Introduction
When it comes to healthcare salaries, transparency is a key concern, especially for organizations that receive government funding. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) play a vital role in providing care to underserved populations, and many people wonder: Are FQHC salaries public information? This article explores the transparency of FQHC salaries, how they are determined, where to find this information, and why it matters.
What Are Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)?
Definition and Purpose
FQHCs are community-based healthcare providers that receive funds from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to offer primary care services in underserved areas. These centers must meet specific requirements to qualify for federal funding, including providing services on a sliding fee scale based on patient income.
Funding and Accountability
Since FQHCs receive federal grants and Medicaid reimbursements, they must adhere to strict accountability and transparency standards. This often includes disclosing financial data, including salaries, to ensure responsible use of taxpayer money.
Are FQHC Salaries Public Information?
The Role of Public Funding in Salary Disclosure
Because FQHCs receive public funds, many aspects of their financial operations are subject to public scrutiny. Salaries of key personnel, especially executives and medical directors, are often reported in publicly accessible documents such as IRS filings and government databases.
Where to Find FQHC Salary Information
If you’re looking for salary details of FQHC employees, here are some key sources:
- IRS Form 990 – Nonprofit FQHCs must file Form 990, which includes executive compensation details. You can access these forms through platforms like GuideStar (Candid) or the IRS website.
- HRSA Data Warehouse – HRSA provides financial reports and operational data for FQHCs.
- State Transparency Websites – Some states maintain databases of public sector salaries, including those of FQHC employees.
- FQHC Annual Reports – Some centers voluntarily disclose salary data in their annual financial reports.
How Are FQHC Salaries Determined?
Factors Influencing Compensation
FQHC salaries are structured based on various factors, including:
- Funding Availability – Salaries must align with federal and state funding levels.
- Job Role and Experience – Executives, physicians, and specialists earn higher salaries than administrative staff.
- Location and Cost of Living – Salaries may vary depending on whether the FQHC is in an urban or rural setting.
- Market Comparison – Compensation is often benchmarked against private healthcare providers and other nonprofit organizations.
Salary Ranges for Common FQHC Positions
While specific salaries vary, below is an estimated range for key roles within FQHCs:
- CEO/Executive Director – $120,000 – $300,000
- Physician (MD/DO) – $150,000 – $250,000
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) – $90,000 – $140,000
- Medical Assistant – $30,000 – $50,000
- Administrative Staff – $40,000 – $80,000
Why Salary Transparency Matters
Ensuring Fair Pay
Public salary disclosures help ensure that FQHC employees are fairly compensated without excessive executive pay discrepancies.
Accountability to Taxpayers
Since FQHCs receive government funding, transparency ensures that taxpayer money is used responsibly.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
Transparency can also help potential employees make informed career decisions, ensuring competitive salaries in the nonprofit healthcare sector.
Conclusion
So, are FQHC salaries public? The answer is yes, at least for higher-level positions and nonprofit organizations required to file tax documents. Understanding where to find this information and why it matters can help ensure financial accountability and fair compensation in the healthcare sector.
If you’re considering a career at an FQHC or want to compare salaries, explore publicly available resources like IRS Form 990 filings, HRSA reports, and state databases. Salary transparency benefits everyone—employees, taxpayers, and the communities that FQHCs serve.
Andre Cuevas provides career insights, job search strategies, and professional advice to help individuals navigate the job market and achieve their career goals.
