How Much Do OB-GYN Doctors Make?

The medical field is known to be a well-paying one, but a number of factors play into exactly how well-compensated a physician is. Generally, doctors earn more than the average worker, but expenses such as student loans and malpractice insurance can quickly offset that high income. The specialty a doctor chooses will also determine how much they earn; for example, a plastic surgeon is likely to garner a higher salary than physicians in many other specialties.

Average Salary for OB-GYNs

The average annual salary for Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) falls somewhere in the middle of physicians’ earnings, according to Medscape. According to the 2023 Medscape OB/GYN Compensation Report, the average salary for OB-GYN doctors is $337,000, up slightly from the 2022 report. While the specialty ranks well above Public Health & Preventive Medicine and Pediatrics ($249,000 and $251,000, respectively), OB-GYNs earn significantly less than plastic surgeons ($619,000).

While not as high as some specialties, an OB-GYN can still provide a nice life during their career and save for retirement without feeling like they’re missing out—if they manage their money well.

Incentive Bonuses and Other Income Sources

Overall, 57% of surveyed physicians have an incentive bonus arrangement. OB-GYN doctors specifically reported an average incentive bonus of $57,000, higher than in 2022 ($49,000). OB-GYN’s average incentive bonus was about average among the surveyed medical specialties. In comparison, Orthopedics reported six-figure average incentive bonuses, while Pediatrics checked in with the lowest bonuses at $31,000.

To ensure you’re being fairly compensated, it is helpful to look at other data sources. Other average salaries you can find from surveys conducted include:

• MGMA: $379,759 (General)
• AMGA: $357,266
• Doximity: $335,000
• AAMC: $312,000 (this survey only includes academics)
• Merritt Hawkins: $291,000

Compensation Satisfaction and Economic Trends

Although OB-GYN’s average salary falls near the middle of the physicians’ earning range, compensation satisfaction is near the bottom of all the specialties. Less than half (45%) of OB-GYN doctors feel that they are fairly compensated, just above Nephrology (43%), Internal Medicine (43%), Ophthalmology (42%), and Infectious Diseases (35%).

Economic factors also play a role. OB-GYN’s average compensation in 2023 increased by only $1,000 from 2022, leading to what amounts to a 0% increase. Furthermore, when adjusted for inflation, Medicare physician payment had decreased by 33% since 2001. This environment underscores that, for many physicians, real earnings have not kept pace with rising costs and declining payment rates.

Strategies for Increasing Income

One of the most important things that you can do to earn more for your work is to negotiate your pay and the terms of your contract. Many doctors wind up with bad contracts that leave them improperly compensated, facing high costs and non-compete agreements that restrict their future opportunities. If you’re a medical student considering obstetrics and gynecology as a specialty or a current physician looking to switch career paths, this information can be helpful in knowing what to expect.