Exploring Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Training in Compensation Negotiation Among Early-Career Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Physical therapist compensation is influenced by several factors, including salary negotiation. The frequency of salary negotiation in new graduate physical therapists and factors related to negotiation behaviors is unknown. This study aimed to investigate: 1) the relationship between race, ethnicity, and gender and new graduates' likelihood of engaging in negotiation, and 2) the impact of negotiation training on their decision to negotiate their first position. METHODS: 763 licensed physical therapists completed the web-based survey. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize all categorical variables. Pearson chi-square test of independence was performed to analyze the associations between gender, race and ethnicity, and salary negotiation training and negotiating first compensation. Linear regression analyzed the association between "negotiating first compensation" and first salary. RESULTS: Most respondents, 70.5%, did not negotiate their first compensation package. Men were more likely to negotiate (X2(5) = 23.98, p<0.001). There was no association between race or ethnicity and negotiation (X2(8) = 5.61, p=0.691). Receiving salary negotiation training was significantly associated with negotiating (X2(1) = 29.89, p<0.001). DISCUSSION: Gender disparities persist in negotiation behaviors among physical therapists, with men negotiating more frequently than women. The lack of negotiation training may contribute to these trends, indicating an opportunity for physical therapist programs.