Pay equity among physicians is not a new topic, and recent data suggests that the pay gap remains wide. 504 Maryland physicians responded to an updated survey on compensation, benefits and practice metrics conducted by Merritt Hawkins on behalf of MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society. The results of MedChi’s first survey were released in 2018. The most recent results, announced on March 7, 2022 showed:

On average, male physicians earned 49.6% more than female physicians.

• Average male physician compensation: $320,000.
• Average female physician compensation: $213,000.

The gender disparity existed across specialties and practice settings.

• Male primary care physicians earned an average of 41.2% more than female primary care physicians ($262,542 vs. $172,542).
• Male surgical, diagnostic and other specialists earned an average of 33.5% more than female specialists ($350,625 vs. $250,115).
• Male physicians in private practice earned 30.9% more than female physicians in private practice.

Female physicians reported working slightly more hours per week than male physicians.

• Female physicians worked an average of 48.3 hours per week.
• Male physicians worked an average of 48 hours per week.

The survey also showed disparity when different races were compared.

• Average Asian/Asian-American physician compensation: $325,000.
• Average white physician compensation: $268,000.
• Average Black/African-American physician compensation: $225,000.

The push for pay equity continues as jurisdictions like Colorado, Illinois, New York City and Connecticut enact new laws with pay transparency requirements.