This Map Of The U.S Breaks Down The Gender Pay Gap In Each State

Although the gender pay gap has lessened since the 1980’s, it has steadily persisted through the start of the 21st century. This income divide also affects nearly every field of work, with women consistently earning less than men across all industries, even in fields typically dominated by women.

The data provided in the map below shows that the gender wage gap is still significantly wide in the United States, even though it has been fifty-seven years since the U.S. passed the Equal Pay Act. This map represents the cumulative gap between all working men and women in the U.S. and does not take into account the divide that exist between women of distinct racial and socioeconomic groups. 

It’s important to understand that the gender gap varies by state due to these racial/socioeconomic factors as well as education level, regional beliefs towards gender and work, and policies and laws implemented by each state.

Other factors that strongly contribute to the gender wage gap include direct pay discrimination, occupational segregation, access to education, bias against mothers in the workforce, and age discrimination.

Some key facts about the gender pay gap, according to the Joint Economic Committee, include:

  • If the narrowing of the wage gap continues at its current rate, it will not close until the year 2059.
  • Women who are age 75 and older are approximately twice as likely as men their age to live below the poverty line. 
  • According to the Council of Economic Advisers, the U.S. economy would be $2.0 trillion smaller today if women has not increased their participation in the workforce starting in 1970.
  • The median income of U.S. women is lower regardless of their level of education. Women are frequently out earned by men who have received less education. The average woman with a graduate degree earns approximately $5,000 less than a man who holds a bachelor’s degree.
  • While many economists believe that complex forces cause the gender pay gap, they agree that when all those forces are considered, about 40% of the gender pay gap is caused by discrimination.

Though the gender pay gap is still a reality in the modern day workforce, it does not mean that gender discrimination in the workplace should be tolerated. If you or someone you know is experiencing gender discrimination at work, don’t ignore the situation. There are many laws and policies in each state that have been created to protect your rights as an employee, and you’re entitled to ensure that they’re being enforced.

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