Israel's Public Health System Salary Report Reveals Wide Gaps

A new report from Israel's Ministry of Finance details salary averages and disparities within the public health system, covering over 120,000 employees in hospitals and community clinics. The report indicates an average monthly salary of NIS 22,560 in hospitals and NIS 23,326 in community clinics, with median salaries at NIS 18,804 and NIS 16,971 respectively. Approximately 71% of hospital workers and 62% of community clinic workers earn over NIS 15,000 monthly.

Significant wage gaps exist among physicians, with the top 10% earning an average of NIS 104,700 per month, while the bottom 10% earn around NIS 17,300, a sixfold difference. Specializations also show disparities, with gynecologists averaging NIS 78,603 and psychiatrists NIS 42,663, though a recent agreement is expected to boost psychiatrist salaries in future reports. Specialists in peripheral areas earn about 33% more than those in central Israel, attributed partly to higher on-call duties.

The report also highlights an aging medical workforce, with 24% of hospital specialists nearing retirement age, particularly in pediatric surgery. The Ministry of Finance stressed the need for national workforce planning and incentives for underserved specialties and regions. Mental health professionals in psychiatric hospitals earn about 5-14% less than their counterparts in general and geriatric hospitals, despite mental health being a national priority.

Furthermore, the report reveals a gender pay gap. Women constitute the majority of healthcare workers but earn approximately 19% less than men in full-time hospital positions and 40% less in community settings, largely due to differences in additional work hours and roles.

Efi Malkin, the Commissioner of Wages and Labor Agreements, stated that while significant investments have been made in healthcare salaries, the report underscores the need for targeted resource allocation to mental health, peripheral areas, and specialties facing shortages. He also emphasized the importance of reducing workload and burnout through workforce diversification and the integration of new roles to improve efficiency and service availability.