Financial Compensation of Academic Otolaryngologists in the United States: Trends and Distribution.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess recent trends in financial compensation in the field of academic otolaryngology, and distribution based on rank, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographical regions in academic medical centers.

METHODS

The AAMC Faculty Salary Survey was used, which collects information for full-time faculty at US academic centers. Financial compensation data for otolaryngology faculty with MD or equivalent degree were collected from 2017 to 2023, stratified by rank, gender, race/ethnicity, and geographical region.

RESULTS

The AAMC Faculty Salary Survey data for 2023 included responses for 1641 faculty members from academic otolaryngology departments. Median faculty compensation increased on an average 0.58%-2.81% per year from 2017 to 2023, with the greatest increase at the senior ranks and smaller increases at the Instructor rank. Male faculty members were consistently compensated more than women at all ranks throughout the study period, and the salary gap increased at the higher academic ranks. Black/African American faculty had a lower median compensation compared to White faculty at all ranks. Faculty members in the northeast region had the highest median compensation at all ranks.

CONCLUSION

This study summarizes the trends of otolaryngology faculty compensation and shows persistent salary inequities at academic medical centers in the United States.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 135:1367-1371, 2025.