Is access to leadership roles contributing to the gender pay gap in the pharmaceutical sciences?

Abstract

Gender disparity in the pharmaceutical sciences contributes to the overall gender pay gap. The gender pay inequity is worse at later career stages. Salary data for pharmaceutical scientists has been reviewed from both the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences (AAPS) Salary Survey and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Pharmacy Faculty Demographics and Salaries report. We share some potential causes of the pay inequity, including implicit bias, pipeline issues, family responsibilities, and others. We suggest how organizations can put processes in place to help narrow the gender pay gap. Additionally, we share suggestions for how women must take a proactive role to ensure they reach their full potential and pay equity.