A career as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is not only intellectually and personally rewarding but also financially lucrative. For those drawn to a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare, this path offers a compelling blend of purpose and stability. But what can you expect to earn? While salaries vary widely based on a number of key factors, the overall financial outlook is exceptionally strong. Average salaries often exceed $200,000, and top earners in specialized fields command well over $500,000 annually.
This guide will break down the salary potential for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, exploring the factors that influence your earnings and the long-term outlook for this vital profession.
What Does a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Do?
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a fully licensed physician who practices in every medical specialty in the United States. Like their counterparts, Doctors of Medicine (MDs), DOs diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order diagnostic tests, and perform surgery.
The key distinction lies in their philosophy and training. Osteopathic medicine takes a holistic approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body's systems and focusing on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. In addition to standard medical training, DOs receive hundreds of hours of hands-on training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a set of techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness by moving a patient’s muscles and joints.
While a significant number of DOs enter primary care fields like family medicine and pediatrics, they are found in every specialty, from anesthesiology to neurosurgery. In terms of practice rights and responsibilities, they are on equal footing with MDs.
Average Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Salary
It is crucial to note that in practice, compensation for DOs and MDs is virtually identical when comparing the same specialty, location, and experience level. Professional salary surveys typically group both degrees under the general category of "physician" or "doctor."
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in the United States is $237,501 as of May 2024. However, this is just a midpoint. The typical salary range falls between $195,841 and $285,461.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which groups all physicians and surgeons, reports a median annual wage of $239,200 as of May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $67,490, while the highest 10 percent earned more than the reporting limit, which is typically around $239,200 for this profession.
These figures represent a baseline. Your actual earnings will be shaped by the critical factors discussed below.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Several variables significantly impact a DO's earning potential. Understanding these factors is key to charting a successful and lucrative career path.
### Area of Specialization
This is arguably the most significant driver of salary variation among physicians. After medical school, DOs enter residency programs to specialize. The length, competitiveness, and procedural nature of a specialty directly correlate with compensation.
The Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2024 provides an excellent breakdown of average physician salaries by specialty (including both MDs and DOs):
- Top-Earning Specialties:
- Orthopedics: $558,000
- Plastic Surgery: $536,000
- Cardiology: $525,000
- Urology: $515,000
- Gastroenterology: $512,000
- Primary Care and Lower-Earning Specialties:
- Internal Medicine: $279,000
- Family Medicine: $274,000
- Pediatrics: $260,000
- Public Health & Preventive Medicine: $249,000
As these figures show, a DO specializing in orthopedics can expect to earn more than double that of a colleague in pediatrics.
### Geographic Location
Where you practice matters. Compensation varies by state and between urban and rural settings, often due to demand and cost of living. Interestingly, some of the highest-paying states are not the ones with the highest cost of living, as healthcare systems in these areas may offer higher salaries to attract top talent.
According to the Doximity 2023 Physician Compensation Report, the top-paying metropolitan areas include:
1. Charlotte, NC
2. St. Louis, MO
3. Oklahoma City, OK
4. San Jose, CA
5. Minneapolis, MN
Furthermore, rural areas often offer higher compensation packages and loan forgiveness programs to incentivize physicians to work in underserved communities.
### Practice Setting (Company Type)
The type of organization you work for has a direct impact on your salary and overall compensation package.
- Physician-Owned Private Practice: This setting offers the highest earning potential. According to Medscape, self-employed physicians (practice owners/partners) earned an average of $394,000 in 2024, compared to employed physicians. However, this comes with the added responsibilities of running a business, including administrative overhead and financial risk.
- Hospital or Health System: Employed physicians in hospitals or large healthcare networks enjoy high, stable salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and relief from administrative burdens. This is a very common and financially secure path.
- Academic Medical Centers: Salaries in academic medicine are often slightly lower than in private practice or large hospital systems. However, this is often offset by benefits like research opportunities, teaching roles, strong retirement plans, and the prestige associated with the institution.
- Government: DOs working for government entities like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the military typically have lower base salaries but receive excellent benefits, job security, and a predictable work-life balance.
### Years of Experience
Like any profession, earnings for DOs grow with experience.
- Entry-Level (Post-Residency): Physicians just completing their residency will start at the lower end of the salary range for their specialty.
- Mid-Career (5-15 years): This is where salaries see significant growth as physicians build their patient base, become more efficient, and may take on leadership roles.
- Senior/Experienced (15+ years): Physicians at this stage often reach their peak earning potential, especially those who become partners in a private practice or hold senior administrative positions within a hospital.
### Level of Education
For physicians, the "level of education" is more about advanced training beyond medical school. While all practicing DOs have a doctorate, pursuing a sub-specialty through a fellowship will increase earning potential. For example, a general cardiologist earns a high salary, but a cardiologist who completes an additional fellowship in interventional cardiology will command an even higher income due to their advanced, specialized procedural skills.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine is excellent. The BLS projects that employment for all physicians and surgeons will grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
This steady demand is driven by several factors, including the healthcare needs of a large and aging population, the expansion of healthcare access, and a focus on preventive care. The growing acceptance and recognition of the osteopathic philosophy further solidifies the strong demand for DOs across the country.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a commitment to lifelong learning and patient care, and it is a path that offers exceptional financial rewards. While the national average salary provides a useful benchmark, your individual earning potential is largely in your hands.
Key Takeaways:
- High Earning Potential: DOs are among the highest-paid professionals in the country, with compensation packages comparable to their MD counterparts.
- Specialty is a Major Driver: The choice of medical specialty is the single biggest determinant of your salary.
- Location and Practice Type Matter: Your earnings will vary based on where you choose to practice and whether you are self-employed or work for a hospital or academic institution.
- Strong Job Security: With a positive job outlook projected by the BLS, demand for qualified physicians remains robust.
For prospective medical students and current professionals, a career as a DO offers a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on patients' lives while building a secure and prosperous future.