According to Medscape’s 2024 OB/GYN Salary Report, last year saw modest growth in average salaries for OB/GYN physicians, with an increase of $15,000. However, many physicians still need help with the pressures of long hours, high patient volumes, and the challenge of balancing work/life demands.
Average income for OB/GYNs in 2023
As of 2023, the average obstetrics and gynecology salary was the 17th highest among the specialties surveyed, with an average annual income of $352,000. That puts OB/GYNs squarely in the middle third of how their earnings compare to colleagues of other specialties.
For OB/GYNs, compensation growth was modest in 2023, with growth of over 4% year over year. OB/GYNs saw an average pay increase of $15,000 from 2022’s average of $337,000.
How OB/GYN pay compares with select specialties
See the full list: How physician pay compares by specialty
How much does potential pay matter when choosing to be an OB/GYN?
Financial compensation is often a consideration when choosing a specialty, but for many OB/GYNs, it was not the primary factor. According to Medscape’s 2024 report, 88% of OB/GYNs indicated that potential earnings had no influence or only a minor influence on their decision to pursue obstetrics and gynecology. Only 1% of obstetricians and gynecologists reported that pay was a primary factor in their choice of specialty.
Do OB/GYNs feel fairly compensated?
While the potential for higher pay didn’t heavily influence their specialty choice, OB/GYNs still feel underpaid for their work. Fifty-eight percent of the OB/GYNs surveyed don’t believe they are fairly compensated, a sentiment that surpasses the 51% average across all surveyed specialties.
Less than half of OB/GYNs are satisfied with their pay
OB/GYNs pay satisfaction is in the bottom third of satisfaction compared to physicians in other areas of specialization.
OB/GYN’s happiness with pay compared to other select specialties
See the full list: OB/GYN happiness with pay compared to other specialty
When asked about all practicing physicians, 68% of OB/GYNs felt that most physicians are underpaid. This sentiment is notably higher than the general public’s perception. A study by the University of Chicago found that only 11% of Americans believe doctors are underpaid, highlighting a significant gap between how physicians and the general public view compensation in the healthcare field.
What OB/GYNs think about physician pay in the U.S.
This widespread belief among OB/GYNs that they — and other physicians — are underpaid might reflect the increasing pressures and demands medical professionals face. Rising student loan debts, mounting regulatory requirements, and the emotional toll of patient care contribute to the perception that their compensation doesn’t fully match the level of responsibility and effort involved in their work.
OB/GYN Dr. Jeanine Ricca, who works locum tenens full-time, says, “I almost left medicine completely. It was that horrible, and I just felt totally beaten down. Then I decided to do some locums, and while doing locums, I fell back in love with practicing medicine.”
When Dr. Ricca realized she could reduce burnout with a more flexible work arrangement, she didn’t hesitate to pursue OB/GYN locum tenens work.
OB/GYNs who work extra to supplement their income
Nearly four in 10 OB/GYNs took on extra work to supplement their income in 2023, which is about the same rate as physicians (35-38%).
Of the 39% of OB/GYNs who pursued side hustles, most jobs were related to medicine. A full 13% of these doctors pursued medical moonlighting, which includes locum tenens. Only 7% of OB/GYN survey respondents who are earning supplemental income cite pursuing work outside of the medical field.
Are OB/GYNs taking extra work to boost their income?
What OB/GYNs find most rewarding
OB/GYNs have a lot to love about their jobs. Nearly a third of respondents said that the most rewarding part of their job was the gratitude received and relationships built with their patients. Twenty-nine percent of respondents find fulfillment in being good at their job and successfully diagnosing patients.
Job satisfaction is further underscored by helping others — and knowing that they are making the world a better place and making good money at a job they like. Teaching others and being proud of being a doctor are other everyday joys on the job.
What OB/GYNs find most challenging
Not every day is full of healthy patients and happy babies. OB/GYNs experience some frustrations on the job. Working long hours displeased 22% of respondents in 2023, ranking as the most challenging aspect of an OB/GYN’s job. Other difficulties, like dealing with difficult patients and worrying about being sued, are also leading to the challenges of being an OB/GYN.
Many respondents raised common themes of “nonmedical personnel dictating how I practice medicine” and an “emphasis on quantity and not quality.”
OB/GYN Dr. Jenny Underwood finds that locum tenens has given her a better work/life balance that enables her to enjoy her work. “I don’t think I’ll ever take a permanent job because locums gives me that flexibility.”
“When I’m back home, I’m totally focused on my family because I’m not charting, I’m not taking call, and I’m not distracted,” she adds.
OB/GYN Dr. Andrea Cobb turned to locums for similar reasons — to “work around family commitments and those kinds of things. You have full control over that as long as you’re willing to be flexible with your salary, too.” This flexibility is a key factor driving many OB/GYNs toward locum tenens.
OB/GYNs are in high demand as locum tenens physicians. Give us a call at 954.343.3050 to learn more or view today’s locum tenens OB/GYN job opportunities.
