A look at income: male vs. female ob/gyns

Article

Income equity is well within reach for female ob/gyns, according to a study in Obstetrics and Gynecology (05/2007). Despite years of gender inequality in income among ob/gyns, the most recent available data demonstrates that "male and female obstetrician-gynecologists who practice in the same manner appear to receive the same incomes."

Income equity is well within reach for female ob/gyns, according to a study in Obstetrics and Gynecology (05/2007). Despite years of gender inequality in income among ob/gyns, the most recent available data demonstrates that "male and female obstetrician-gynecologists who practice in the same manner appear to receive the same incomes."

How has this come about? The study found that, although female ob/gyns earned 20% to 25% less than their male colleagues, this income gap could be explained by gender differences in practice patterns and productivity. Male ob/gyns were more likely to be Fellows and to subspecialize; female ob/gyns were more likely to take salaried positions and less likely to work in private practice. In addition, among all ob/gyns studied, women worked 5% fewer hours, saw 8% fewer patients, and performed 14% fewer procedures per week than their male counterparts.

"Gender does not matter," wrote Jessica Wolpaw Reyes, PhD, the author of the study. "It is only when female obstetrician-gynecologists choose less financially rewarding practice arrangements or do less, (work fewer hours, see fewer patients, perform fewer procedures) that they earn lower incomes."

Recent Videos
Expert discussions from the 2025 ACOG meeting | Image Credit: © stevengaertner - © stevengaertner - stock.adobe.com.
Trina Mansour, MD
Negative pressure wound therapy reduces c-section infections and costs | Image Credit: doctors.valleyhealth.com.
Amy Valent DO, MCR, highlights new tech for prenatal diabetes management | Image Credit: linkedin.com.
Lisa Bayer, MD, MPH
Megan Wasson, DO, FACOG
Megan Cohen, MD, MPH, outlines 2024 CDC contraception guidelines | Image Credit: linkedin.com.
Wasson and Colak
Johanna Finkle, MD, weight loss specialist, OB/GYN, The University of Kansas Health System.
Navigating hormone therapy in high-risk menopause cases | Image Credit: © dhaj7-cepo.com.
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.