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Am J Perinatol 2024; 41(S 01): e1908-e1916
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769792
Original Article

Factors Influencing Compensation of Early Career Neonatologists

Authors

  • Anisha Bhatia 

    1   Division of Neonatology, Rush University Medical Center, Aurora, Illinois

  • Matt Nestander

    2   Division of Newborn Medicine, Carl R. Darnall Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas

  • Ashley Lucke

    3   Department of Pediatrics, Dell Children's Hospital, Austin, Texas

  • Sarah M. Bernstein

    4   Division of Neonatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

  • Shiva Gautam

    5   Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Eric Horowitz

    6   Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts

  • Colby Day

    7   Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, Rochester, New York

Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective Workforce characteristics and compensation specific to early career neonatologists remain poorly defined. Lack of transparency surrounding compensation limits benchmarking for neonatologists entering the workforce and may negatively influence individual lifetime earnings. Our objective was to provide granular data for this unique subpopulation by defining employment characteristics and factors influential to compensation of early career neonatologists.

Study Design An anonymous 59-question cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to eligible members of American Academy of Pediatrics Trainees and Early Career Neonatologists. A focused analysis was conducted on salary and bonus compensation data collected from the survey instrument. Respondents were classified based on primary site of employment: nonuniversity located (e.g., private practice, hospital employed, government/military, and hybrid employment groups) versus university located practice settings (e.g., work is primarily conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting located within a university organization). Median quantile regression was used to conduct univariate and multivariate analyses using SAS Software version 9.4.

Results We received 348 responses (26.7% response rate). Median salary was $220,000 (interquartile range: $200,000–250,000). Factors associated with salary include academic rank (instructor: $196,000; assistant professor: $220,000 [12% increase; p < 0.001]; associate professor: $260,000 [18% increase]; p = 0.027) and years of experience (p = 0.017), after adjusting for relevant factors. Employment location, practice type, group size, clinical schedule, location of medical school training, and gender identity did not significantly influence salary in multivariate quantile regression. Median annual bonus was $7,000 higher for nonuniversity located positions ($20,000 vs. 13,000; p = 0.021), with assumption of additional administrative roles and practice group seniority as most commonly cited bonus criteria (p = 0.002 and <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion Academic rank and years of experience may influence salary. Bonus earnings are higher for nonuniversity located positions. Employment models are evolving to incorporate academic teaching appointments while practicing in nonuniversity located NICUs. This is the first detailed compensation analysis of early career neonatologists.

Key Points

  • Transparent compensation data specific to early career neonatologists is lacking.

  • Associated factors influential to compensation of early career neonatologists remain unclear.

  • This study identifies years of experience and academic rank as possible factors influencing salary earnings of early career neonatologists.

  • Practicing in nonuniversity located positions was associated with greater bonus earning potential.

Keywords

neonatologist - salary - physician compensation - equity - early career physicians

Authors' Contributions

A.B. conceptualized and designed the study, supervised data collection, drafted the initial manuscript, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. A.L., M.N., C.D., E.H., and S.M.B. assisted with the study design, designed the data collection instrument, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. Additionally, C.D. was involved in supervising data collection and served in a mentorship role throughout the project. S.G. and E.H. conducted the data analysis. All authors critically reviewed the manuscript for important intellectual content, approved the final manuscript as submitted, and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 04 November 2022

Accepted: 04 May 2023

Article published online:
12 June 2023

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