Gender differences in nurse practitioner salaries

Area of Science:

• Nursing Salary Research
• Healthcare Economics
• Gender Pay Gap Analysis

Background:

• Previous studies indicate male nurses earn more than female nurses.
• Limited research exists on gender salary disparities specifically among nurse practitioners (NPs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if a gender pay gap persists among nurse practitioners (NPs).
• To determine if salary differences between male and female NPs remain after accounting for work setting and demographics.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of salary data from 6591 full-time nurse practitioners (NPs) using the 2012 National Sample Survey of Nurse Practitioners.
• Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses to examine the relationship between gender and earnings (2011 pretax income).
• Models controlled for demographic and work-related characteristics.

Main Results:

• Male NPs earned $12,859 more than female NPs, even after controlling for individual differences.
• A smaller gender gap of $7405 was observed for recent NP graduates, which increased with professional seniority.
• Significant salary disparities favoring male NPs were found across all clinical specialty areas.

Conclusions:

• A substantial gender pay gap exists for nurse practitioners (NPs), irrespective of experience level or specialty.
• Healthcare organizations should conduct pay equity assessments to address and rectify salary inequalities for NPs.
• Findings underscore the need for interventions to ensure fair compensation for all nurse practitioners.