If you are researching a career in obstetrics and gynecology or evaluating job opportunities, one of the first questions that comes up is simple but important: how much do OBGYN make? The short answer is that OB-GYN salaries are generally strong, but the full picture is more complex than a single number.
OB-GYN compensation varies widely depending on location, experience, practice environment, and how physicians choose to practice medicine. Some OB-GYNs earn a comfortable, predictable income in hospital systems, while others increase earning potential through private practice or locum tenens work. Understanding these differences helps physicians make decisions based on both income and long-term career goals.
What is the Average OB-GYN Salary in the U.S.?
When people search for how much do obgyn make, they are usually looking for a national benchmark. Across the country, the average annual salary for OB-GYN physicians consistently places the specialty among higher-earning physician roles.
Reported salaries often show a wide range. This is because average salary, median salary, and total compensation can reflect very different realities. Some data focuses on base pay only, while other sources include bonuses, call pay, or productivity incentives. To put this into context, many physician salary reports show OB-GYNs earning a competitive salary compared to other medical specialties. However, salary alone is only part of the equation. Work hours, call schedules, insurance costs, and work-life balance all influence how attractive a compensation package truly is.
OB-GYN Salary Range by Experience Level
Experience plays a major role in determining income. OB-GYNs tend to see noticeable increases in earnings as they move from early career roles into more established positions.
Starting Salary After Residency
Newly trained OB-GYN physicians entering full-time employment often start at the lower end of the salary range. Early career compensation is influenced by employer type, patient populations, and whether the role includes obstetrics call coverage. Hospital employment is common at this stage and offers stability, mentorship, and structured schedules.
Although starting pay may be lower than long-term averages, many employers offer sign-on bonuses, loan repayment support, and benefits that add meaningful value beyond base salary.
Mid-Career OB-GYN Earnings
As physicians gain experience, earnings typically rise. Mid-career OB-GYNs often negotiate better compensation, improved schedules, and leadership opportunities within clinics or health systems. At this stage, total compensation may include productivity incentives, bonuses, or expanded benefits.
Many physicians at this point also begin making decisions based on lifestyle advantages rather than salary alone. Reduced call hours, predictable schedules, or a shift in practice environment can be just as important as pay.
Top Earners and Senior OB-GYNs
Senior OB-GYNs and those in leadership roles often reach the highest income levels. Ownership stakes in private practices, administrative roles, or specialization within obstetrics and gynecology can all increase earnings. However, higher pay often comes with increased responsibility, longer hours, or long-term commitment to a specific practice.
OB-GYN Salary by State
Location remains one of the strongest drivers of OB-GYN salary. States with physician shortages, rural areas, or growing demand for medical care often offer higher pay to attract talent.
Before looking at specific states, it helps to understand why location matters. Cost of living, malpractice insurance, patient volume, and employer competition all influence compensation. For example, some states offer higher salaries to offset increased insurance costs or to attract physicians to underserved regions.
Common factors that push state-level salaries higher include:
- Physician shortages in rural or underserved areas
- Higher call coverage needs
- Competitive recruiting markets among health systems
How Much Do OB-GYNs Make in New York and NYC?
New York is often a point of interest when discussing OB-GYN salaries. While the state offers strong earning potential, salaries can vary significantly between New York City and other regions.
In NYC, OB-GYNs often earn competitive salaries but face higher living costs, higher insurance premiums, and busier practice environments. In contrast, OB-GYNs practicing outside major metro areas may see slightly lower base pay but benefit from lower costs and different lifestyle tradeoffs.
For physicians evaluating jobs in New York, salary should always be considered alongside hours, call expectations, patient volume, and overall practice environment.
OB-GYN Salary by Practice Setting
How OB-GYNs choose to practice medicine has a direct impact on income and daily work life. Compensation structures differ significantly by setting, and each option offers distinct advantages and challenges.
Hospital-Employed OB-GYNs
Hospital employment remains one of the most common paths. These roles typically offer stable income, benefits, retirement plans, and predictable compensation models. Many OB-GYNs value the administrative support and access to resources that hospital systems provide. However, hospital roles may include fixed schedules and required call coverage, which can affect work-life balance.
Private Practice OB-GYNs
Private practice can offer higher earning potential, especially for physicians who take on leadership or ownership roles. Income may increase over time as the practice grows, but so do responsibilities related to staffing, insurance, and overhead costs.
For many physicians, private practice is a long-term commitment that rewards business involvement alongside clinical work.
Outpatient Clinics and Women’s Health Centers
Outpatient clinics often provide more predictable schedules with reduced call requirements. While compensation may be slightly lower than hospital or private practice roles, many OB-GYNs choose this setting for improved lifestyle balance and focused patient care.
How Much Do OB-GYNs Make Per Hour?
Annual salary numbers can be difficult to compare, which is why many physicians look at hourly pay instead. Converting the average annual salary into an hourly rate provides clearer insight, especially when comparing full-time employment with locum tenens assignments.
Hourly earnings vary based on hours worked, call requirements, and practice type. OB-GYNs who work locum tenens assignments often earn higher hourly rates, particularly in rural areas or high-demand regions. However, locum tenens work may not include benefits such as insurance or retirement contributions.
What Factors Have the Biggest Impact on OB-GYN Pay?
Several factors consistently influence OB-GYN compensation. Understanding these helps physicians make informed career decisions beyond headline salary numbers.
Before listing these factors, it is important to note that salary is only part of total compensation. Many physicians evaluate roles based on schedule flexibility, long-term sustainability, and job satisfaction.
Key factors affecting OB-GYN salary include:
- Location and regional demand
- Call coverage and obstetrics responsibilities
- Practice environment and employer type
- Productivity incentives and RVU structures
- Insurance and malpractice costs
Each of these elements contributes to earning potential and quality of life.
Bonuses, RVUs, and Total Compensation
An OB-GYN’s salary often includes more than base pay. Many employers offer bonuses tied to productivity, patient volume, or quality metrics. RVU-based compensation models reward physicians for clinical output, which can significantly increase earnings for high-volume practices.
Sign-on bonuses, relocation assistance, and loan repayment programs are also common. When evaluating job offers, physicians should always review total compensation rather than focusing on salary alone.
What Do OB-GYNs Actually Take Home?
One of the most overlooked aspects of OB-GYN income is take-home pay. Gross salary does not reflect taxes, insurance premiums, or other deductions that affect net income.
Expenses that commonly reduce take-home pay include:
- Federal and state taxes
- Malpractice insurance premiums
- Health insurance and retirement contributions
Understanding these costs provides a more realistic picture of income and long-term financial planning.
Conclusion
OB-GYN salaries in the U.S. are generally strong, but there is no single number that applies to everyone. How much an OB-GYN makes depends on experience level, location, call responsibilities, and practice setting. Hospital-employed physicians often trade higher stability and benefits for slightly lower earning ceilings, while private practice owners and senior physicians may earn more over time with added responsibility. Geographic demand, cost of living, and malpractice costs also play a major role, which is why salaries vary widely by state and region. Looking at total compensation, work hours, and long-term sustainability provides a clearer picture than salary alone.
At Rego Park Diagnostic & Treatment Center, we understand how important it is for OB-GYNs to have reliable clinical partners and efficient diagnostic support to focus on patient care and long-term career growth. Our team works closely with physicians to provide high-quality imaging services that support women’s health and streamline clinical workflows. Contact us today to learn how we can support your practice and help you deliver exceptional care with confidence.
FAQs
How much do OB-GYNs make right out of residency?
New OB-GYNs typically start at the lower end of the salary range, with compensation influenced by location, employer type, and call requirements. Many early-career physicians receive additional incentives, such as sign-on bonuses or loan repayment.
Do OB-GYNs make more than other physicians?
OB-GYNs generally earn competitive salaries compared to many physician specialties. However, income varies widely depending on practice environment and workload.
Is OB-GYN a high-paying specialty long term?
For many physicians, obstetrics and gynecology offer strong long-term earning potential. Leadership roles, private practice ownership, and specialization can increase income over time.
Are locum tenens OB-GYN jobs higher paying?
Locum tenens work often offers higher hourly pay, particularly in high-demand regions. However, these roles may not include benefits and require flexibility in location and schedule.
