OB/GYN Job Description

ob/gyn talking with patient

Obstetrics and gynecology doctors specialize in providing women quality healthcare. They help bring new life into the world while also caring for their female patients through the many stages of life. Throughout a woman’s life an OB/GYN conducts routine check-ups to monitor health and offer advice on disease prevention and reproductive health. Some diagnostic tests they perform include pap smears and pelvic and breast exams. During pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum an OB/GYN works closely with the patient to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery for the baby and mother. An OB/GYN may also perform surgical procedures like cesarean sections, hysteroscopy, D&C, colposcopy and more.

Historic Salary Outlook

OB/GYN Salary Historic Outlook

Employment outlook for an OB/GYN is positive but growing slower than the average. This could be due to the 12 years of education and training needed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 2% job growth from 2021-2031. 400 jobs are predicted to become available in that timeframe. Many of the available positions will be replacing current OB/GYNs who are retiring or leaving the field. According to Zippia, OB/GYN salary is expected to continue to increase. From 2022 to 2023 the salary increased by 2.4% which is an encouraging jump!

Median Salary for OB/GYN

OB/GYN Percentile Salary 2023

According to Ziprecruiter the median salary for an OB/GYN in 2023 is $263,684. There are quite a few factors that play into the salary for an OB/GYN. City, state, years of experience, type of facility, and if you are independent or have a permanent position are just a few of them. As a doctor you have the option to be a “traveling doctor”, otherwise known as a locum tenen. When you are working as a locum tenen, you tend to make a higher salary. This is because locum tenens fill gaps at hospitals and are therefore in high demand for a temporary period of time. We’ll explore the difference between locum tenen and non-traveling doctors below.

Average OB/GYN Salary by State

After residency and fellowship many doctors search for a permanent position. Annual salary can be a determining factor in where you might want to go. Ziprecruiter broke down each state by annual salary below.

StateAnnual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
Alabama$210,683$17,556$4,051$101.29
Alaska$240,005$20,000$4,615$115.39
Arizona$241,869$20,155$4,651$116.28
Arkansas$253,644$21,137$4,877$121.94
California$255,670$21,305$4,916$122.92
Colorado$266,558$22,213$5,126$128.15
Connecticut$241,391$20,115$4,642$116.05
Delaware$261,610$21,800$5,030$125.77
Florida$198,445$16,537$3,816$95.41
Georgia$193,831$16,152$3,727$93.19
Hawaii$253,022$21,085$4,865$121.65
Idaho$260,562$21,713$5,010$125.27
Illinois$250,112$20,842$4,809$120.25
Indiana$233,537$19,461$4,491$112.28
Iowa$220,191$18,349$4,234$105.86
Kansas$211,581$17,631$4,068$101.72
Kentucky$268,615$22,384$5,165$129.14
Louisiana$189,061$15,755$3,635$90.89
Maine$242,052$20,171$4,654$116.37
Maryland$277,176$23,098$5,330$133.26
Massachusetts$254,622$21,218$4,896$122.41
Michigan$248,259$20,688$4,774$119.36
Minnesota$236,140$19,678$4,541$113.53
Mississippi$207,538$17,294$3,991$99.78
Missouri$244,201$20,350$4,696$117.40
Montana$230,985$19,248$4,442$111.05
Nebraska$259,752$21,646$4,995$124.88
Nevada$252,013$21,001$4,846$121.16
New Hampshire$254,324$21,193$4,890$122.27
New Jersey$240,267$20,022$4,620$115.51
New Mexico$211,496$17,624$4,067$101.68
New York$274,346$22,862$5,275$131.90
North Carolina$217,430$18,119$4,181$104.53
North Dakota$233,594$19,466$4,492$112.31
Ohio$222,586$18,548$4,280$107.01
Oklahoma$248,204$20,683$4,773$119.33
Oregon$238,657$19,888$4,589$114.74
Pennsylvania$225,731$18,810$4,340$108.52
Rhode Island$239,054$19,921$4,597$114.93
South Carolina$259,484$21,623$4,990$124.75
South Dakota$224,008$18,667$4,307$107.70
Tennessee$245,783$20,481$4,726$118.17
Texas$231,627$19,302$4,454$111.36
Utah$219,005$18,250$4,211$105.29
Vermont$250,043$20,836$4,808$120.21
Virginia$269,079$22,423$5,174$129.37
Washington$284,581$23,715$5,472$136.82
West Virginia$231,229$19,269$4,446$111.17
Wisconsin$223,331$18,610$4,294$107.37
Wyoming$240,283$20,023$4,620$115.52

Top 5 Highest Paying States for OB/GYN Salary

Washington State
  1. Washington – $284,581
  2. Maryland – $277,176
  3. New York – $274,346
  4. Virginia – $269,079
  5. Kentucky – $268,615

The highest paying state for OB/GYN is Washington State. You would make 66% more money in Washington as an OB/GYN doctor compared to working in Louisiana which is the lowest paying state. Behind Washington on the other side of the nation is Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Kentucky! Pay may be higher in these states but you should also always factor in cost of living when thinking about your take-home pay.

Average Job Salary for OB/GYN Locum Tenen

Annual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
$258,896$21,574$4978$124.47

Highest Paying Cities for OB/GYN Locum Tenen

According to Ziprecruiter the west coast, specifically California, might be the place to be for OB/GYN locum tenens. Keep in mind the cost of living in California is also high so you would want to weigh the benefits before packing your bags.

CityAnnual SalaryMonthly PayWeekly PayHourly Wage
San Jose, CA$316,031$26,335$6,077$151.94
Oakland, CA$313,512$26,126$6,029$150.73
Hayward, CA$306,586$25,548$5,895$147.40
Seattle, WA$306,449$25,537$5,893$147.33
Concord, CA$302,136$25,178$5,810$145.26

Permanent Position Versus Locum Tenen

As an OB/GYN doctor in a permanent position, your schedule and salary is mostly predictable. With your salary you may also get incentive pay based on performance indicators and productivity. If you are a creature of habit or value security and time with family, this may be an ideal career path for you.

The other side of the fence is locum tenen. As a locum tenen you fill vacancies at hospitals on a temporary basis until a full-time provider is hired on. Sometimes these contracts are just a few days, other times you could be filling in for months at a time.

Pros of Locum TenenCons of Locum Tenen
Flexibility – choose your scheduleTime away from family
Increased hourly wageAdapt to new facility and co-workers
Opportunity to travelCancelled contracts
Minimal admin dutiesNavigating new location

The benefit of locums is the flexibility. You get to choose your schedule and when you want to work. If you want off during the summer and want to work just during the winter months, that is possible! Since the demand is high, your hourly wage will also most likely be higher.

OB/GYN Locum Tenen Jobs Near Me

To work as a locum tenen you need to get linked up with a healthcare agency. Lucky for you, you’re in the right place! At PRN Healthcare we place OB/GYN doctors in locum contracts throughout the nation. We would love to help you on your next career venture.