
The average salary of an obstetrician/gynecologist is more than USD 200,000 per annum. However, experienced OB/GYNs could earn up to USD 400,000 per year. This CareerStint write-up provides information on the factors affecting the salary of OB/GYNs.
OB stands for obstetrics/obstetrician, whereas GYN stands for gynecology/gynecologist. Specialized education and training helps an obstetrician in the management of pregnancy, labor, and the time immediately following childbirth, whereas a gynecologist is a physician who is trained to diagnose and treat disorders related to the female reproductive system. Though obstetrics and gynecology are varied fields, the education and training for obstetrics and gynecology takes place concurrently. Thus, an OB/GYN is a physician who delivers babies, and treats diseases of the female reproductive organs. He/she helps in the prevention and treatment of medical conditions related to the female reproductive organs. Hence, doctors who have specialized in this field have thorough knowledge about women’s reproductive health, gynecological problems, pregnancy, childbirth, and other associated problems.
Medical jobs are listed as the highest paying jobs in the United States. OB/GYNs have a good annual income, but their salary varies depending on factors such as geographical location, employer/organization, years of experience, etc. A doctor having certifications in more than one specialization earns much higher than those with only one specialization.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2014, the mean annual wage and the mean hourly wage for this occupation was USD 214,750 and USD 103.25, respectively.
The top paying industries for the occupation of OB/GYNs included:
➻ Specialty hospitals
➻ Outpatient care centers
➻ Offices of physicians
➻ Local government
➻ General medical and surgical hospitals
The top paying states included:
➻ Wisconsin
➻ Iowa
➻ Idaho
➻ South Dakota
➻ Nevada
States with the highest employment level in this occupation included:
➻ California
➻ New York
➻ Texas
➻ Florida
➻ Ohio
While OB/GYNs working in hospitals or clinic earn more than USD 200,00 per year, qualified and experienced self-employed OB-GYNs have a higher annual income that could reach up to USD 400,000.
According to the Medscape’s 2014 compensation report, male OB/GYNs earn more than their female counterparts. The highest earners lived in the Great Lakes and North Central regions (USD 264,000 and USD 251,000, respectively), whereas those living in the Northeast (USD 234,000) and the Southeast ($237,000) were the lowest and second lowest earners among OB/GYNs.
Highest earners were the OB/GYNs working for healthcare organizations, with the annual income of USD 273,000, followed by those working in office-based multi-specialty group practice (USD 271,000), office-based single-specialty group practice (USD 255,000), hospitals (USD 228,000), office-based solo practice (USD 212,000), academic/research/military, government (USD 209,000), and outpatient clinics (USD 207,000).
In general, the average salary of an OB/GYN falls somewhere between USD 150,000 to USD 250,000. Indeed, it requires rigorous training and patience to get certified in multiple specializations. However, a plus point with more than one specialization is a higher pay scale than other physicians with only one certification. With more than one certification and years of experience, the salary of an OB/GYN salary may go up to 400,000 per year.
The following table provides data about the median salary in the states.
Alabama | USD 218,983 |
Alaska | USD 291,203 |
Arizona | USD 252,256 |
Arkansas | USD 212,586 |
California | USD 285,193 |
Colorado | USD 260,690 |
Connecticut | USD 286,251 |
Delaware | USD 279,674 |
District of Columbia | USD 284,755 |
Florida | USD 249,341 |
Georgia | USD 233,169 |
Hawaii | USD 279,983 |
Idaho | USD 249,083 |
Illinois | USD 271,239 |
Indiana | USD 237,476 |
Iowa | USD 209,517 |
Kansas | USD 239,411 |
Kentucky | USD 226,746 |
Louisiana | USD 210,574 |
Maine | USD 245,833 |
Maryland | USD 264,946 |
Massachusetts | USD 278,565 |
Michigan | USD 268,970 |
Minnesota | USD 269,924 |
Mississippi | USD 236,135 |
Missouri | USD 253,855 |
Montana | USD 226,463 |
Nebraska | USD 243,925 |
Nevada | USD 266,751 |
New Hampshire | USD 272,374 |
New Jersey | USD 277,636 |
New Mexico | USD 196,414 |
New York | USD 248,000 |
North Carolina | USD 233,066 |
North Dakota | USD 233,943 |
Ohio | USD 245,627 |
Oklahoma | USD 216,584 |
Oregon | USD 266,184 |
Pennsylvania | USD 251,327 |
Rhode Island | USD 270,930 |
South Carolina | USD 237,554 |
South Dakota | USD 149,084 |
Tennessee | USD 233,865 |
Texas | USD 227,623 |
Utah | USD 237,244 |
Vermont | USD 240,262 |
Virginia | USD 284,755 |
Washington | USD 269,872 |
West Virginia | USD 226,437 |
Wisconsin | USD 245,085 |
Wyoming | USD 235,155 |
The education and training for OB/GYN is very strenuous. In order to become an obstetrician/gynecologist, one has to complete a four-year undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. It’s advisable to take up courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Thereafter, the aspirants would have to pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) to gain entry into accredited medical school. They have to complete the 4-year medical school program, during which the aspiring OB/GYNs can choose to take up classes that focus on obstetrics and gynecology. They must complete an internship and residency in a hospital. The residency lasts for 3-4 years. If pursuing a specialization, they need to complete a fellowship program that might last for 2-4 years. OB/GYNs can specialize in gynecological oncology, infertility treatment, or gynecological surgery. Those who hold such specializations can expect to earn more.
On a concluding note, factors such as the geographical location, experience, specialization, work settings, etc., can affect the salary of Obstretrician/Gynecologists (OB/GYNs). The good job prospects can be linked to the increased growth in the healthcare sector with respect to rise in population. The employment growth for all physicians, which includes OB/GYNs, is higher than any other occupation.