In this article, we will look at the 5 states with the biggest gender wage gaps. We have also discussed the struggles of women in the workforce in the US in another article. If you are interested in reading about that along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 20 States With Biggest Gender Wage Gaps.
5. District of Columbia
Difference in Earnings: -$15,978
District of Columbia, with some of the worst income disparities in the US, is contemplating enacting pay transparency laws to address its high wage gaps, particularly affecting workers of color. Proposed measures mandate including salary ranges in job postings and limiting reliance on prior salary history in determining pay. This mirrors initiatives spreading nationwide, aiming to diminish long-standing disparities for women and minorities. Advocates anticipate these laws, coupled with potential pay data reporting requirements, could effectively combat wage gaps. Despite efforts, persistent disparities underscore the need for comprehensive measures to achieve equitable pay for all demographics in the nation’s capital.
4. Washington
Difference in Earnings: -$16,501
In Washington, racial and gender-based pay gaps intersect, with women in Washington earning approximately 64.4% of what men earned in 2021. Legislative efforts like the Paycheck Fairness Act aim to address these inequalities by promoting pay transparency and equal access to job opportunities. However, systemic issues such as employment segregation persist, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies that address both workplace discrimination and broader societal disparities.
Apart from gender pay gaps, Washington has broader disparities in income, with the top 10% of households earning 12.6 times more than the bottom 10%. This gap has widened over the past three decades, reaching an average annual difference of over $350,000 between the highest and lowest paid workers in 2021. Women, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous workers face even greater disparities, exacerbated by the dominance of white and Asian workers in the tech industry, which shapes 20% of Washington’s economy.
3. Utah
Difference in Earnings: -$16,562
In Utah, the persistent gender pay gap persists despite adjustments for occupation segregation, career breaks, and field of study. Discriminatory biases are evident in employment decisions, as revealed by testimonies of over 800 Utah women. Instances of supervisors justifying higher pay for men based on family obligations are common, reflecting systemic discrimination. Stories of unequal treatment in raises and promotions further illustrate gender-based disparities. These anecdotes debunk the notion that the pay gap is a result of women’s choices alone.
2. New Hampshire
Difference in Earnings: -$16,686
In 2022, the average female worker earned 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in median hourly wages. The gender pay gap, barely changed in the last 20 years, widened to 76 cents in New Hampshire, according to the 2023 Status of Women report. The discrepancy is stark, particularly for women of color, with Hispanic and African American women earning 63 cents on the dollar. This persistent gap challenges the notion of meritocracy and highlights the need for policy changes to address economic inequities.
Despite women’s major contributions in education, including outperforming boys in reading and increasingly excelling in math, their earnings still lag behind. The widening gap, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the urgency for societal investment in areas like childcare and healthcare.
1.Wyoming
Difference in Earnings: -$18.877
In Wyoming, women face a significant gender pay gap, earning just 75 cents for every dollar men make. The wage disparity persists even after controlling for factors like occupation and experience. On average, women in Wyoming make $17 per hour compared to men’s almost $23 per hour. Only about 4% of the gap can be explained by differences in chosen occupation, industry, and years of experience. The remainder stems from subtle systemic biases against women. Such disparities hinder women’s ability to build wealth, save for retirement, and contribute equally to families, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. Reducing this gap requires systemic changes such as transparent salary ranges and fair wage offers independent of past salaries. Till then, Wyoming is the state with the biggest gender wage gap in the US.
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