Explore OB-GYN physician salary ranges, hourly rates, and how locum tenens work changes earning potential.
OB-GYN physicians earn between $239,000 and $380,000 annually across major benchmarks, with meaningful variation based on subspecialty, call burden, and whether the physician works locum tenens assignments.
| Source | What it Measures | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2024 (SOC 29-1218) | Mean annual wage | $239,120 |
| Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Average total compensation | $330,000 |
| Doximity Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Median total compensation | $345,000 |
| SalaryDr (April 2026) | Median verified compensation | $360,000 |
| Marit Health (2025) | Median compensation | $380,000 |
OB-GYN is one of the most call-intensive specialties in medicine. The locum premium reflects the operational reality that labor and delivery coverage cannot be left unstaffed.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed (BLS mean) | ~$115 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $200 /hr |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $275 /hr |
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 29-1218; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
OB-GYN locum premiums are highest for labor and delivery coverage — the setting where the shortage is most acute and the operational risk of a gap is highest.
OB-GYN pay is driven by call burden and regional physician supply. Rural and underserved markets consistently pay above urban academic centers for both permanent and locum coverage.
ACOG reports that 54 million women live in counties with limited or no access to OB-GYN care. This access gap is the structural driver of locum demand.
A standard full-time OB-GYN physician sees 15 to 20 patients per day in clinic, with OR time for surgical procedures and call coverage for labor and delivery. Call burden is one of the most significant compensation variables — OB-GYNs covering labor and delivery call command meaningful premiums above outpatient-only roles.
Locum rates range from $200 to $275 per hour. The four scenarios below use representative rates from within that band.
To exceed $500,000: focus on labor and delivery coverage, rural and underserved markets, and call-heavy assignments at the top of the rate band.
OB-GYN locum income scales with call burden and setting. Labor and delivery coverage consistently commands the highest rates.
A $240/hr locum rate versus a $115/hr W-2 equivalent is a meaningful structural advantage. 1099 OB-GYN physicians unlock business deductions across licensing, CME, travel, and equipment; higher retirement contributions through a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k); the Qualified Business Income deduction of up to 20%; and S-corp structuring at higher income levels. Barton partners with Earned to help locum physicians navigate these decisions.
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
We’ll schedule a phone consultation to discuss your interests, goals, and work history to find the right opportunities.
Your Barton rep will submit your information to the facility you want to take an assignment at and work on next steps.
Barton handles licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive so you’re ready on day one.
Most earn between $239,120 (BLS mean) and $380,000 (Marit Health median). Physician-reported benchmarks from Doximity ($345,000) and Medscape ($330,000) reflect total compensation including call pay and bonuses.
W-2 employed OB-GYN physicians average approximately $115 per hour based on BLS data. Locum tenens rates range from $200 to $275 per hour, with the top of the band reserved for labor and delivery and rural coverage.
Yes. Full-time locum roles can reach approximately $436,800 annually at $260/hr working 14 shifts per month. Hybrid models combining employed income with regular locum shifts can push total compensation above $460,000.
Rural and underserved markets consistently pay the highest locum premiums. ACOG reports that 54 million women live in counties with limited or no access to OB-GYN care — these markets pay the highest rates.
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