Healthcare practitioners
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.
Median pay
$292,910
Growth to 2035
+2%
little or no change
Openings a year
500
Time to qualify*
7 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Obstetricians and gynecologists
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- On-the-job training
- Internship/residency
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Obstetricians and gynecologists: 67% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Treat diseases of female organs.
- Care for and treat women during prenatal, natal, and postnatal periods.
- Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.
- Perform cesarean sections or other surgical procedures as needed to preserve patients' health and deliver babies safely.
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical histories, reports, or examination results.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
- Prescribe or administer therapy, medication, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
Also called: GYN (Gynecologist) · MD (Medical Doctor) · OB (Obstetrician) · OB/GYN (Obstetrician Gynecologist) · OBGYN (Obstetrician and Gynecologist) · OBGYN MD (Obstetrics Gynecology Medical Doctor) · OBGYN Physician (Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician) · Physician
Outlook and AI
Obstetricians and gynecologists held 22,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 23,200 by 2035 (+2%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
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