Pursuing a career as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a significant commitment of time, energy, and finances. It is also a pathway to a profoundly rewarding profession with excellent financial stability and career longevity. If you're considering this path, understanding the earning potential is a crucial piece of the puzzle. While salaries can vary widely, a DO's compensation is substantial, often starting well into the six-figure range and climbing to over $400,000 annually depending on specialization and experience.
This guide will provide a data-driven look at what a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine can expect to earn, the key factors that influence salary, and the promising 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 all areas of medicine. Like their Medical Doctor (MD) counterparts, DOs diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order diagnostic tests, and perform surgery. They are qualified to practice in any medical specialty, from family medicine to neurosurgery.
The key distinction in their training is the osteopathic philosophy, which emphasizes a "whole-person" approach to care. This holistic perspective considers the interconnectedness of the body's systems and includes additional training in the musculoskeletal system. DOs learn a set of hands-on techniques called Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury.
In practice, a DO's daily responsibilities are determined by their chosen specialty. However, they all share the same fundamental goal: providing comprehensive medical care to their patients.
Average Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Salary
When discussing physician salaries, it's important to note that most data sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), group DOs and MDs together as "Physicians and Surgeons." This is because, in the professional world, compensation is determined by factors like specialty, location, and experience—not the type of medical degree (DO vs. MD).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $239,200 in May 2023. This figure represents the midpoint, with half of all physicians earning more and half earning less.
Reputable salary aggregators provide a more detailed range:
- Salary.com reports the average salary for a Physician - Osteopathic Medicine in the United States is $224,990 as of May 2024, with a typical range falling between $194,890 and $251,490.
- Payscale shows a broader range, with a reported average base salary of approximately $207,000 per year. The range spans from around $80,000 (likely reflecting resident physicians) to over $310,000 for experienced practitioners.
A crucial takeaway is that newly minted DOs completing their residency will see a significant salary increase. Resident salaries are typically in the $60,000 to $85,000 range, but this jumps dramatically once they become fully practicing, board-certified attending physicians.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
A physician's salary is not a single number but a complex calculation influenced by several critical variables. Understanding these factors will give you a clearer picture of your potential earnings as a DO.
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Level of Education and Post-Doctoral Training
While all practicing DOs hold a doctorate, the "level of education" that most significantly impacts salary is the post-doctoral training: residency and fellowship. After medical school, every DO must complete a residency program in a chosen specialty, which can last from three to seven years.
- Shorter Residencies (e.g., Primary Care): A three-year residency in Family Medicine or Pediatrics leads to a solid attending salary.
- Longer Residencies (e.g., Surgical Specialties): A five-year residency in Orthopedic Surgery or a six-year residency in Plastic Surgery requires more training time but leads to a much higher earning potential upon completion.
- Fellowships: Completing an additional one-to-three-year fellowship to sub-specialize (e.g., a Cardiology fellowship after an Internal Medicine residency) dramatically increases earning potential compared to remaining a general internist.
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Years of Experience
Experience plays a direct and predictable role in a DO's compensation.
- Resident Physician (0-5 years post-med school): As mentioned, salaries are modest and standardized, typically ranging from $60,000 to $85,000.
- Early Career (1-5 years post-residency): This is where the largest salary jump occurs. A new attending physician will begin earning a full market-rate salary for their specialty.
- Mid-Career (6-15 years): Earnings continue to grow with experience, reputation, and patient volume. Physicians may also take on leadership roles or become partners in a private practice, boosting their income.
- Late Career (16+ years): Salaries tend to plateau but remain high. At this stage, physicians may choose to reduce hours, focus on teaching, or transition into administrative roles.
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Geographic Location
Where you choose to practice has a massive impact on your salary. The BLS identifies the following states as top-paying for physicians and surgeons:
1. Montana: $347,880
2. South Dakota: $332,600
3. Wyoming: $324,530
4. Indiana: $321,200
5. Wisconsin: $312,250
Interestingly, states with a higher demand for physicians, particularly in rural areas, often offer higher compensation to attract talent. It is essential to balance a high salary against the local cost of living. A $250,000 salary in a low-cost state like Indiana may provide a better quality of life than a $280,000 salary in a high-cost state like California or New York.
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Company Type (Practice Setting)
The type of organization a DO works for is a primary driver of compensation structure and potential.
- Private Practice (Owner/Partner): This setting offers the highest income potential. In addition to a clinical salary, owners share in the practice's profits. However, it also comes with the risks and responsibilities of running a business.
- Hospital or Health System Employee: This is the most common model today. It provides a stable, predictable salary, excellent benefits, and relief from administrative burdens. While the ceiling may be lower than for a practice owner, the floor is very high and secure.
- Academic Medical Center: DOs working in academia typically earn less than their counterparts in private practice. This difference is offset by opportunities for teaching, research, and working on complex, cutting-edge cases.
- Government: Physicians working for the government (e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Military) have standardized pay scales, exceptional job security, and outstanding benefits, including robust loan forgiveness programs.
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Area of Specialization
Perhaps the single greatest factor in determining a DO's salary is their chosen medical specialty. There is a significant and well-documented gap between primary care compensation and that of surgical and other procedure-heavy specialties.
According to Doximity's 2023 Physician Compensation Report, the disparity is clear:
Top-Earning Specialties:
- Neurosurgery: $763,908
- Thoracic Surgery: $720,634
- Orthopedic Surgery: $654,815
- Plastic Surgery: $619,812
- Cardiology: $565,496
Lower-Earning (but still high-income) Specialties:
- Pediatric Endocrinology: $217,969
- Pediatric Infectious Disease: $221,774
- Family Medicine: $274,929
- Pediatrics: $251,462
- Internal Medicine: $295,781
Many DOs are drawn to primary care fields like Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics, aligning with the holistic principles of osteopathic medicine. While these specialties are on the lower end of the physician pay scale, they still provide an excellent income and a high quality of life.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine is exceptionally strong. The BLS projects employment for physicians and surgeons to 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 and the continued expansion of healthcare access. As the osteopathic profession continues to grow in size and recognition, DOs will remain an essential and in-demand part of the American healthcare system, ensuring excellent job security for decades to come.
Conclusion
A career as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a pathway to a secure, respected, and financially prosperous life. While the average salary is well over $200,000, your individual earning potential is largely in your hands. The choices you make regarding your medical specialty, where you decide to practice, and the type of employment model you pursue will be the most significant determinants of your compensation.
For those aspiring to enter this field, the financial rewards are clear. More importantly, they are paired with the unparalleled personal reward of using your skills to heal others and make a tangible difference in their lives.