Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) and Medical Doctors (M.D.s) both dedicate their lives to helping people, but the specific paths they take to get there, and their philosophies on how to practice medicine, differ. Understanding those differences – and the similarities – is becoming more and more important as the healthcare landscape evolves.
This article aims to give you a clear, side-by-side comparison of the D.O. and M.D. routes. We’ll look at everything from the education and training required to the range of career options available, including an analysis of the doctor of osteopathy salary vs medical doctor salary.
We’ll cover key areas like the intensity of training, the types of specializations available, potential salary expectations, and the overall career outlook for both D.O.s and M.D.s. This should give you a clearer picture of which path might be the better fit for you.
D.O. vs. M.D.: Education and Training
While the end result is the same – a qualified physician able to practice medicine – the path to becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) differs somewhat from that of a Medical Doctor (M.D.). Let’s break down the similarities and differences in their education and training.
Foundational Similarities
The groundwork for both D.O. and M.D. paths is remarkably similar:
- Pre-Medical Education: Both paths require a bachelor’s degree with a strong emphasis on science coursework. Performance in these pre-med courses is critical for acceptance into medical school.
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Aspiring doctors, regardless of whether they aim for a D.O. or M.D., must take the MCAT.
- Medical School Curriculum: Both D.O. and M.D. programs are four years in length. During this time, students learn foundational medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.
- Residency Training: After medical school, both D.O. and M.D. graduates must complete a residency program to specialize in a specific area of medicine. These programs can last from 3 to 7 years, contingent on the chosen specialty.
Key Differences in Approach
Despite the many similarities, there are key distinctions in the philosophy and training of D.O.s:
- Osteopathic Philosophy: D.O. programs emphasize a holistic approach to patient care, stressing the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. This means considering the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – rather than just focusing on individual symptoms.
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT): D.O.s are trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), a hands-on approach to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems. This involves using a variety of techniques to manipulate muscles and joints.
- OMT Training: D.O. students receive approximately 200 hours of OMT training, giving them a deep understanding of how the musculoskeletal system impacts overall health. OMT is used to improve circulation, alleviate pain, and restore structural balance within the body.
- Licensing Exams: While both types of doctors must pass licensing exams, the specific exams differ. D.O. students take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA), while M.D. students take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Specialization and Career Paths
Both Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) and medical doctors with M.D. degrees can specialize in pretty much any field of medicine. You’ll find them in primary care, surgery, and all the subspecialties.
Specialization Options
D.O.s are somewhat more likely to go into primary care specialties like family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. In 2023, more than half (52%) of D.O. seniors chose primary care, compared to about a third (35%) of M.D. seniors.
Career Settings
Both D.O.s and M.D.s can work in all kinds of settings. You’ll find them in hospitals, clinics, private practices, universities, and research labs.
Because M.D.s often specialize and tend to work in cities where the cost of living is higher, their compensation tends to be higher.
Residency Match Rates
For the most part, D.O. and M.D. students get matched to residencies at about the same rate. In the 2024 Main Residency Match, the match rate for U.S. M.D. seniors was 93.5%, and for U.S. D.O. seniors, it was 92.3%.
However, D.O. students may face an uphill climb when trying to match in some of the more competitive specialties. For example, in 2024, about 94% of M.D. seniors who applied to thoracic surgery residencies were matched, while only about 2% of D.O. seniors got matched. Similarly, about 85% of M.D. seniors who applied to neurological surgery residencies got matched, while only about 1% of D.O. seniors were matched.
D.O. vs. M.D. Salary: Factors and Comparisons
So, how do the salaries of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) and Medical Doctors (M.D.s) stack up? Let’s take a look at the numbers and the factors that influence earning potential.
Average Salary Figures
Here’s a snapshot of the reported average salaries:
- D.O. Average Salary: Around $164,000 per year in the U.S.
- M.D. Average Salary: Around $202,000 per year in the U.S.
It’s important to remember these are averages. Your actual salary will depend on a variety of factors.
Factors Influencing Salary
Several elements can significantly impact what a D.O. or M.D. earns:
- Specialization: M.D. physicians tend to specialize more often, and certain specialties command higher salaries. Fields like surgery, cardiology, and other highly specialized areas generally pay more.
- Location: Where you practice matters. Physicians in urban centers and regions with high demand for medical professionals may see a boost in their earnings. It’s also worth noting that M.D.s are more likely to work in higher-cost urban areas, which could contribute to the salary difference.
- Experience: Just like in any profession, years of experience play a role. The more experience you have under your belt, the higher your earning potential typically becomes.
- Practice Setting: Your work environment can also affect your salary. Whether you’re in a hospital, a private practice, or an academic institution can influence your income. Also, taking on short-term “locum tenens” assignments can be a way to increase your pay, at least temporarily.
Salary Parity
It’s not always an apples-to-oranges comparison. When you compare D.O. and M.D. physicians with equivalent levels of experience, the same specialty, and practice in the same location, their salaries become much more comparable.
Ultimately, both D.O.s and M.D.s have the potential to achieve high salaries. It really comes down to the career choices you make and how effectively you manage your practice.
Admission and Competitiveness
So, how hard is it to get into medical school, whether you’re aiming for a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) or a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
Academic Requirements
Both D.O. and M.D. programs look at your MCAT scores and GPA, but the average scores tend to be different. If you’re aiming for an M.D. program, you’ll generally need higher scores to be competitive.
For example, the average MCAT score for M.D. applicants in 2024-2025 was 511.8, while for D.O. applicants in 2023-2024, it was 503.90. The average GPA for M.D. applicants was 3.79, compared to 3.61 for D.O. applicants.
That being said, both types of programs take a “holistic” approach, meaning they look at your academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Application Strategies
If you’re applying to D.O. programs, it’s really important to shadow a D.O. physician and get a letter of recommendation from them. Your personal statement should also highlight the principles of osteopathic care, not just generic holistic keywords.
Also, keep in mind that D.O. programs are less common than M.D. programs. In 2025, there were 159 accredited M.D. programs and 42 accredited D.O. programs.
Acceptance Rates
Because of the slightly lower average scores and fewer programs, D.O. programs can be a bit easier to get into for some applicants. A good strategy is to apply to both D.O. and M.D. programs. If you’re finding it tough to get into an M.D. program, consider focusing on D.O. programs first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do MDs make more money than DOs?
Historically, there were some salary discrepancies between MDs and DOs, often related to specialization and practice setting. However, these differences have largely diminished. Salary depends more on factors like specialty, location, experience, and the type of practice (private, hospital-employed, etc.) than on whether the physician is an MD or DO.
What doctor makes $500,000 a year?
Several medical specialties can command a salary of $500,000 or more. These often include surgical specialties like neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and plastic surgery. Some non-surgical specialties like dermatology, radiology, and cardiology can also reach this level, especially with experience and a successful private practice or a high-demand location. However, achieving this income level depends on many factors, and it’s not guaranteed for anyone.
The Bottom Line
Doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s) and medical doctors (M.D.s) are both fully licensed physicians who undergo rigorous medical training. The main difference lies in their approach: D.O.s emphasize a holistic, whole-person philosophy, often incorporating osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) into their practice. M.D.s, while equally dedicated to patient care, often specialize in specific areas of medicine, and may, on average, earn slightly higher salaries.
Both paths offer fulfilling and impactful careers in medicine. Whether you choose to become a D.O. or an M.D., you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of your patients, providing essential healthcare services and improving their overall well-being.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual goals and preferences. Consider which training modality resonates most with you, what your career aspirations are, and where your academic strengths lie. Are you drawn to a more hands-on, holistic approach? Or are you more interested in specializing in a particular area of medicine? These are important questions to ask yourself as you navigate your path.
It’s also worth noting that the lines between D.O.s and M.D.s are increasingly blurred in modern healthcare. Collaboration and mutual respect are growing, as both types of physicians work together to provide the best possible care for their patients.