Earnings of Employed and Self-employed US Health Care Professionals, 2001 to 2015

Key Points Question Since 2001, what changes have occurred in the gap in annual earnings between health care professionals who are self-employed and those who are employed by for-profit or nonprofit organizations? Findings In this survey study examining responses from self-identified dentists, physicians, pharmacists, chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists, and physical therapists participating in the American Community Survey between 2001 and 2015, the percentage identifying themselves as self-employed decreased. The gap in earnings between these professionals and those employed by organizations either narrowed or reversed. Meaning These trends may represent a move of health care professionals toward larger provider groups. Additional research is warranted to determine the driving forces behind the shift away from self-employment and the shrinking earnings gap between health care professionals who are self-employed and those employed by for-profit or nonprofit organizations.