Osteopathic medicine is a branch of medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are fully licensed medical practitioners who can prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.
They receive specialized training in the musculoskeletal system, which allows them to understand how an illness or injury in one part of the body can affect another. This unique perspective enables DOs to provide comprehensive care that promotes the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
This occupation is not only noble but also offers substantial financial rewards. Osteopathic physicians typically enjoy competitive salaries, reflecting the high demand and essential nature of their services.
The article below will showcase the average salaries of osteopathic physicians in the US, by state.
Osteopathic Physician Salaries by State
Alabama
In Alabama, osteopathic doctors earn a yearly salary of $317,872, on average, which corresponds to an hourly wage of $152.82. To qualify for licensure, candidates must complete either one year of postgraduate training if graduated from an accredited school or three years from a non-accredited school. Additionally, licensing requirements include passing the USMLE, with specific limits on the number of attempts and the timeframe for completion.
Alaska
With a lucrative average yearly income of $440,279, translating to $211.67 per hour, Alaska offers competitive wages for osteopathic physicians. In Alaska, to practice osteopathy, applicants must graduate from a board-approved school of osteopathy and complete postgraduate training—two years for those graduating after January 1, 1995, and one year for earlier graduates. Additionally, they must pass a board-sanctioned examination or hold certification from the NBOME.
Arizona
In Arizona, the yearly earnings for osteopathic physicians amount to a commendable average of $326,816, equating to $157.12 per hour. Candidates who want to practice osteopathic medicine in the state must graduate from a school accredited by the AOA and complete an approved internship or residency. Licensure requires passing exams within seven years of application, completing a criminal background check, and possibly undergoing interviews or health evaluations.
Arkansas
Osteopathic physicians in Arkansas receive an average annual salary of $323,599, breaking down to an hourly rate of $155.58. To become licensed in the state, applicants must be at least 21 years old, US citizens, and graduates of an accredited osteopathic medical school. They must also complete a one-year internship and pass the NBOME exam.
California
California provides an attractive annual compensation of $359,481, on average, for osteopathic doctors, which breaks down to an hourly wage of $172.83. To obtain their licensure in the state, applicants must submit proof of graduation from an accredited medical school, complete required postgraduate training, and pass the relevant written examinations. Additionally, they must undergo a background check via fingerprinting to ensure they have no criminal convictions.
Colorado
In Colorado, osteopathic doctors benefit from a rewarding salary structure, earning an average of $409,294 annually or $196.78 per hour. Candidates who want to obtain licensure in Colorado must graduate from an accredited medical school, pass nationally recognized exams, complete postgraduate education, and submit reference letters.
Connecticut
Osteopathic doctors in Connecticut earn a commendable average of $324,359 yearly, which translates to an hourly wage of $155.94. To get their state license, applicants must graduate from an LCME or AOA-accredited medical school and complete at least two years of accredited postgraduate residency training. Additionally, candidates must pass one of several approved licensing examinations, such as the USMLE or NBOME, and submit relevant documentation, including transcripts and verification of training.
Delaware
Osteopathic physicians in Delaware enjoy a substantial yearly income of $384,347, on average, equivalent to $184.78 per hour. Individuals who want to become osteopathic doctors in the state, must have graduated from an accredited medical or osteopathic school and provide proof of their education and training credentials. To obtain licensure, candidates must pass the USMLE, National Boards, FLEX, or SPEX exams.
Florida
Osteopathic doctors in Florida receive an average annual salary of $262,071, which corresponds to an hourly wage of $126.00. To get their license in the state, applicants must graduate from an osteopathic medical school approved by the AOA and complete a 12-month rotating internship or a residency program approved by the board. Additionally, candidates must pass all three parts of the NBOME exam within five years of application or demonstrate licensure in another state with a comparable exam.
Georgia
In Georgia, the average annual earnings for osteopathic physicians amount to $296,124, equating to $142.37 per hour. To obtain a state license in Georgia, applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents and provide verification of good moral character. Additionally, they must submit transcripts from their medical education, complete at least one year of postgraduate training in an approved program, and pass one of the board-approved examinations.
Hawaii
Osteopathic doctors in Hawaii make an average of $352,367 annually, or $169.41 hourly. To secure their licensure, applicants from Hawaii must submit a completed application featuring a Doctor of Osteopathy diploma from an AOA-approved institution, completion certificates from an AOA-approved osteopathic internship, and Certificates of Competency from two licensed osteopathic physicians. Additionally, they must pass the NBOME or FLEX exam with a score of at least 75 on each component.
Idaho
In Idaho, osteopathic physicians receive a commendable average yearly compensation of $343,991, breaking down to an hourly rate of $165.38. To become licensed, applicants in Idaho must provide proof of graduation from a medical school recognized by the board and successful completion of an approved postgraduate training program. The licensure process may also include passing a board-approved examination and background checks.
Illinois
Illinois offers osteopathic doctors a substantial hourly wage of $182.32, aggregating to an annual income of $379,232. Candidates aiming for licensure in Illinois must submit proof of graduation from an approved medical school and successful completion of postgraduate training. The licensure process also includes a fingerprint-based criminal history check and passing a board-approved examination.
Indiana
Osteopathic doctors in Indiana earn a commendable yearly salary of $333,716, on average, which translates to an hourly wage of $160.44. To secure licensure in Indiana, candidates must hold a degree from a Board-approved medical school and complete required postgraduate training of between one and two years. The licensure process requires passing an examination, and having a clean criminal and professional disciplinary record.
Iowa
In Iowa, the average annual compensation for osteopathic doctors sums up to $321,818, corresponding to an hourly rate of $154.72. To qualify for state licensure, applicants must hold a medical degree from an institution approved by the board, either LCME for medicine and surgery or AOA for osteopathic medicine. They must also complete required residency training in board-approved programs And pass one of the licensure examinations specified by the board.
Kansas
Osteopathic physicians in Kansas receive an average annual income of $303,188, equivalent to $145.76 per hour. Applicants who want to become licensed in Kansas, must demonstrate proficiency in basic sciences through a national board, graduate from an accredited healing arts school, and pass a board-conducted examination specific to their practice area. Additionally, those seeking to practice medicine and surgery must complete the required postgraduate study.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, osteopathic physicians earn an average of $342,644 yearly, translating to an hourly rate of $164.73. To obtain licensure, candidates in the state must graduate from a medical school approved by the Board and complete at least two years of post-graduate residency training accredited by the ACGME or AOA. Additionally, they need to pass an approved licensing examination within four attempts per section.
Louisiana
Osteopathic doctors in Louisiana make $294,000 annually, on average, or $141.35 per hour. To qualify for their licensure, Louisiana applicants must have a Doctor of Medicine degree from a board-approved medical school and have completed a year of ACGME-approved internship. Candidates also must pass relevant medical examinations, such as the USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or NBOME, with specific attempt limits.
Maine
Osteopathic physicians in Maine enjoy a substantial average yearly income of $350,946, equivalent to $168.72 per hour. To practice in Maine, applicants must submit an application with a fee and a diploma from an AOA-approved osteopathic medicine school. They must also complete at least a 12-month internship at an AOA-accredited hospital or equivalent as determined by the board.
Maryland
In Maryland, the average hourly pay for osteopathic doctors is set at $178.93, translating to an impressive yearly salary of $372,184. To be licensed, candidates must have a medical degree from a board-approved school and complete at least one year of postgraduate training. They must pass an examination like the USMLE, COMLEX, or NBOME, and provide a detailed account of their medical training and any legal or disciplinary history.
Massachusetts
With an attractive average yearly income of $434,027, translating to $208.67 per hour, Massachusetts offers lucrative wages for osteopathic physicians. Candidates who want to get licensed in the state must complete two years of pre-medical education in key sciences, four years at an accredited medical school, and two years of ACGME-approved post-graduate training. They are also required to pass comprehensive examinations such as the USMLE, FLEX, NBME, or MCCQE.
Michigan
In Michigan, osteopathic doctors receive an average annual salary of $338,798, which corresponds to an hourly wage of $162.88. To qualify for licensure in Michigan, applicants must verify one year of AOA or ACGME-approved postgraduate training directly from the training institution. They must also submit an application with fees, provide NBOME exam scores, and send official transcripts from an accredited osteopathic school.
Minnesota
Osteopathic physicians in Minnesota enjoy a commendable average yearly income of $336,734, equivalent to $161.89 per hour. Becoming licensed in Minnesota requires graduation from an accredited medical or osteopathic school, and the completion of one year of graduate medical training approved by the ACGME, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC. Applicants must pass the USMLE, COMLEX, FLEX, or a state exam, adhering to specific attempt limits and timelines.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, the average annual earnings for osteopathic physicians amount to $322,001, equating to $154.81 per hour. Individuals seeking licensure must be graduates from an accredited medical or osteopathic school and have at least one year of postgraduate training in an institution accredited by the ACGME or AOA. They must also provide proof of passing relevant medical examinations, such as the USMLE, COMLEX, or FLEX, and additional general eligibility criteria.
Missouri
Osteopathic doctors in Missouri earn a substantial average of $362,180 annually, or $174.13 hourly. Applicants who want to obtain licensure in the state must graduate from a medical college accredited by the AMA or an osteopathic college accredited by the AOA. They also need to complete one year of postgraduate training approved by these organizations. Additionally, they must pass a licensing examination such as the USMLE, or FLEX, with limits on the number of attempts allowed.
Montana
Osteopathic physicians in Montana receive a commendable average annual salary of $321,891, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $154.76. Candidates seeking licensure in Montana must be graduates of a medical school approved by the AOA or AMA and complete an approved post-graduate residency program. Additionally, all applicants must pass a licensing exam with at least 75% on all parts and demonstrate good moral character.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, osteopathic doctors benefit from an impressive salary structure, earning an average of $364,121 annually or $175.06 per hour. To start practicing osteopathic medicine in Nebraska, individuals must have graduated from an accredited medical school, completed at least one year of approved graduate medical education, and passed a licensing examination.
Nevada
Nevada provides an appealing annual compensation of $416,284, on average, for osteopathic doctors, which breaks down to an hourly wage of $200.14. To practice in Nevada applicants need to have graduated from a recognized school of osteopathic medicine and complete either a hospital internship or up to three years of postgraduate training in approved programs. Licensure also requires passing licensing examinations from national or state osteopathic medical boards.
New Hampshire
Osteopathic physicians in New Hampshire enjoy a commendable average yearly income of $343,879, equivalent to $165.33 per hour. To start practicing osteopathic medicine in the state, applicants must complete two years of college, medical education from an accredited school, and two years of approved postgraduate training. They also need to pass a recognized medical licensing exam, although this requirement may be waived for those already board-certified by the ABMS or AOA.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, the hourly earnings for osteopathic doctors average at $169.39, resulting in an attractive annual income of $352,320. To get a license in New Jersey, candidates must complete four years at a board-approved osteopathic college, followed by postgraduate training in AOA or ACGME-approved programs. They must pass examinations like COMLEX, NBOME, USMLE, or FLEX, and pay a license fee of $610.
New Mexico
Osteopathic doctors in New Mexico make $334,996 annually, on average, or $161.06 per hour. To obtain their licensure in the state, applicants must submit two letters of reference from physicians, notarized copies of their medical diploma and internship certificate, and clearance from any other state boards where they are licensed. They also need to provide examination scores from NBOE, FLEX, COMLEX, or USMLE, sent directly to the board.
New York
New York offers osteopathic doctors an impressive average hourly wage of $185.54, aggregating to an annual income of $385,929. Becoming a licensed osteopathic physician in New York requires at least 60 semester hours of preprofessional education, a medical degree from an accredited program, and at least one year of postgraduate training in an approved residency program. The licensure examinations include USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3, or NBOME Parts I, II, and III.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, osteopathic physicians earn an average yearly salary of $351,707, which translates to an hourly wage of $169.09. To become licensed, applicants in the state must have graduated from a medical school accredited by the LCME, AOA, or the Canadian Accreditation Committee. They also must complete at least one year of postgraduate training and pass exams such as COMLEX, NBOME, or USMLE.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, osteopathic doctors enjoy a substantial average annual income of $359,000, equivalent to $172.60 per hour. Candidates who want to obtain a license in the state, must demonstrate good moral character and professional capability, and hold a medical degree from a Board-approved school. They also need to complete one year of approved postgraduate training and pass medical licensure exams within three attempts per part.
Ohio
In Ohio, the annual compensation for osteopathic doctors sums up to an average of $327,356, corresponding to an hourly rate of $157.38. To obtain osteopathic licensure, candidates from Ohio must complete the necessary graduate medical education, and pass a medical examination as outlined by the state’s medical board. Additionally, they must meet the moral character standards and pay the requisite fees.
Oklahoma
Osteopathic physicians in Oklahoma receive a commendable average yearly salary of $352,625, breaking down to an hourly rate of $169.53. As outlined in the OSU osteopathic medicine guide, to qualify for their state license, candidates must complete one year of postgraduate training in an accredited program and pass the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners or the National Board of Medical Examiners exam.
Oregon
Oregon offers an attractive average hourly wage of $172.60 for osteopathic doctors, which accumulates to an annual income of $359,008. To qualify for licensure, applicants in the state must graduate from a medical school and complete postgraduate training of one year for approved school graduates or three years for those from unapproved schools. Additionally, they must comply with Oregon Medical Board regulations and demonstrate good moral character,
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, osteopathic doctors benefit from a substantial salary structure, earning an average of $353,536 annually or $169.97 per hour. Becoming a licensed osteopathic doctor in Pennsylvania involves graduating from an approved osteopathic medical college, passing the National Board Examination Parts I, II, and III, and completing an approved internship.
Rhode Island
Osteopathic physicians in Rhode Island make a commendable $332,531 annually, on average, or $159.87 per hour. To start working as an osteopathic physician in Rhode Island, applicants must present satisfactory evidence of graduation from an approved osteopathic medical school, complete the required postgraduate training, and pass the board examination.
South Carolina
In South Carolina, the average annual earnings for osteopathic physicians amount to an attractive $359,118, equating to $172.65 per hour. To start practicing as an osteopathic physician in South Carolina, applicants must have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed an internship or residency. Licensure also requires passing recognized medical licensing exams such as the COMLEX, NBOME, or USMLE.
South Dakota
Osteopathic doctors in South Dakota earn an average yearly salary of $339,294, which corresponds to an hourly wage of $163.12. Applicants seeking to practice osteopathic medicine in South Dakota must verify their education from an approved AOA program and complete a minimum three-year residency. Passing exams like COMLEX, NBOME, USMLE, or FLEX is also a requirement.
Tennessee
Osteopathic physicians in Tennessee receive an annual income of $312,531, on average, equivalent to $150.26 per hour. In Tennessee, candidates aiming to practice osteopathic medicine must submit an application, provide a transcript from an accredited osteopathic medical school, and demonstrate completion of a one-year internship or PGY-1. They also need to furnish proof of good moral character and legal eligibility to work in the US, along with applicable fees.
Texas
In Texas, the average hourly pay for osteopathic doctors is set at $164.31, translating to an attractive yearly salary of $341,772. To obtain a license in the state, applicants must have completed at least 60 semester hours of college coursework or equivalent premedical education. They must graduate from a board-approved medical school, complete one year of graduate medical training, and pass both a medical examination and a Texas medical jurisprudence examination.
Utah
Osteopathic doctors in Utah make $312,689 annually, on average, or $150.33 hourly. To obtain a state license, applicants must have completed 24 months of progressive resident training in an ACGME or AOA-approved program. They must also pass the required licensing examination, provide documentation of their education and training, and meet with the board if requested.
Vermont
Osteopathic physicians in Vermont have an impressive average yearly income that amounts to $377,033, or an hourly rate of $181.27. To become licensed osteopathic physicians, applicants in the state must complete a course of study from an accredited osteopathic school, one year of approved postgraduate training, and pass the COMLEX or USMLE. They must also present evidence of good character and competence, typically from senior medical staff where they were last affiliated.
Virginia
In Virginia, the hourly earnings for osteopathic doctors average at $182.03, resulting in a substantial annual income of $378,619. To get their license, candidates in the state must have received a degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Board. They also must have passed NBOME, USMLE, FLEX, LMCC, or other relevant examinations.
Washington
Washington provides a rewarding average annual compensation of $417,630 for osteopathic doctors, which breaks down to an hourly wage of $200.78. Individuals who want to practice this field in the state must get a license by submitting proof of graduation from an accredited osteopathic school and completing at least one year of approved postgraduate training. They also need to pass an examination approved by the board and demonstrate their physical and mental capability to practice safely.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, osteopathic doctors earn a yearly salary of $273,041, on average, which translates to an hourly wage of $131.27. To become licensed in the state, applicants must provide National Board Scores directly from the NBOME, a copy of their medical school diploma, and verification forms for both medical school and postgraduate education. Additionally, they must document completion of at least one year of approved postdoctoral training and pass a criminal background check.
Wisconsin
Osteopathic physicians in Wisconsin enjoy a commendable average yearly income of $348,788, equivalent to $167.69 per hour. Those who seek osteopathic medicine licensure in the state must submit a completed application form, verified evidence of graduation from an approved medical or osteopathic school, and verification of 24 months of accredited postgraduate training.
Wyoming
Osteopathic doctors in Wyoming receive an average annual salary of $338,287, breaking down to an hourly rate of $162.64. Becoming a licensed osteopathic physician in Wyoming requires graduating from an accredited osteopathic medical school and completing at least one year of postgraduate training in an accredited program. Additionally, applicants must pass a medical licensure examination accepted by the Wyoming Board of Medicine.