 of 27 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Orthopedic Surgeon licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Initial license: $888, reduces to $456.50 to those enrolled in postgraduate training at time of licensure.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: Two years pre-professional education, a minimum of four-academic years medical education from a medical school re...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Ongoing national exam administered by Federation of State Medical Boards. See their website at www.fsmb.org and the United States Medical Licensing Examination websit....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Fees: Application and fingerprint: $674.00.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Application and fingerprint: $674.00; Initial license: $888,).
- 7. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Medical Board of California and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in California
The median salary for Orthopedic Surgeons in California is $316,950. California ranks #19 among 27 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$316,950Hourly estimate
$152.38National comparison unavailable
National benchmark data is missing for this profile.
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOrthopedic Surgeon Salary Ranking
#19 of 27 statesfor Orthopedic Surgeon median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wisconsin | $546,740 |
| #2 | Vermont | $471,590 |
| #3 | Arizona | $468,860 |
| #4 | Michigan | $447,210 |
| #5 | South Carolina | $440,970 |
Nearby States Comparison
Orthopedic Surgeon licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $316,950 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oregon | N/A | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $219,790 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 2-3 years |
| Arizona | $468,860 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Medical Board of California
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1200, Sacramento, CA, 95815
Phone: 9162632382
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $77,640 | Varies by state board | 1-2 years |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | 1-12 months |
| Athletic Trainer | $74,150 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $123,600 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Orthopedic Surgeon in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Orthopedic Surgeon salary in California?
The median annual salary for Orthopedic Surgeons in California is $316,950.
How many Orthopedic Surgeons work in California?
California employs approximately 2,560 Orthopedic Surgeons according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Orthopedic Surgeon license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Orthopedic Surgeons in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Medical Board of California. Review agency details at http://www.mbc.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Orthopedic Surgeon license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.