💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)
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Minimum: ~$218,000 - $260,000 (new graduates or entry-level positions)
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Median / Average:
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Glassdoor: ≈ $290,000 total compensation (includes bonuses)
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U.S. BLS: ~$277,320 annually
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Maximum: $400,000 - $407,000+ for experienced surgeons in high-volume or high-cost areas
Pay varies by region, practice setting, and additional income from bonuses or surgical volume.
💼 What They Do
OB/GYNs are physicians specializing in women’s reproductive and maternal health. Their work includes:
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🔹 Obstetrics: Prenatal care, labor and delivery (vaginal and C-section births), postpartum follow-up, and high-risk pregnancy management
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🔹 Gynecology: Preventive care (Pap smears, STI tests), diagnosing and treating reproductive conditions (endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts), family planning (IUDs, contraception), and minor surgeries
They serve as primary and surgical care providers, often maintaining long-term patient relationships spanning across life stages.
🎓 Education Required
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Bachelor’s degree – 4 years, pre-medical coursework
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Medical school (MD/DO) – 4 years
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OB/GYN residency – 4 years of ACGME-accredited training covering obstetrics and gynecology
👉 Total training: Approximately 12 years post-high school
📜 Certification
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American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG):
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Requires residency completion and passing both written (Qualifying) and oral (Certifying) board exams
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Diplomates may pursue sub‑specialties (e.g., maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology) with fellowship training
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Maintenance of Certification typically involves ongoing CME and re‑certification cycles
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Board certification isn’t legally mandatory, but is essential for hospital privileges, insurance reimbursement, and professional reputation.
🏛️ Licensing
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Medical license required in all U.S. states—obtained through USMLE (MD) or COMLEX-USA (DO) Steps 1–3
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Board certification isn’t mandatory for licensure but is critical for clinical practice, credentialing, and insurance purposes
✅ Final Takeaway
Becoming an OB/GYN offers a blend of medical, surgical, and lifelong patient care, with rewarding compensation and stable demand:
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Salary: Entry ~$218k - 260k; Median ~$290k; Top earners $400k+
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Training: ~12 years (college → med school → residency)
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Certification: ABOG board exams; fellowships possible
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Licensing: USMLE/COMLEX + state medical license
If you're passionate about women's health, childbirth, and surgery—with a wide-ranging impact across life stages—OB/GYN is both a challenging and fulfilling speciality.