This research article investigates the impact of childbearing and horizontal segregation on income disparities among young academics in Hungary. Using a comprehensive, large-scale survey data set on the demographics and working conditions of academics in Hungary, this research highlights the precarious conditions in the Hungarian academic sector. The findings reveal that researchers and lecturers often rely on multiple sources of income and work extra hours to secure their livelihoods, creating a disadvantageous situation for women with young children, especially during the highly competitive early stages of their careers. The results suggest that the income differences between men and women are to a large extent explained by the so-called fatherhood wage premium and that horizontal gender segregation of the scientific fields has a significant effect on income disparities as well.