Women in health care earn up to 28% less than men, WHO finds
The World Health Organization reports that female health workers earn up to 28% less per month than their male counterparts, with the gap widening at higher job levels.
A WHO analysis shows that women constitute roughly 77% of the health-care workforce yet receive markedly lower wages than men. At the lowest tier, the hourly difference is about 2%, but it expands to almost 23% for senior positions. Women holding leadership roles in health still earn less, with an average of €22 per hour compared with €24.70 for similar managerial jobs outside the sector.
Dr Azzopardi Muscat of WHO Europe states that the disparity persists regardless of working time, age or specific field, reflecting how the sector values women’s work. This pay gap leads to reduced pensions, weaker financial security in old age, and a higher risk of poverty for women who have spent their careers caring for others. The findings underscore that the inequality is not linked to qualifications but to systemic undervaluation of female-dominated occupations.
Why it matters
Pay gaps in health care affect women's lifelong earnings, retirement security and overall gender equality.
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