Gender-based differences in associated factors of perceived salary satisfaction among physicians: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Perceived salary satisfaction of physicians is crucial because it affects work enthusiasm and team stability. However, research on whether perceived salary satisfaction and its determinants differ by gender is limited. This study aimed to fill this gap and promote equity in healt...

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Main Authors: Xiaoying Jiang, Jing Ma, Wei Wei, Ning Hu, Aiping Zhu, Chunyu Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:BMC Health Services Research
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12925-0
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author Xiaoying Jiang
Jing Ma
Wei Wei
Ning Hu
Aiping Zhu
Chunyu Zhang
author_facet Xiaoying Jiang
Jing Ma
Wei Wei
Ning Hu
Aiping Zhu
Chunyu Zhang
author_sort Xiaoying Jiang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Perceived salary satisfaction of physicians is crucial because it affects work enthusiasm and team stability. However, research on whether perceived salary satisfaction and its determinants differ by gender is limited. This study aimed to fill this gap and promote equity in health policy in the medical field. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in six hospitals in China from April to May 2024 to collect data on sociodemographic information, perceived salary distribution scheme transparency, and perceived salary satisfaction. Ultimately, 343 valid questionnaires were included in the final analysis. A factor analysis was conducted to determine the common factors of perceived salary transparency and salary satisfaction, whereas generalized linear regression was used to analyse the determinants of perceived salary satisfaction by gender. Results No differences in perceived salary satisfaction were identified between male and female physicians. Perceived salary distribution scheme transparency is associated with perceived salary satisfaction in both groups. Higher salary levels contributed to higher perceived salary satisfaction for male physicians, whereas fewer weekly working hours and higher academic rank led to higher perceived salary satisfaction for their female peers. Conclusions The determinants of perceived salary satisfaction for male and female physicians were inconsistent. The identified similarities and differences in perceived salary satisfaction determinants across genders will enable health organizations to facilitate a transparent salary distribution scheme and equitable promotion regardless of gender and promote flexible working hours for female physicians.
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spelling doaj-art-85af64bc529f488ba60f1d9ac64aeae62025-08-20T03:48:15ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632025-05-012511710.1186/s12913-025-12925-0Gender-based differences in associated factors of perceived salary satisfaction among physicians: a cross-sectional studyXiaoying Jiang0Jing Ma1Wei Wei2Ning Hu3Aiping Zhu4Chunyu Zhang5Department of Science, Beijing Chest HospitalEmergency Department, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People’s HospitalYouth League Committee, Linyi People’s HospitalSchool of Management, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineHospital Office, China–Japan Friendship HospitalDepartment of Human Resources, China–Japan Friendship HospitalAbstract Background Perceived salary satisfaction of physicians is crucial because it affects work enthusiasm and team stability. However, research on whether perceived salary satisfaction and its determinants differ by gender is limited. This study aimed to fill this gap and promote equity in health policy in the medical field. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in six hospitals in China from April to May 2024 to collect data on sociodemographic information, perceived salary distribution scheme transparency, and perceived salary satisfaction. Ultimately, 343 valid questionnaires were included in the final analysis. A factor analysis was conducted to determine the common factors of perceived salary transparency and salary satisfaction, whereas generalized linear regression was used to analyse the determinants of perceived salary satisfaction by gender. Results No differences in perceived salary satisfaction were identified between male and female physicians. Perceived salary distribution scheme transparency is associated with perceived salary satisfaction in both groups. Higher salary levels contributed to higher perceived salary satisfaction for male physicians, whereas fewer weekly working hours and higher academic rank led to higher perceived salary satisfaction for their female peers. Conclusions The determinants of perceived salary satisfaction for male and female physicians were inconsistent. The identified similarities and differences in perceived salary satisfaction determinants across genders will enable health organizations to facilitate a transparent salary distribution scheme and equitable promotion regardless of gender and promote flexible working hours for female physicians.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12925-0Perceived salary satisfactionGender disparityDeterminantsPhysiciansSalary distribution schemePublic healthcare
spellingShingle Xiaoying Jiang
Jing Ma
Wei Wei
Ning Hu
Aiping Zhu
Chunyu Zhang
Gender-based differences in associated factors of perceived salary satisfaction among physicians: a cross-sectional study
BMC Health Services Research
Perceived salary satisfaction
Gender disparity
Determinants
Physicians
Salary distribution scheme
Public healthcare
title Gender-based differences in associated factors of perceived salary satisfaction among physicians: a cross-sectional study
title_full Gender-based differences in associated factors of perceived salary satisfaction among physicians: a cross-sectional study
title_fullStr Gender-based differences in associated factors of perceived salary satisfaction among physicians: a cross-sectional study
title_full_unstemmed Gender-based differences in associated factors of perceived salary satisfaction among physicians: a cross-sectional study
title_short Gender-based differences in associated factors of perceived salary satisfaction among physicians: a cross-sectional study
title_sort gender based differences in associated factors of perceived salary satisfaction among physicians a cross sectional study
topic Perceived salary satisfaction
Gender disparity
Determinants
Physicians
Salary distribution scheme
Public healthcare
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12925-0
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