Embarking on a career in medicine is a significant commitment of time, energy, and finances. For those considering a path as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), a common and crucial question is, "What is the earning potential?" The answer is encouraging: a career as a D.O. is not only professionally fulfilling but also financially rewarding, with average salaries easily exceeding $200,000 annually and the potential for much more.
This guide provides a data-driven look at what a D.O. earns, the factors that shape their salary, and the bright future of this esteemed profession.
What Does a D.O. Doctor Do?
First, let's clarify the role. A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) is a fully licensed and practicing physician in the United States. D.O.s, alongside their M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) colleagues, are qualified to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, perform surgery, and practice in any medical specialty.
The primary distinction of osteopathic medicine is its patient-centered, holistic philosophy. D.O.s receive additional, specialized training in the musculoskeletal system and a set of hands-on techniques called Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body's systems and focuses on treating the "whole person" rather than just the symptoms.
From family medicine in a rural town to neurosurgery at a major urban hospital, D.O.s work across the full spectrum of healthcare settings and specialties.
Average D.O. Doctor Salary
When analyzing physician salaries, it's important to note that most authoritative sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), group M.D.s and D.O.s together under the category "Physicians and Surgeons." This is because once a physician completes their residency training, compensation is determined by factors like specialty and location, not the type of degree (D.O. vs. M.D.).
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was greater than $229,300 in May 2022.
- The Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2023, one of the most comprehensive industry surveys, found that the average salary for a primary care physician is $265,000, while the average for a specialist is $382,000.
- Data from Salary.com shows the average physician's salary in the U.S. is around $225,000, with a typical range falling between $196,500 and $258,000, before accounting for high-paying specialties.
Crucially, the Medscape report also analyzed compensation by degree and found a negligible difference, reporting an average annual income of $347,000 for M.D.s and $353,000 for D.O.s in their 2022 survey, confirming that earning potential is equivalent.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
While the averages provide a great baseline, a D.O.'s actual salary can vary significantly. Here are the most critical factors that influence compensation.
### Area of Specialization
This is arguably the most significant driver of a physician's salary. The extensive training required for surgical and procedural-based specialties commands higher compensation than primary care fields.
According to the Medscape 2023 report, the difference is substantial:
- Top-Earning Specialties (Average Annual Salary):
- Orthopedics: $573,000
- Plastic Surgery: $571,000
- Cardiology: $507,000
- Urology: $506,000
- Gastroenterology: $501,000
- Lower-Earning (Yet Still High) Specialties (Average Annual Salary):
- Public Health & Preventive Medicine: $249,000
- Pediatrics: $251,000
- Family Medicine: $255,000
- Internal Medicine: $273,000
### Geographic Location
Where you practice matters. Salaries are often higher in regions with a high cost of living or in areas with a significant shortage of physicians. Conversely, areas with a high saturation of doctors may see slightly lower compensation.
The Medscape report highlights top-paying states:
- Wisconsin: $397,000
- Indiana: $372,000
- Georgia: $363,000
- Connecticut: $362,000
States in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, like Maryland and Massachusetts, tend to report lower average physician salaries, though this is often balanced by different cost-of-living metrics.
### Years of Experience
Like most professions, compensation for D.O.s increases with experience. A physician fresh out of residency is considered "entry-level" and will typically earn less than a partner in a practice who has spent 15-20 years building a strong patient base and reputation.
Payscale data for individuals with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree illustrates this trend:
- Entry-Level (Less than 1 year): ~$178,000 (This often reflects the end of residency/fellowship before full attending salary).
- Early Career (1-4 years): ~$220,000
- Mid-Career (10-19 years): ~$275,000+
- Experienced (20+ years): ~$300,000+
These figures represent a general average and will be significantly higher for top-earning specialties.
### Company Type / Practice Setting
The environment where a D.O. works also plays a key role in their compensation structure.
- Physician-Owned Private Practice: This setting often offers the highest earning potential, as physicians can become partners and share in the practice's profits.
- Hospital or Health System Employment: This is the most common model today. It provides a stable, predictable salary and often includes excellent benefits, malpractice insurance, and a built-in administrative support system.
- Academic Medical Centers: Salaries may be slightly lower here, but the compensation package often includes opportunities for teaching, research, and prestige, which are valuable non-monetary benefits.
- Government Positions (e.g., VA, Military): These roles offer competitive salaries with exceptional job security and federal benefits.
### Level of Education (Post-Doctorate)
While all practicing physicians hold a doctorate (D.O. or M.D.), the "level of education" that truly impacts salary is the post-doctoral training: residency and fellowship.
- Residency: A three-year residency in Family Medicine will lead to a different salary outcome than a five-year residency in General Surgery.
- Fellowship: Completing a fellowship after residency marks a physician as a sub-specialist. For example, an internist who completes a three-year cardiology fellowship will see their earning potential increase dramatically compared to a general internist. The length and competitiveness of this advanced training are directly correlated with higher lifetime earnings.
Job Outlook
The future for D.O.s is exceptionally strong. The BLS projects employment for physicians and surgeons to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is driven by the healthcare needs of a large and aging population, as well as the retirement of many currently practicing physicians.
Furthermore, there is a recognized need for physicians in medically underserved areas, both rural and urban. Osteopathic medicine, with its historical focus on community-based, primary care, positions D.O.s perfectly to fill these critical gaps in the healthcare system.
Conclusion
A career as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a pathway to a secure, respected, and highly compensated profession. For prospective students and medical professionals, here are the key takeaways:
- High Earning Potential: D.O.s are among the highest-paid professionals in the country, with average salaries well into the six figures.
- Equal Pay for Equal Work: Your earning potential as a D.O. is equivalent to that of an M.D. Compensation is driven by your choices after medical school, not the letters behind your name.
- Specialty is Key: Your choice of medical specialty will have the single largest impact on your future salary.
- You Have Control: Factors like your geographic location, practice setting, and years of experience will further shape your financial success.
- Excellent Job Security: With a strong and growing demand for physicians, a career as a D.O. offers outstanding long-term stability.
Ultimately, choosing to become a D.O. is a decision that opens the door to a career of both helping others and achieving significant financial success.