Differences in income between male and female physicians

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Medical Practice Management
• Gender Studies in Medicine

Background:

• Existing research indicates a persistent gender pay gap in medicine.
• Previous studies may have underestimated or overestimated the unexplained earnings differential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To more accurately estimate the unexplained earnings differential between male and female physicians in 1982.
• To refine the analysis of sex differences in physician compensation by controlling for more personal characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Estimation of hourly earnings equations for physicians in 1982.
• Application of a more comprehensive specification to control for personal characteristics.
• Utilization of precise estimators for unexplained earnings differentials.

Main Results:

• Previous studies appear to have overstated the unexplained earnings gap.
• Female physicians earned 12-13% less per hour than male physicians in 1982.
• This differential is attributed to discrimination or other unexplained factors.

Conclusions:

• The gender pay gap among physicians, after accounting for personal characteristics, is smaller than previously estimated.
• A 12-13% unexplained earnings differential persists for female physicians, suggesting ongoing disparities.