The median pay for Obstetricians and Gynecologists is $292,910 a year ($140.82/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 1.7% through 2035, with about 500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
- SOC 29-1218
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Obstetrician and Gynecologist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $292,910a year, or $140.82/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $95KTop 10% $437K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +1.7%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+1.7%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +1.7% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 50022,800 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202522.8K
- Projected 203523.2K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 22.8K Projected 2035 23.2K - Typical education
- Doctorateneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Professional degree3.5%
- Doctorate22.5%
- Post-doctoral training74%
Highest education held by obstetricians and gynecologists Segment Value Professional degree 3.5% Doctorate 22.5% Post-doctoral training 74%
Also advertised as: GYN (Gynecologist), MD (Medical Doctor), OB (Obstetrician), OB/GYN (Obstetrician Gynecologist), OBGYN (Obstetrician and Gynecologist), OBGYN MD (Obstetrics Gynecology Medical Doctor).
Pay
How much do Obstetricians and Gynecologists make?
Every obstetrician and gynecologist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$292,910
Middle half earn $179,810 to $369,390
- 10th
- $94,680
- 25th
- $179,810
- 75th
- $369,390
- 90th
- $437,300
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $94,680 |
| 25th | $179,810 |
| Median | $292,910 |
| 75th | $369,390 |
| 90th | $437,300 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $292,910
- Median hourly wage
- $140.82/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $279,040
- People employed
- 21,260
Versus all US occupations
At $292,910, Obstetricians and Gynecologists earn 475% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $241,930 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Inside the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $102,760, this is 185% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $437,300 or more while the bottom 10% earn $94,680, a gap of 4.6×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 98% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Utah posts the highest raw median ($437,170), but once local prices are taken into account North Dakota leads at $465,450 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Obstetricians and Gynecologists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Utah | $437,170 | $442,193 | 200 |
| 2Alaska | $421,450 | $411,737 | 50 |
| 3Vermont | $418,760 | $427,489 | 90 |
| 4North Dakota | $414,060 | $465,450 | 70 |
| 5Louisiana | $404,550 | $458,637 | 80 |
| 6Oregon | $395,340 | $382,485 | 270 |
| 7Maine | $379,930 | $391,479 | 100 |
| 8Oklahoma | $370,260 | $421,502 | 60 |
| 9Arizona | $369,720 | $367,234 | 130 |
| 10Iowa | $356,020 | $405,665 | 180 |
Job outlook
Is Obstetrician and Gynecologist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +1.7% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | +1.7% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to change 1.7% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 500 openings are projected each year, 2.2% of the 22,800 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of physicians and surgeons varies by occupation (see table). An increasing number of older adults, who are more likely than younger people to experience health problems and to need complex care, is expected to drive overall employment growth for physicians and surgeons.
In addition, increasing rates of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, will result in continued reliance on physicians and surgeons by large numbers of people seeking medical care.
Getting in
How to become an Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Physicians and surgeons typically need a bachelor’s degree as well as a degree from a medical school, which takes an additional 4 years to complete. Depending on their specialty, they also need 3 to 9 years in internship and residency programs. Subspecialization includes additional training in a fellowship of 1 to 3 years.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Doctoral or professional degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Internship/residency
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Considerable preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as obstetricians and gynecologists.
- Post-Doctoral Training74%
- Doctoral Degree22.5%
- First Professional Degree3.5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Doctoral Training | 74% |
| Doctoral Degree | 22.5% |
| First Professional Degree | 3.5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist do?
Provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general care to women. May perform both medical and gynecological surgery functions.
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.
There are two types of physicians, with similar degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they work in all specialties.
Day-to-day tasks
- Treat diseases of female organs.
- Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical histories, reports, or examination results.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
- Prescribe or administer therapy, medication, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
- Consult with or provide consulting services to other physicians.
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioner when necessary.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most physicians and surgeons work full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Many physicians and surgeons work long shifts, which may include irregular and overnight hours or being on call. Physicians and surgeons may travel between their offices and the hospital to care for patients. While on call, a physician may need to address a patient’s concerns over the phone or make an emergency visit to another location, such as a nursing home.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantConstant contact with other people.
Face-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantDealing with customers or the public is very important.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking4.4
- Reading Comprehension4.3
- Active Listening4.1
- Active Learning4.1
- Writing4.0
- Speaking4.0
- Monitoring4.0
- Science3.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 4.4 |
| Reading Comprehension | 4.3 |
| Active Listening | 4.1 |
| Active Learning | 4.1 |
| Writing | 4.0 |
| Speaking | 4.0 |
| Monitoring | 4.0 |
| Science | 3.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving4.0
- Judgment and Decision Making4.0
- Social Perceptiveness3.9
- Coordination3.9
- Time Management3.8
- Service Orientation3.6
- Instructing3.1
- Systems Analysis3.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 4.0 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.9 |
| Coordination | 3.9 |
| Time Management | 3.8 |
| Service Orientation | 3.6 |
| Instructing | 3.1 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Medical software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Electronic mail software
- Internet browser software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Obstetrician and Gynecologist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 6 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 5 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with teaching, helping and working directly with other people.
- Investigative5.5
- Social5.5
- Realistic4.6
- Conventional3.7
- Enterprising2.7
- Artistic1.4
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Obstetrician and Gynecologist
O*NET related occupations
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
More healthcare practitioners and technical careers
Median annual pay, with obstetricians and gynecologists highlighted
- Anesthesiologist$391,490
- Obstetrician and Gynecologist$292,910
- Physician Assistant$135,880
- Nurse Practitioner$132,300
- Physical Therapist$102,760
- Dental Hygienist$98,100
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer$96,590
- Radiologic Technologist and Technician$80,110
- Surgical Technologist$64,650
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $391,490 |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist | $292,910 |
| Physician Assistant | $135,880 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,300 |
| Physical Therapist | $102,760 |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,100 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $96,590 |
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician | $80,110 |
| Surgical Technologist | $64,650 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within obstetrician and gynecologist
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Obstetrician and Gynecologist appears on
Questions
Obstetrician and Gynecologist: frequently asked questions
How much do Obstetricians and Gynecologists make?
Obstetricians and Gynecologists earn a median of $292,910 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 475% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $140.82/hr. The middle half earn between $179,810 and $369,390. The top 10% earn $437,300 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
Yes, and beyond a bachelor's: BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry requirement for Obstetricians and Gynecologists. BLS also lists internship/residency as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 74.0% hold post-doctoral training.
Is Obstetrician and Gynecologist a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 1.7% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Obstetrician and Gynecologist do?
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. A core O*NET task: treat diseases of female organs. Employers most often ask for Medical software, Office suite software, Spreadsheet software.
Which states pay Obstetricians and Gynecologists the most?
The highest state medians for Obstetricians and Gynecologists are Utah ($437,170), Alaska ($421,450), Vermont ($418,760) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, North Dakota moves to the top at $465,450.
What personality type suits an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?
O*NET scores Obstetricians and Gynecologists highest on the Investigative, Social and Realistic interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with teaching, helping and working directly with other people. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ISTJ, ISFJ, ISTP. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.