Choosing a career in medicine is a significant commitment of time, energy, and finances. For those drawn to a holistic, patient-centered approach, becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is an incredibly rewarding path. Beyond the profound satisfaction of healing patients, a career as a DO offers substantial financial returns. In the United States, the average salary for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine often exceeds $200,000 annually, with top earners in specialized fields commanding salaries well over $500,000, making it one of the most lucrative and stable professions available today.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of a DO's salary, exploring the key factors that influence earning potential and the promising outlook for this dynamic career.
What Does a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Do?
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed and practicing physician in the United States. Like their counterparts, Doctors of Medicine (MDs), DOs diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, perform surgery, and work in all medical specialties.
The key distinction lies in their philosophy of care. Osteopathic medicine is founded on a whole-person approach to healthcare. DOs are trained to consider a patient's entire ecosystem—mind, body, and spirit—and how lifestyle and environmental factors impact their well-being. A cornerstone of their training includes Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a hands-on technique used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury by moving a patient's muscles and joints.
Average Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Salary
Determining a precise average salary for a DO requires looking at multiple authoritative sources, as earnings can vary significantly. It's important to note that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a primary source for employment data, groups both MDs and DOs together under the category of "Physicians and Surgeons."
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $239,200 as of May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $65,340 (often representing residents in training), and the highest 10 percent earned more than the reporting limit, which typically exceeds $239,200 annually.
Reputable salary aggregators offer a more specific look at DO salaries:
- Salary.com reports the median salary for an Osteopathic Physician in the U.S. is approximately $230,201 as of May 2024, with a typical range falling between $190,801 and $281,401.
- Glassdoor estimates the total pay for an Osteopathic Physician is around $248,349 per year in the United States, which includes an average base salary of $211,769 and additional pay like bonuses or profit-sharing.
This data clearly shows that a six-figure salary is the standard, but your specific earnings will be influenced by a variety of critical factors.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary as a DO is not a single, fixed number. It is a dynamic figure shaped by your training, career choices, and where you decide to practice. Understanding these factors is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education and Training
While all DOs must complete a four-year doctoral program, it is the post-doctoral training—residency and optional fellowship—that most significantly impacts salary. A residency is a multi-year (3-7+ years) training program in a specific medical specialty.
- Residency: During residency, physicians earn a stipend, not a full salary, typically ranging from $60,000 to $80,000, depending on the institution and location.
- Fellowship: A fellowship is an additional 1-3 years of sub-specialty training after residency. While this delays peak earning years, it leads to expertise in a more niche, often higher-paying field (e.g., a cardiologist vs. a general internist).
### Years of Experience
As with most professions, compensation for DOs grows with experience. A physician who has just completed residency will earn less than a seasoned practitioner with a well-established patient base and reputation.
- Entry-Level (0-5 years post-residency): Physicians in this stage are building their practice and will generally earn closer to the lower end of the salary range for their specialty.
- Mid-Career (6-15 years): With a proven track record, these DOs see a significant increase in their earnings, often reaching or exceeding the median salary.
- Late-Career (16+ years): Experienced physicians, particularly those in private practice or partnership roles, often represent the highest earners in their field.
### Geographic Location
Where you practice medicine has a major impact on your salary. This is driven by supply and demand, cost of living, and the insurance reimbursement landscape in a particular state or city. According to Doximity's 2023 Physician Compensation Report, some of the metropolitan areas with the highest physician compensation include Charlotte, NC, St. Louis, MO, and Oklahoma City, OK.
States with a high demand for physicians, especially in rural or underserved areas, often offer higher salaries and attractive loan forgiveness programs to entice talent. Conversely, major metropolitan areas with a high density of physicians and a higher cost of living may not always offer the highest comparative salaries.
### Company Type (Practice Setting)
The type of organization you work for is a powerful determinant of your compensation structure and overall earnings.
- Private Practice (Solo or Partnership): This setting offers the highest earning potential, as physicians can become partners and share in the profits. However, it also comes with the responsibilities and risks of running a business, including overhead, billing, and administrative duties.
- Hospital or Healthcare System Employment: This is an increasingly common model offering a stable, predictable salary, comprehensive benefits packages, and relief from administrative burdens. While the ceiling may be lower than in private practice, the financial security is a major advantage.
- Academic Medical Center: DOs working in academic settings often earn less than their counterparts in private or hospital practice. This difference is compensated by opportunities for teaching, research, and often a better work-life balance.
- Government/Public Sector: Working for institutions like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Public Health Service provides job security and excellent federal benefits, though salaries are typically lower than in the private sector.
### Area of Specialization
This is arguably the single most influential factor in determining a DO's salary. Compensation varies dramatically between primary care and surgical or procedural specialties. The Medscape Physician Compensation Report consistently shows a significant gap.
Examples of Average Annual Compensation by Specialty (MD and DO combined):
- Primary Care Specialties:
- Family Medicine: ~$273,000
- Pediatrics: ~$260,000
- Internal Medicine: ~$294,000
- Top-Earning Specialties:
- Orthopedic Surgery: ~$624,000
- Plastic Surgery: ~$589,000
- Cardiology: ~$544,000
- Anesthesiology: ~$472,000
A DO who chooses to specialize in a field like orthopedic surgery or cardiology can expect to earn more than double the salary of a DO in family medicine.
Job Outlook
The future for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine is exceptionally bright. The BLS projects that employment for physicians and surgeons will grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032. While this is about as fast as the average for all occupations, the demand remains robust and essential.
This steady demand is driven by several factors, including the healthcare needs of a large and aging population, ongoing physician retirements, and the increasing recognition and integration of osteopathic physicians into all facets of healthcare. DOs are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for primary care physicians and to fill vital roles across all medical specialties.
Conclusion
A career as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a pathway to a professionally and financially rewarding life. With average salaries comfortably exceeding $200,000 and the potential for much higher earnings, the financial outlook is excellent.
For prospective students and current practitioners, maximizing earning potential comes down to strategic choices. The most significant factors you control are your area of specialization, the type of practice you join, and the geographic location where you work. By carefully considering these elements, you can build a successful and lucrative career dedicated to the holistic care of patients. Beyond the impressive salary, becoming a DO offers the unique satisfaction of practicing a patient-centered, hands-on approach to modern medicine.