Obstetricians and Gynecologists Salary 2025: $292,910 Median, Top States Over $430K

How much Obstetricians and Gynecologists earn

The BLS reports 21,260 OB/GYNs employed nationally as of May 2024. The mean annual wage is $279,040, though the median — the midpoint where half earn more and half less — is $292,910. That slight difference between mean and median suggests a fairly balanced distribution, with a long tail at the high end. The 10th percentile starts at $94,680 and the 90th percentile reaches $437,300. This wide range reflects geographic disparities, practice settings (private vs. hospital-employed), and experience levels.

Pay by state

Location is the biggest driver of OB/GYN pay. The five highest-paying states all average above $400,000: Utah ($437,170), Alaska ($421,450), Vermont ($418,760), North Dakota ($414,060), and Louisiana ($404,550). These states often have rural shortages or high cost-of-living adjustments. At the bottom, Ohio ($181,520), Rhode Island ($166,390), and North Carolina ($134,540) significantly undercut the national average. Before you move, remember that state-level averages mask local variation — a hospital in a low-paying state might still offer competitive pay to recruit talent.

How to become Obstetricians and Gynecologist

The path to becoming an OB/GYN is long and demanding. You'll need a bachelor's degree with pre-med coursework, then a medical degree (MD or DO) from an accredited medical school — that's four years. After medical school, complete a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology. During residency, you'll train in both surgical and clinical care. Most states require a medical license (passing USMLE or COMLEX steps) and board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Some OB/GYNs pursue fellowships in subspecialties like maternal-fetal medicine or reproductive endocrinology, adding 2–3 years. Total time from high school to board-certified OB/GYN is typically 12–14 years.

• Bachelor's degree (4 years) with biology, chemistry, physics, calculus
• Medical school (4 years) leading to MD or DO
• OB/GYN residency (4 years) at an accredited program
• State medical license and ABOG board certification
• Optional subspecialty fellowship (2–3 years)

Job outlook

The BLS projects employment of OB/GYNs will grow 1.2% from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 600 job openings per year, mostly from retirees and physicians leaving the field. The slow growth is partly due to stable birth rates and increased use of nurse-midwives and primary care for routine gynecological care. However, demand remains steady in rural and underserved areas, and the high salary reflects the specialized skill set required. For new graduates, competition for jobs in desirable metro areas can be stiff, but opportunities in community hospitals and private practice still exist.

Frequently asked questions