Average Salary Of A Doctor Of Osteopathic Medicine

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a professional degree in the United States that trains individuals to become licensed osteopathic physicians. Osteopathic medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on treating patients as a whole, rather than just addressing their symptoms. DOs are licensed to practice medicine and surgery in all 50 states and are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, perform surgeries, and prescribe medications.

What is the Average Salary of a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?

The average salary of a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in the United States is $204,791 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons, including DOs, was $208,000 in May 2019. However, DOs' salaries can vary depending on several factors, including their specialty, years of experience, and location of practice.

DOs who specialize in certain areas, such as cardiology or neurology, may earn higher salaries than those who specialize in family medicine or pediatrics. Experienced DOs who have been practicing for several years may also earn higher salaries than those who are just starting their careers. Additionally, the location of a DO's practice can also affect their salary. DOs practicing in urban areas may earn higher salaries than those practicing in rural areas.

What Factors Affect the Salary of a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?

As mentioned earlier, the salary of a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine can be affected by several factors. These factors include:

Specialty: DOs who specialize in certain areas may earn higher salaries than those who specialize in other areas. For example, according to Medscape's 2020 Physician Compensation Report, cardiologists and orthopedists were among the highest-paid specialties, with average salaries of $482,000 and $511,000, respectively.
Experience: DOs who have been practicing for several years may earn higher salaries than those who are just starting their careers. According to Medscape's report, the average salary for DOs with less than 2 years of experience was $234,000, while the average salary for those with 11-20 years of experience was $309,000.
Location: The location of a DO's practice can also affect their salary. DOs practicing in urban areas may earn higher salaries than those practicing in rural areas. According to Medscape's report, the average salary for DOs practicing in urban areas was $280,000, while the average salary for those practicing in rural areas was $255,000.
Employer: DOs may work for a variety of employers, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The type of employer can also affect their salary. According to Medscape's report, DOs who work in hospitals tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in private practices.

It's important to note that these factors are not the only ones that can affect a DO's salary. Other factors, such as the state of the economy and changes in healthcare policy, can also have an impact.

How Does the Salary of a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Compare to Other Healthcare Professions?

The salary of a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is higher than the average salary for all occupations in the United States, which was $51,960 per year in May 2019. However, it is lower than the average salary for some other healthcare professions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dentists was $159,200 in May 2019, while the median annual wage for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners was $115,800. However, it's important to note that these professions require different levels of education and training than DOs.

Conclusion

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a rewarding and challenging profession that can offer a high salary for those who pursue it. While the average salary of a DO is $204,791 per year, this can vary depending on several factors, including specialty, experience, and location of practice. DOs should also keep in mind that changes in healthcare policy and the state of the economy can also affect their salary.