Women gain in wages, but still trail men
August 12, 2009 by Jim GiulianoPosted in: Gender discrimination, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Pay and benefits
In the last 10 years, women’s wages, as a percentage of men’s, have increased in most age groups, but women in some groups have done better than others.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics produced data showing in 2008, women who were full-time wage and salary workers had median weekly earnings that were about 80% of the median for their male counterparts. Median weekly wages were $638 for women, $798 for men. In 1979, women earned about 62% of what men made.
Here’s a percentage comparison to men between ‘79 and ‘08, by typical age groups in the workforce:
- Age 20-24: ‘79 — women made 61% of what men made; ‘08 — women made 80% of what men made
- 25-34: ‘79 — 68%; ‘08 — 88%
- 35-44: ‘79 — 58%; ‘08 — 77%
- 45-54: ‘79 — 57%; ‘08 — 77%
- 55-64: ‘79 — 60%; ‘08 — 78%
Clearly, women who work in in entry-level positions that typically go to workers under age 25 come the closest — 88% — to equaling the pay of their male counterparts. In most other age groups, women make about three-quarters of what male counterparts make.
Apart from the cold numbers, there’s the big question: Even with the gains, women still make less. Why?
Some of course will point to sex discrimination. Others will say it’s because women more often than men drop out in mid- or early-career to raise children, and then have to play catch-up later on.
For whatever reason, the gap exists.
To see the full BLS report, “Highlights of Women’s Earnings 2008,” go here.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I wonder if part of the gap is related to how long people stay with companies (and if women maker fewer changes than men). I know that in two companies that I have worked with, experience staff who have stayed with the company long term can reach a point of making less per year that some of the more recently hired staff who have moved to different companies with higher starting salaries at each.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I wish people would stop creating these apples versus oranges surveys. Women have more choices than men do, some of which are working only part of their lives, or working part time, or working flexible jobs. Therefore they will always have less pay overall than men.
However, as an engineer and scientist I have never worked with a woman of the same
qualifications and experience that I have that wasn’t paid more than me.
It’s insulting to the intelligence of the public to keep pumping out misinformation that
looks like discrimination.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Langmuir, you happen to be in one of the few industries where women are so few that they are in great demand. As a woman who has been working since I graduated college I can tell you that men with equal or lesser qualifications have always made more than me, and have been promoted faster. Often these men promoted ahead of me have less education, less experience, and less time with the company than me. I don’t think the survey is “misinformation” for the general workforce, even though it may seem skewed to you in your environment.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Payroll is one of my many responsibilities and I know that women in managerial positions do not make as much as men with lesser education. It is a real problem that needs to be addressed.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I am amused and somewhat saddened by Langmuir statement that women have more choices . . . I have never had a choice on whether I worked or not – I do like a roof over my head and food on the table just like everyone else and I have had a full time job with the exception of 1 1/2 years when I couldn’t find one for the last 30 years.
I have also continually seen a man paid more to do the same job but in my industry at least I think that is getting a little better.
August 17th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I actually do not understand what Langmuir is saying when he states “women have more choices then men do”. Men, as well as women, have the same choice to stay home or pursue a career. Why can’t men work only part of their lives, or working part time, or working flexible jobs. My husband is trying to work a flexible schedule and stay at home with the children – “his choice” while I work outside the home.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:06 am
OK, women don’t have more choices than men do. And employers
are anxioius to hire more women because they can pay them less
for the same work.
Did you hear about the turkey farmer who tried to get bigger
drumsticks by crossing a turkey with an ostrich? He was not
successful, he just got a small bird that hides its head in the
mashed potatoes.
Langmuir
August 18th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Funny turkey joke Langmuir – made me giggle!
August 18th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
As a woman who has worked in my chosen profession for more than 23 years, I have seen my share of “wage discrimination”. I have been passed over for promotions, because “Tom” has a family to feed. I was denied the best shift at one place, in spite of my seniority and better education, again because the schedule fit a “married man’s needs” better than my own, (I was single at the time). I chose a career over children, it fits me better. However, I expect to be compensated exactly the same way a male counterpart would be. Unfortunately in my experience, women are still financially discriminated against once they become salaried professionals.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
It’s assumed that the man is the breadwinner and that the woman is just working for extra income.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
For the best of all women who want to succeed, run your own business. I will be there in a few years. There are SBA loans for women and minorities. The glass ceiling exists, men created it, duh! I currently teach part time at an English Center in Rosslyn and get passed up for raises and course offerings for two reasons: my gender and my race (non-white and non-black; I am mixed). Middle management all but one female who acts like a male – all Caucasian. My former courses are usually replaced by white males, once in a while a black male. According to the CRA, Title VII, I should be replaced by someone of the same demographics – latin mixed female. What a contradiction we live in.