For those drawn to a career in medicine that combines surgery, primary care, and the profound experience of bringing new life into the world, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) is a uniquely rewarding field. It's a path that demands immense dedication, skill, and compassion. Naturally, prospective students and medical professionals are also curious about the financial viability of this specialty.
So, what can you expect to earn as an OB/GYN? This is a high-demand, high-stakes profession with a compensation package to match. On average, an Obstetric Gynecologist in the United States earns well over $300,000 annually, with top earners in high-demand areas exceeding $450,000.
This article will break down the salary details for an OB/GYN, exploring the key factors that influence earning potential and the future outlook for this vital profession.
What Does an Obstetric Gynecologist Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the scope of the role. An Obstetrician-Gynecologist is a physician who specializes in female reproductive health. The career is a unique blend of two distinct but related fields:
- Obstetrics: This area focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Obstetricians manage patient health throughout gestation, deliver babies (both vaginally and through surgical Cesarean sections), and handle any complications that may arise.
- Gynecology: This area involves the broader care of the female reproductive system. Gynecologists conduct routine wellness exams (like Pap smears), diagnose and treat conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), perform surgeries such as hysterectomies, and advise on contraception and family planning.
An OB/GYN guides patients through some of life's most pivotal and vulnerable moments, from puberty and family planning to pregnancy and menopause, making it a deeply impactful career.
Average Obstetric Gynecologist Salary
The compensation for an OB/GYN is among the highest in the medical field, reflecting the extensive training and high-pressure nature of the job. While figures vary slightly between sources, a clear picture of earning potential emerges.
According to the Medscape 2023 Physician Compensation Report, one of the most respected industry benchmarks, Obstetricians and Gynecologists earn an average annual salary of $336,000. This report also notes that OB/GYNs earn an average incentive bonus of approximately $63,000, which can push total compensation closer to $400,000.
Other major data sources provide a similar perspective:
- Salary.com reports a higher median salary of $354,710 as of early 2024, with a typical range falling between $307,960 and $426,810. This range often reflects the difference between early-career professionals and seasoned physicians with established practices.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listed the median annual wage for obstetricians and gynecologists as $277,320 in May 2022. It's important to note that the BLS data includes physicians in a variety of employment settings, including lower-paying academic and government roles, and may not always capture the full scope of bonuses and incentives common in private practice.
Key takeaway: A newly board-certified OB/GYN can expect to start in the high $200s or low $300s, with a clear path to earning between $350,000 and $450,000+ with experience, strategic location choices, and practice ownership.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary as an OB/GYN isn't a single, fixed number. It's influenced by a combination of critical factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your career earnings.
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Level of Education
For any physician, education is the non-negotiable foundation of earning potential. The path to becoming an OB/GYN is long and rigorous, and the high salary is a direct reflection of this investment. The required steps include:
1. A four-year bachelor's degree (typically in a science-related field).
2. Four years of medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
3. A four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology.
4. Passing board certification exams from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).
This 12+ year journey post-high school is the baseline requirement. While all board-certified OB/GYNs have this foundation, pursuing further education through a fellowship can significantly increase salary.
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Years of Experience
Experience is a powerful driver of salary growth. As an OB/GYN builds their skills, reputation, and patient base, their value increases.
- Entry-Level (0-5 years): Physicians just completing their residency typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, often in the $280,000 to $320,000 range.
- Mid-Career (5-15 years): With a decade of experience, OB/GYNs have honed their surgical skills, built strong patient relationships, and may have taken on partnership roles. Their earnings typically climb into the $350,000 to $400,000 range.
- Senior-Level (15+ years): Highly experienced physicians, especially those who are partners in a private practice or hold leadership roles in a hospital, represent the top earners. It is not uncommon for them to earn $450,000 or more.
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Geographic Location
Where you practice has a massive impact on your paycheck. The dynamics of supply and demand mean that states and cities with a higher cost of living do not always offer the highest salaries. Often, rural and less-populated states will offer higher compensation to attract and retain qualified physicians.
According to data from physician recruiting firms and compensation reports, some of the top-paying states for OB/GYNs include South Dakota, Kentucky, Iowa, and Indiana. Conversely, states in the Northeast, like Massachusetts and Maryland, tend to offer lower average salaries, though this is often offset by a different case mix and lifestyle opportunities.
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Company Type
The type of organization you work for is one of the most significant factors in determining your compensation structure and overall earnings.
- Physician-Owned Private Practice: This setting offers the highest earning potential. As a partner or owner, you not only earn a salary but also a share of the practice's profits. However, this comes with the responsibilities of running a business, including managing staff, billing, and overhead.
- Hospital or Healthcare System: Being directly employed by a hospital provides a stable, predictable salary and often comes with excellent benefits, malpractice insurance coverage, and less administrative burden. While the ceiling may be lower than in private practice, the financial security is a major draw.
- Academic Medical Center: Working for a university-affiliated hospital often involves a mix of clinical duties, teaching medical students and residents, and conducting research. Salaries are typically lower than in private or hospital-only settings, but the role offers prestige and other non-monetary rewards.
- Government and Public Health: OB/GYNs working for government entities (like the VA or public health clinics) generally have the lowest salaries but benefit from exceptional job security, federal benefits, and often a better work-life balance.
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Area of Specialization
After completing their residency, an OB/GYN can pursue a fellowship to become a subspecialist. This additional 2-3 years of training leads to expertise in a specific area and almost always results in a higher salary. Key subspecialties include:
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI): Specialists who treat infertility and hormonal issues. They are consistently among the highest-paid medical specialists.
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM): Experts who manage high-risk pregnancies. Their expertise is crucial and highly compensated.
- Gynecologic Oncology: Surgeons who diagnose and treat cancers of the female reproductive system.
- Urogynecology (Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery): Specialists who treat pelvic floor disorders.
These subspecialists often earn $50,000 to $150,000+ more per year than general OB/GYNs due to the complexity of their cases and the advanced skills required.
Job Outlook
The demand for women's healthcare services is steadfast. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of obstetricians and gynecologists is projected to show "little or no change" from 2022 to 2032.
However, this statistic requires context. It doesn't signal a lack of opportunity. Rather, it reflects that the number of total positions will remain stable. The demand will be driven by the need to replace a significant number of OB/GYNs who are approaching retirement age. As the population grows and ages, the need for both obstetric and gynecologic care will remain high, ensuring strong job security for those entering the field.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist is a commitment to a lifetime of learning and service. It is a challenging, demanding, and deeply meaningful profession.
For that commitment, you are rewarded with a robust financial outlook. With an average salary well above $300,000 and a clear path to earning over $450,000, the field offers exceptional financial security. Your ultimate earnings will be a product of your experience, the location and type of your practice, and any subspecialty you choose to pursue. For those with the passion and perseverance to succeed, a career as an OB/GYN is not only emotionally fulfilling but also financially prosperous.