Obstetrics and Gynecology Nurse Salary Guide

Obstetrics and gynecology nurses, also called OB-GYN nurses, work exclusively with women. They play an important role in the gynecological health of women in hospital gynecology units, private gynecologists’ offices, women’s clinics, birthing centers, family planning centers, and community clinics, among others. The duties and salary of OB-GYN nurses can vary greatly based on their work setting, but their specialized qualifications typically allow them to command higher rates of pay in any setting.

OB-GYN nurses are registered nurses who specialize in female reproductive health. They care for female patients from puberty to menopause, including during pregnancy, labor, childbirth. OB-GYN RNs also counsel and support their female patients during an array of issues, including birth control concerns, breast cancer, cervical cancer, perimenopause, and many others. They help OB-GYN physicians during regular OB-GYN check-ups, prenatal exams, and labor and delivery.

Prospective OB-GYN nurses must complete either an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing through a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). All nursing school graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and complete all other state licensing requirements to practice as an RN. They also must complete Basic Life Support training and earn BLS certification.

OB-GYN nurses are specialized practitioners with qualifications that often allow them to earn higher starting rates, but their base salaries are impacted by numerous factors. These may include their level of education, their overall experience and skills attained, and the geographical location of the facility that employs them.

More employers are preferring to hire OB-GYN nurses with a BSN over an ADN. Base salaries may reflect this preference but the difference in starting salaries is often minimal. However, a BSN also provides the best educational pathway to meeting the requirements for admission to a women’s health practitioner graduate program, which sets you on a course for an advanced practice role that will pay significantly more.

New graduate nurses wanting to enter the OB-GYN field will earn less than those who’ve already been in the field for several years. New nurses need to gain some experience in obstetrics, gynecology, and labor and delivery to start seeing a difference in their base salaries. As they gain relevant experience, they also pick up additional skills in the OB-GYN field that can also increase their salary base.

OB-GYN RN salaries can vary significantly based on which part of the country they work in. Base rates of pay frequently differ from state to state with states having higher overall costs of living usually having higher starting salaries to help offset the difference. However, other factors that can influence why a geographical location may have higher base salaries for OB-GYN RNs include demographics, affluence of the area, and shortages in skilled nurses. Higher wages are also typically available in urban centers compared to rural areas.

Pursuing higher education generally always increases an OB-GYN RN’s salary and usually opens new career paths. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice with a specialty in women’s health sets OB-GYN RNs up for advanced practice roles, such as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. WHNPs enjoy a wider scope of practice in their daily work and higher earning potential. While an MSN is the most common pathway to APRN roles, earning a DNP will kick your salary up another notch.

Professional certifications are another guaranteed way to give OB-GYN RN’s salaries a boost. For RNs, the National Certification Corporation offers the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) credential. Qualifications include 24 months and at least 2,000 hours of specialty experience and employment in the specialty sometime within the past 2 years.

WHNPs become certified through the NCC as a board-certified Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC). RNs who want to specialize in women’s health should choose an APRN program that meets WHNP certification requirements. Coursework must include primary care for women, prenatal and postpartum care, and gynecological health. Graduates of Family Nurse Practitioner or nurse midwifery programs aren’t eligible for WHNP-BC certification. Programs can be master's, post-masters, or DNP programs and the exam must be taken within eight years of graduation.

Take a look at Vivian's OB/GYN Nurse Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.