Guarding Against Discrimination in Physician Compensation in Maryland

Maryland doctors are paid differently based on gender, race and ethnicity, according to the results of a recent survey commissioned by the Maryland State Medical Society.

The survey set forth the following four statistics evidencing the gender pay gap:

• In 2020, female Maryland physicians earned 50% less on average than male physicians. The average annual income for male physicians was $320,000 compared to $213,000 for female physicians.
• In 2020, female Maryland primary-care physicians earned 41.2% less in average pre-tax annual income than male primary-care physicians. The average pre-tax annual income for male physicians was $262,542 compared to $172,542 for female physicians.
• In 2020, female Maryland physicians in surgical, diagnostic and other specialties earned 33.5% less in average annual income than male physicians. The average annual income for male specialist physicians was $350,625 compared to $250,115 for female specialist physicians.

The gender-based pay gap changed little compared to a similar survey of 2016 Maryland physician compensation. In 2016, female Maryland physicians earned 49.6% less than male physicians.

The survey report also showed the pay disparity based on race, with Asian Americans being the highest paid:

• In 2020, Maryland physicians’ average pre-tax annual income varied by race and ethnicity. Asian American physicians reported average income of $325,000, Caucasian physicians reported average income of $268,000, and African American physicians reported average income of $225,000.

Lebau & Neuworth attorneys have expertise in representing physicians in Maryland and elsewhere in research, academic and clinician roles. Steve Lebau negotiates contracts on behalf of Maryland physicians, provides advocacy in licensure and credentialing issues, and, when required, litigates zealously on behalf of the firm’s physician clients.

If you are a physician in need of legal representation, contact Lebau & Neuworth at (410) 296-3030 or email us at lebauneuworth.com/contact-us.