1031 Variations in Academic Neurosurgery Physician Compensation in the United States

INTRODUCTION: In an era of an increasingly diverse neurosurgical workforce, one of the key challenges recognized is the need to ensure fair and equitable pay. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMS) Faculty Salary Survey, years 2017 to 2023. Financial compensation data for full-time academic faculty were stratified by rank, gender, and race/ethnicity. The total compensation was calculated by the sum of fixed/contractual salary, medical malpractice supplement, and bonus/incentive pay. Benefits were excluded from the total compensation. RESULTS: The 2023 AAMC Faculty Salary Survey data included responses from 1,383 faculty members in Neurosurgery departments. During the study period, median compensation increased for all ranks except instructors, by approximately $20-24K per year for professor ranks, $30K per year for chiefs, and $33K per year for chairs. When comparing median annual compensation, male faculty members were compensated more than their female counterparts, with the difference in compensation for full professors narrowing for gender in the last two years. CONCLUSIONS: From 2017 to 2023, we found significant differences in salary compensation amongst academic neurosurgery faculty throughout the United States. Continued efforts to reduce salary inequities should be addressed as part of a broader effort to increase diversity within the neurosurgical specialty.