A career in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) is one of the most demanding yet profoundly rewarding paths in medicine. It offers the unique opportunity to care for women through some of the most significant moments of their lives. Beyond the intrinsic rewards, it is also a financially lucrative profession. For prospective medical students and professionals weighing their options, understanding the earning potential is a crucial step. The average OB-GYN salary in the United States is substantial, with most professionals earning well over $300,000 annually, and top earners exceeding $450,000 depending on a variety of factors.
This guide will break down the OB-GYN salary landscape, explore the key drivers of compensation, and provide a clear picture of what you can expect to earn in this vital specialty.
What Does an Obstetrician-Gynecologist Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's important to understand the scope of the role. An OB-GYN is a physician who specializes in two distinct but related fields:
- Obstetrics: This involves the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Obstetricians manage both routine and high-risk pregnancies, perform deliveries, and handle any complications that may arise.
- Gynecology: This focuses on the overall health of the female reproductive system. Gynecologists diagnose and treat conditions related to the breasts and reproductive organs, perform routine check-ups and cancer screenings (like Pap smears), and manage issues related to menstruation, contraception, and menopause.
An OB-GYN's work is a blend of long-term patient relationships, preventative care, complex medical management, and high-stakes surgical procedures.
Average Obstetrics and Gynecology Salary
The compensation for an OB-GYN is among the higher tiers for medical professionals, reflecting the extensive training and high-pressure nature of the work. While figures vary by source, they consistently point to a robust earning potential.
According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2024, one of the most respected industry benchmarks, Obstetricians and Gynecologists earn an average annual salary of $352,000.
Other authoritative sources provide a similar picture:
- Doximity's 2023 Physician Compensation Report places the average annual compensation for OB-GYNs even higher at $402,781.
- Salary.com data, updated in May 2024, reports a median salary of $345,900, with a typical range falling between $300,290 and $412,690.
A typical salary progression might see a recently graduated resident starting in the $250,000 to $280,000 range, with earnings steadily increasing to well over $400,000 for experienced physicians in favorable markets or practice settings.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your salary as an OB-GYN is not a single, fixed number. It is a dynamic figure influenced by a combination of personal and market-driven factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your earning potential.
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Level of Education
To become an OB-GYN, all candidates must complete a rigorous educational path: a four-year bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school to earn an M.D. or D.O. The most critical training phase that directly impacts earning potential is the four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology. It is only after completing residency that a physician can become board-certified and earn a full professional salary. While the M.D. itself is the baseline, the reputation of the residency program and the skills acquired can influence initial job offers and long-term career trajectory.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth in medicine. The earning curve for an OB-GYN typically follows a clear path:
- Early Career (0-5 years): Physicians just out of residency will earn a salary on the lower end of the spectrum as they build their skills and patient base.
- Mid-Career (6-15 years): This period often sees the most substantial salary growth. Physicians have established their reputation, become more efficient, and may be eligible for partnership in a private practice.
- Late Career (15+ years): Earnings typically peak during this phase. Senior OB-GYNs may take on leadership or administrative roles, and those in private practice benefit from years of investment in their business.
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Geographic Location
Where you choose to practice has a massive impact on your compensation. This is often driven by supply and demand; areas with a shortage of OB-GYNs or a higher cost of living may offer higher salaries to attract talent.
- High-Paying Regions: According to Doximity, metropolitan areas like Charlotte, NC; St. Louis, MO; and Dallas, TX, are among the highest paying for physicians. Generally, states in the Midwest and Southeast tend to offer higher compensation to attract specialists than states in the Northeast.
- Lower-Paying Regions: Areas with a high concentration of physicians and academic centers, such as Boston, MA, or Baltimore, MD, often have more competition and may offer comparatively lower salaries, though this is sometimes offset by other professional opportunities.
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Company Type
The type of practice setting you work in is a primary determinant of both your salary structure and overall earning potential.
- Private Practice (Solo or Group): This setting traditionally offers the highest earning potential. Physicians who are partners in a practice earn a base salary plus a share of the profits. However, this comes with the responsibilities of running a business, including managing staff, billing, and overhead.
- Hospital or Healthcare System-Employed: A very common model where physicians are direct employees. This offers a stable, predictable salary, comprehensive benefits, and freedom from administrative burdens. While the peak earning potential might be slightly lower than a private practice partner, the stability is a major advantage.
- Academic Medical Centers: Salaries in academic settings are often lower than in private or hospital-based practice. This is compensated by other benefits, such as opportunities for research, teaching medical students and residents, and working on complex, cutting-edge cases.
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Area of Specialization
While Obstetrics and Gynecology is itself a specialty, physicians can pursue further training through fellowships (typically 2-3 years) to become subspecialists. These subspecialties require more training but almost always lead to higher compensation. The main subspecialties recognized by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) include:
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI): Focuses on managing infertility and hormonal dysfunctions. This is consistently one of the highest-paying subspecialties due to the nature of the procedures and patient population.
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM): Specializes in managing high-risk pregnancies. MFM specialists command high salaries due to the complexity and critical nature of their work.
- Gynecologic Oncology: Focuses on diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system. These physicians are highly trained surgeons and oncologists, placing them in a top-tier salary bracket.
- Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology): Treats women with pelvic floor disorders. This is also a high-earning field that combines gynecological and urological surgical skills.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for OB-GYNs is stable and positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for all physicians and surgeons, including OB-GYNs, 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: a growing and aging population requiring ongoing gynecological care, the consistent need for obstetric services, and a wave of practicing physicians approaching retirement age. This ensures a strong job market for new OB-GYNs entering the field for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist is a commitment to a challenging, intense, and deeply meaningful line of work. It is also a path that offers exceptional financial stability and high earning potential.
Key Takeaways:
- High Earning Potential: With an average salary well over $300,000, OB-GYN is one of the more lucrative medical specialties.
- Salary is Dynamic: Your earnings are not static and are heavily influenced by your years of experience, where you practice, your practice setting, and whether you subspecialize.
- Experience Pays: Expect significant salary growth after your first few years post-residency.
- Subspecialization Boosts Income: Committing to a fellowship in areas like REI or MFM can substantially increase your lifetime earnings.
- Stable Future: The demand for qualified OB-GYNs remains strong, ensuring excellent job security for those entering the profession.
For those with the dedication to navigate the rigorous training, a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology offers a rare combination of personal fulfillment, professional respect, and outstanding financial reward.