Top 10 highest-paying states for OB-GYNs in 2026
August 31, 2026
For obstetrics and gynecology physicians, salary is only part of the equation when choosing where to live and practice. Quality of life, healthcare infrastructure, patient populations, and practice settings all play a role in deciding where to build a fulfilling career. Still, OB-GYN pay can vary significantly by state, and understanding those differences can help you make a strategic move and maximize your earning potential.
Locum tenens: Flexibility, freedom, and financial upside
Locum tenens OB-GYNs often earn more than their permanently employed peers, particularly in states facing physician shortages. Higher hourly rates plus paid travel, housing, and malpractice coverage can make locums one of the highest-paying ways to practice. If you're comparing compensation, see our guide to OB-GYN locum tenens pay for current rates and the factors that influence earnings.
Pay is only part of the appeal. OB-GYN Dr. Shyrlena Bogard says locums let her explore different practice settings before settling down.
Her advice to new graduates: "Don't rush to jump into a long-term contract just because you've spent the last eight to 12 years accumulating debt. Locums allows you to travel and go to different places, but it allows you to really test the market before you decide where you want to commit long-term. It is a very supportive system."
OB-GYN physician Dr. Bassam Rimawi says learning from different healthcare teams is a huge perk.
One of the best things I've learned about locum tenens work is meeting new physicians, and getting to see different hospitals, and getting to see how they practice medicine.
Where to earn good money as an OB-GYN physician
Current OB-GYN salary levels range considerably depending on where you practice. While salary is an important factor, it shouldn't be the only one you consider. Cost of living, demand for physicians, practice environment, malpractice climate, and lifestyle all play a role in determining where an opportunity offers the best overall value. The states below currently offer the highest reported average pay for OB-GYN physicians.
1. Vermont—Average OB-GYN pay: $418,760
Vermont jumps to the top spot in this year's rankings, with OB-GYNs earning an average of $418,760.
Vermont is known for its innovative healthcare system, which emphasizes preventive care and value-based payment. This allows OB-GYNs to focus on long-term patient relationships and quality outcomes rather than high-volume turnover. Its commitment to maternal and infant health is especially notable: According to the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card, it was one of 11 states that met the Healthy People 2030 target for preterm birth of 9.4% of all live births.
2. New York—Average OB-GYN pay: $348,800
New York climbs from fifth to second in this year's rankings, with obstetrician salary compensation increasing to $348,800.
New York offers OB-GYNs a broad spectrum of practice settings, from academic medical centers in Manhattan to community hospitals throughout upstate New York. Six New York hospitals rank among U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals for Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The state prioritizes maternal health equity through projects such as the Maternal and Infant Community Health Collaboratives (MICHC) initiative, which aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes for high-need, low-income women and their families.
While the cost of living can be high, particularly in New York City, OB-GYNs working in outer boroughs or smaller cities like Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester can strike a balance between salary and affordability.
3. Washington—Average OB-GYN pay: $343,140
Washington is third this year with obstetrician salaries averaging at $343,140; it offers strong compensation in urban hubs like Seattle and smaller cities like Spokane and Tacoma.
The Evergreen State has made substantial investments in women’s health services, reproductive care, and Medicaid expansion, creating robust demand for OB-GYNs. Further, state healthcare leaders are working diligently to address physician burnout through the “Quadruple Aim" initiative, which focuses on improving healthcare clinicians' quality of life and work.
4. Nebraska—Average OB-GYN pay: $342,570
Nebraska rises significantly in this year's rankings, with average OB-GYN salaries increasing to $342,570.
This figure rises further thanks to the state’s low cost of living and low income tax rate. Demand for OB-GYNs is high throughout rural areas of the state, where access to reproductive healthcare services remains limited.
Nebraska has taken steps to address its maternal health challenges, including bolstering rural residency programs and offering loan repayment incentives for physicians willing to serve in critical access areas.
5. Hawaii—Average OB-GYN pay: $338,130
New to this year's top 10 highest-paying states for OB-GYNs, Hawaii offers average OB-GYN compensation of $338,130.
Although Hawaii's cost of living is among the nation's highest, many physicians are drawn by its year-round outdoor lifestyle, mild climate, and opportunity to practice medicine in one of the country's more unique healthcare environments.
6. Delaware—Average OB-GYN pay: $324,080
Don’t let its size fool you—Delaware offers one of the highest OB-GYN pay rates in the country. “The First State” moves up the rankings this year, with average OB-GYN pay climbing to $324,080.
Delaware continues investing to reduce maternal mortality rates and increase prenatal care access, positioning OB-GYNs at the center of meaningful public health improvements.
For OB-GYN physicians looking for competitive compensation without the congestion of larger metropolitan markets, Delaware remains an attractive option.
7. Minnesota—Average OB-GYN pay: $321,910
Minnesota enters the top 10 this year with average OB-GYN compensation reaching $321,910.
The state consistently ranks among the healthiest in the nation and is home to nationally recognized healthcare organizations, including Mayo Clinic and M Health Fairview. Strong investments in preventive care, maternal health, and integrated healthcare delivery continue to drive demand for women's health specialists.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes offers physicians access to world-class medical systems while maintaining a high quality of life and abundant outdoor recreation. Just be sure to pack your bug spray.
8. Maryland—Average OB-GYN pay: $306,310
Maryland sees a slight increase in average compensation this year, with an average OB-GYN pay rate of $306,310, and offers access to some of the nation’s top healthcare institutions. Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore holds the #2 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 50 Best U.S. Hospitals for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the state continues to invest in maternal health equity through public health initiatives such as the Women’s Health Program.
Because of their proximity to Washington, D.C., many physicians engage in research, policy, and advocacy work that shapes the future of reproductive healthcare nationally while working here.
9. California—Average OB-GYN pay: $301,240
California joins this year's top 10 list with average OB-GYN compensation of $301,240.
The nation's most populous state offers nearly every practice environment imaginable, from major academic medical centers and large integrated health systems to community hospitals and rural clinics. Continued population growth and one of the country's largest birth cohorts help sustain demand for OB-GYNs across the state.
While housing costs vary considerably by region, many physicians are drawn to the Golden State’s professional opportunities, diverse patient population, and year-round outdoor lifestyle.
10. Virginia—Average OB-GYN pay: $282,410
Virginia rounds out this year's top 10, with average OB-GYN salaries increasing slightly to $282,410. Virginia offers a stable, well-supported environment for women’s health specialists.
The state benefits from proximity to Washington, D.C., a strong private healthcare system, and an increasing emphasis on rural healthcare expansion—all of which contribute to sustained demand for OB-GYNs.
Virginia is also home to top-ranked hospitals and academic institutions, creating opportunities for physicians interested in teaching, leadership, or subspecialty care.
Consider locum tenens to earn even more
From schedule flexibility to opportunity for exploration, learn why Dr. Bogard loves locum tenens work:
For OB-GYNs looking to boost income, explore new regions, or ease into retirement, locum tenens can be a smart, lucrative path forward—especially in high-paying states like those featured on this list.
OB-GYN locum tenens physician Dr. Monica Anselmetti, the financial upside was important, but the flexibility ultimately mattered more.
The locums work has helped me clarify that what I like the most is being an OB hospitalist.
Elevate your career in these high-paying states
These 10 states not only lead the nation in OB-GYN pay, but they also offer a variety of practice environments, patient populations, and lifestyle advantages. If you're looking to maximize your earning potential while practicing meaningful, impactful medicine, one of these states could be your next home.
Ready to earn more by working in one of these higher-paying states? We can help you find a locum tenens assignment there. Give us a call at 800.453.3030 or view today's locum tenens job opportunities.