Obstetrics & Gynecology vs General Surgery: Salary, Lifestyle & Training (2026)
Choosing between Obstetrics & Gynecology and General Surgery involves weighing compensation, training length, work-life balance, call responsibilities, and long-term career satisfaction. This comparison uses approved physician salary reports to help you make an informed decision.
See how OB/GYN salaries, lifestyle metrics, and training requirements compare to General Surgeon data from approved salary reports on SalaryDr. Obstetrics & Gynecology requires 4-year residency, while General Surgery requires 5-year residency.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Obstetrics & Gynecology | General Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Median total pay | $425,000 → | $512,500 → |
| Middle 50% of pay | $400,000 – $490,000 | $450,000 – $610,000 |
| Approved reports | 77 | 141 |
| Training Length | 4-year residency | 5-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | OB/GYN | General Surgeon |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures on each specialty page are recomputed from approved physician salary reports as new reports are approved.
Training Pathway: Obstetrics & Gynecology vs General Surgery
Obstetrics & Gynecology
4-year residency
OB/GYN residency is four years and covers both surgical and medical training. The dual nature of the specialty provides versatility, though call during training can be demanding due to labor and delivery coverage.
General Surgery
5-year residency
General Surgery residency is five years of intensive training with significant operative and call responsibilities. Many graduates pursue one- to two-year fellowships in trauma, surgical oncology, minimally invasive surgery, or acute care surgery.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is one of the most important factors physicians weigh when choosing a specialty. Here is how Obstetrics & Gynecology and General Surgery compare on key lifestyle dimensions.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Demanding call schedule especially for OB. GYN-only practice offers better lifestyle.
- Average work week: 50 hours
- Take call: 89% of physicians
- Average PTO: 51 days/year
General Surgery
Demanding schedule with significant call responsibilities. Improving with subspecialization.
- Average work week: 55 hours
- Take call: 97% of physicians
- Average PTO: 37 days/year
Satisfaction & Lifestyle by the Numbers
Based on 218 approved physician salary reports across both specialties.
| Metric | Obstetrics & Gynecology | General Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | 4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Would Choose Again | 89% | 80% |
| Avg Hours/Week | 50 | 55 |
| Takes Call | 89% | 97% |
| Avg Call Days/Month | — | — |
| Avg PTO Days/Year | 51 | 37 |
| Physician Submissions | 77 submissions | 141 submissions |
Practice Setting Distribution
Where Obstetrics & Gynecology and General Surgery physicians work, based on approved salary reports. Practice setting significantly impacts both compensation and day-to-day lifestyle.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Based on 77 approved reports
General Surgery
Based on 141 approved reports
Career Outlook & Job Market
Obstetrics & Gynecology Outlook
OB/GYN faces geographic maldistribution, with many rural counties lacking a single obstetrician. GYN-only positions have grown as physicians seek better lifestyle, while OB-inclusive positions command premiums.
General Surgery Outlook
General surgeons remain in steady demand, particularly in community hospitals and rural settings. The trend toward minimally invasive surgery and acute care surgery fellowships has created new career niches.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both Obstetrics & Gynecology and General Surgery typically increase with experience, with the largest jumps in the first 5-10 years post-training. Partnership or ownership in private practice can meaningfully accelerate earnings. For detailed breakdowns, explore the Obstetrics & Gynecology and General Surgery salary-by-experience pages.
Explore Deeper Data
Lifestyle & Satisfaction
Training & Residency
Related Comparisons
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