01/08/2026
OBGYN Salary Guide for 2026
Subscribe to our newsletter
By subscribing you agree to with our Privacy Policy.
Whether you're a resident planning your future, a seasoned practitioner considering a change, or simply curious about the financial landscape, understanding the factors that shape OBGYN compensation is crucial to establishing your ideal practice.
This article delves deep into the latest data, breaking down national averages, geographic hotspots, and the variables that can impact your paycheck. We'll also explore the unique earning dynamics of locum tenens work and see how OBGYN salaries stack up against other medical fields.
Our goal is to provide you with the insights you need to strategically evaluate your career path and ensure your compensation aligns with your exceptional expertise.
Understanding OBGYN Salary
- How Much Does an OBGYN Make?
- Do Locums OBGYNs Earn More?
- What Factors Impact OGYN Salary for Full Timers?
- How Are Locums OBGYN Rates Determined?
- How Do OBGYN Salaries Compare to Other Specialties?
- Earn What You’re Worth
How Much Does an OBGYN Make?
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2023), Obstetricians and Gynecologists earn an average hourly wage of $133.97. Annually, this translates to a mean salary of $278,660.
It's important to understand that this figure represents a national average. Actual salaries can vary significantly based on several key factors, including:
- Geographic Location
- Years of Experience
- Practice Setting
- Subspecialization
Do Locums OBGYNs Earn More?
Locums OBGYNs are typically paid an hourly rate, which can reach up to $200 or more per hour, depending on the assignment. This can easily outpace the salaried average even if you take into account benefits. However, locums assignments can vary widely so you shouldn’t be surprised to see postings above or below that rate.
Moreover, many physicians work locums on a part-time basis. According to the 2025 State of Locum Tenens report by CHG, 47% of locums physicians report using locums to supplement their primary income.
What Factors Impact OGYN Salary for Full Timers?
While the national average provides a benchmark, an OBGYN's actual salary is shaped by several key factors beyond clinical skill. The data reveals that geographic location is one of the most powerful determinants. Furthermore, the practice setting or type of employer plays a significant role, with different environments offering distinct compensation structures tied to patient volume, procedural focus, and business models.
OBGYN Salary by State
The state-level data from the BLS shows that the highest average salaries are not always in the most populous or expensive coastal states. Instead, they appear in regions that may combine high demand with specific local factors. For instance, Washington, Oregon, and Rhode Island lead the list, while states like Kentucky and Nebraska also appear in the top five, suggesting that regional healthcare needs, competition for specialists, and local reimbursement rates create significant earning variations across the country.
Check out this guide for our recommendations for the best states to work in as an OBGYN.
- Washington: $378,630
- Oregon: $358,110
- Rhode Island: $355,380
- Kentucky: $354,210
- Nebraska: $347,280
- Missouri: $345,810
- Louisiana: $343,330
- Maryland: $342,330
- Utah: $331,280
- Pennsylvania: $323,590
Top Cities for OBGYNs by Salary
Examining metropolitan areas provides even finer detail. According to the BLS, top-paying cities like Sacramento, St. Louis, and Omaha offer averages well above the national mean, driven by dominant local healthcare systems, high patient volumes, or a relative shortage of providers.
- Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA: $377,680
- St. Louis, MO-IL: $370,130
- Omaha, NE-IA: $369,850
- Providence-Warwick, RI-MA: $353,310
- Memphis, TN-MS-AR: $349,670
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $349,200
- St. Cloud, MN: $342,070
- Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO: $333,780
- Springfield, MA: $332,350
- Fargo, ND-MN: $331,800
OBGYN Salary by Place of Work
Physicians' offices (typically private group practices) show the highest average salary, reflecting profit-sharing potential and ownership models. As further BLS data shows, outpatient Care Centers are competitive, likely driven by high-volume surgical and procedural work.
While General Medical and Surgical Hospitals report a lower average, these positions often come with greater benefits, structured hours, and less administrative burden, representing a different balance of total compensation versus base salary.
- Offices of Physicians: $288,180
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: $260,540
- Outpatient Care Centers: $287,120
How Are Locums OBGYN Rates Determined?
Locums OBGYN rates are usually determined by assignment urgency and location, the scope of work (e.g., high-volume call, surgical load, or high-risk patient panels), and the costs and fees associated with the agency doing the placement (e.g. credentialing, travel compensation, malpractice insurance, etc.).
An OBGYN’s own experience and subspecialty credentials also command higher rates. To negotiate effectively, physicians should research current market rates for the target region, highlight their unique skills and efficiency, and consider the full package. A trusted relationship with a recruiter is also a fantastic asset. The right recruiter can help you plan for the lifestyle you want to lead as a locums physician.
How Do OBGYN Salaries Compare to Other Specialties?
OBGYNs are highly compensated specialists, but their earnings sit within a tiered hierarchy of physician pay. As the data shows, with an annual mean wage of $281,130 ($135.16 hourly), OBGYNs earn significantly more than primary care physicians (like Family Medicine at $256,830) but less than many procedural and hospital-based specialists. They are out-earned by fields like Cardiology ($432,490), Dermatology ($347,810), and Anesthesiology ($336,640), which often involve higher procedural volume or different reimbursement models. This places OBGYNs in a lower mid tier.
- Cardiologists: $432,490 annually | $207.93 per hour
- Dermatologists: $347,810 annually | $167.22 per hour
- Anesthesiologists: $336,640 annually | $161.85 per hour
- Emergency Medicine Physicians: $320,700 annually | $154.19 per hour
- Neurologists: $286,310 annually | $137.65 per hour
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $281,130 annually | $135.16 per hour
- General Internal Medicine Physicians: $262,710 annually | $126.31 per hour
- Family Medicine Physicians: $256,830 annually | $123.47 per hour
Note: These numbers differ slightly from the averages above because they reflect 2024 data.
Earn What You’re Worth
You have the skills, experience, and dedication that define a top-tier OBGYN. Now it's time to ensure your compensation fully reflects your value. Navigating the locums market alone can mean leaving money on the table or missing ideal opportunities.
Let Era Locums be your expert partner. We specialize in connecting OBGYNs with premium, competitively priced locums positions that match your expertise, lifestyle preferences, and financial goals.
Secure a role that truly rewards your worth. Reach out to the Era Locums team today to start your search.