Study: Societal gender pay gap reflected in nursing

Editor's Note

Male nurses earn approximately $6,000 more annually than female nurses, despite representing only about 10% of registered nurses, according to Nurse.com’s 2024 Nurse Salary and Work-Life Report. Becker’s Clinical Leadership covered the news July 11.

According to the article, the pay disparity reflects broader societal gender pay gaps. Dr. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, told Becker’s that men often enter higher-paying specialty or administrative roles and receive promotions more easily than women. Women are also less likely to negotiate their salaries, she says, suggesting using online resources and data to support their case.  

The article also overviews one hospital’s approach to addressing the gap by assessing pay without names or gender. Overall, Dr. Mensik Kennedy recommends ongoing discussions, regular audits, promoting career growth for female nurses, and leveraging professional organizations to develop effective strategies.