title: Salary differences of male and female physician assistant educators.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) annual report has shown substantial salary differences between male and female physician assistant (PA) faculty. Despite this published difference between the salaries, very little research has been conducted on the subject. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a significant difference between male and female PA faculty salaries. The researchers set out to determine if these differences could be further distinguished by education level, rank, or position. In addition, any difference between the percentages of male and female faculty promoted to higher ranks and in leadership positions was also explored.
  
  
  METHODS
  Salary, gender, degree, rank, and position were obtained and deidentified from the 25th PAEA annual report. SPSS Version 20 was used to analyze the data. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures and an independent t test. Data from only those PA educators who reported full-time employment were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The final analysis included 477 PA faculty salaries. Female PA educators showed statistically significant lower annual incomes than their male counterparts. The income disparity persisted when differentiated by education, rank, and position. Higher percentages of male PA faculty members were found in higher ranks and in leadership positions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirms previous reports that female PA faculty earn less than their male counterparts. With increasing numbers of female PAs entering academia, the lack of women in leadership positions and the wage disparity are concerning.
authors: Jennifer Coombs, PhD, PA-C, is an assistant professor for the Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, at the University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah. Virginia L. Valentin, MCMS, PA-C, is an assistant professor in the Division of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, Lexington, Kentucky.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Coombs
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Valentin
mesh_terms: D004501:Education, Medical / Q000191:economics; D004522:Educational Status; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000193:education*; D058028:Research Report; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D063507:Sexism / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States