Obstetricians and Gynecologists
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.
Also called: Doctor, GYN (Gynecologist), GYN Physician (Gynecology Physician), Gynecologic Oncologist, Gynecological Oncologist, Hospitalist
Median pay
$292,910
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$94,680 – $437,300
People employed
21,260
Holland code
ISR
Investigative · Social · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 5.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 6.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Obstetricians and Gynecologists pay by state
Annual median pay by state (41 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What obstetricians and gynecologists do
- 01Treat diseases of female organs.
- 02Care for and treat women during prenatal, natal, and postnatal periods.
- 03Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.
- 04Perform cesarean sections or other surgical procedures as needed to preserve patients' health and deliver babies safely.
- 05Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical histories, reports, or examination results.
- 06Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- English Language
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Cooperation
- Achievement Orientation
- Self-Control
- Stress Tolerance
- Empathy
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from obstetricians and gynecologists
- Midwives56% · group pay
- Athletic Trainers54% · −79%
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary54% · −63%
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary54% · −73%
- Genetic Counselors53% · −66%
Majors that lead here
- Medicine
- Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program
- Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program
- Maternal and Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency/Fellowship Programs, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.