A career as an Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician Assistant (OB-GYN PA) offers a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on women's health through every stage of life. It’s a path filled with purpose, but it's also a profession that provides significant financial stability. For those considering this specialty, a key question is: what is the earning potential?
The answer is encouraging. An OB-GYN PA can expect a competitive, six-figure salary that grows substantially with experience, location, and specialization. This article provides a data-driven analysis of OB-GYN PA salaries to help you navigate your career path with confidence.
What Does an OB-GYN PA Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it’s essential to understand the role. An OB-GYN PA is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional who practices medicine on a healthcare team with a supervising OB-GYN physician. They are a vital part of women's healthcare, providing a wide range of services.
Key responsibilities often include:
- Performing annual well-woman exams, including pelvic and breast exams.
- Providing prenatal and postpartum care.
- Diagnosing and treating gynecological conditions (e.g., infections, PCOS, endometriosis).
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests like ultrasounds and lab work.
- Assisting in major surgeries, such as C-sections, hysterectomies, and laparoscopies.
- Providing patient education on contraception, family planning, and healthy lifestyles.
- Prescribing medications.
This dynamic role requires a blend of clinical expertise, surgical skill, and compassionate patient care.
Average OB-GYN PA Salary
While salaries can vary significantly, the data shows a consistently strong earning potential for PAs specializing in OB-GYN.
According to the 2023 AAPA Salary Report, the median base salary for a Physician Assistant specializing in OB/GYN was $125,000 annually.
It's helpful to place this within the broader context of the PA profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for all Physician Assistants was $130,490 as of May 2023. Salary aggregators provide a similar picture, with Salary.com reporting a typical range for a "Physician Assistant - Medical" between $118,590 and $139,260.
In practice, the salary range for an OB-GYN PA is wide, reflecting differences in experience, location, and responsibilities:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Typically earn between $100,000 and $115,000.
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): Can expect to earn between $120,000 and $135,000.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): Often earn $140,000+, with top earners in high-demand areas or surgical roles exceeding $160,000.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your final take-home pay is determined by a combination of factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your earning potential throughout your career.
### Level of Education
To become a PA, a Master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program is the standard requirement. While a master's degree is the key to entry, some PAs pursue a doctoral degree, the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc). A DMSc does not automatically translate to a higher clinical salary for seeing patients. However, it can open doors to higher-paying roles in healthcare administration, leadership, and academia, which can ultimately lead to increased earnings.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth. As PAs gain clinical confidence, procedural skills, and efficiency, their value to a practice increases. The AAPA report clearly illustrates this trend, showing that PAs with 10 or more years of experience consistently earn significantly more than their newly graduated counterparts. An experienced OB-GYN PA who can manage a full patient load independently and first-assist in complex surgeries is a highly valuable asset.
### Geographic Location
Where you practice matters—a lot. Salaries are often adjusted to reflect the local cost of living and regional demand for healthcare professionals. According to BLS data, the top-paying states for Physician Assistants in general include:
- Washington
- California
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Nevada
Metropolitan areas in these states often offer the highest salaries. However, don't overlook rural or underserved areas. To attract top talent, some rural healthcare systems offer competitive salaries, significant sign-on bonuses, and student loan repayment programs, which can create a highly attractive overall compensation package.
### Company Type / Work Setting
The type of facility you work in has a direct impact on your salary and benefits.
- Private Physician Offices/Clinics: This is a common setting for OB-GYN PAs. While the base salary might be slightly lower than in a large hospital system, private practices may offer productivity bonuses, profit-sharing, and a more predictable work schedule.
- Hospitals (Inpatient/Surgical Roles): PAs who work primarily in a hospital setting, especially those who assist in the operating room, often command higher salaries. This is due to the on-call responsibilities and the advanced procedural skills required.
- Academic Medical Centers: These institutions often offer competitive salaries combined with excellent benefits, including tuition assistance and opportunities for teaching or research.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): While salaries may be on the lower end of the spectrum, these positions often qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs like the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), which can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
### Area of Specialization
Even within OB-GYN, sub-specializing can influence your earnings. PAs who develop expertise in high-demand or procedure-heavy areas can increase their value. For example, a PA specializing in:
- Gynecologic Oncology: Assisting with complex cancer surgeries and managing patient care.
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI): Working in fertility clinics, a rapidly growing and lucrative field.
- Surgical First-Assist: Focusing primarily on assisting in C-sections, robotic surgeries, and other gynecological procedures.
These roles often carry greater responsibility and require a higher level of skill, which is reflected in their compensation.
Job Outlook
The future for Physician Assistants is exceptionally bright. The BLS projects that employment for PAs will grow by 27% from 2022 to 2032, a rate that is much faster than the average for all occupations.
This incredible growth is driven by several factors, including an aging population, an increased emphasis on team-based healthcare models to control costs, and the proven value and versatility of PAs. For the OB-GYN specialty, the demand is constant and non-negotiable. The need for prenatal care, gynecological services, and women's health maintenance ensures a stable and robust job market for years to come.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as an OB-GYN Physician Assistant is a commitment to the health and well-being of women. It is a challenging but immensely rewarding profession that also offers excellent financial security and career stability.
With a median salary well into the six figures and a clear path for growth, this specialty is a financially sound investment in your future. By strategically considering factors like geographic location, work setting, and continued skill development, you can build a successful and lucrative career. For those with a passion for women's health, becoming an OB-GYN PA offers a powerful combination of personal fulfillment and professional success.