The salary gap between men and women in the U.S. remains a problem, despite some progress. According to Business Insider, the average American woman makes 80.7 cents for each dollar a man earns. New data also shows the gap is wider for older women in the U.S.
All women on average earn less
The data was collected from male and female full-time employees between the ages of 18 and 65. At every age, women make less than men, but the gap is much starker as women age. The median female employee who is 25 earns 91 percent of what a man her age earns. This is somewhat encouraging.
Women’s salaries suffer the biggest gap at 57 and 58
However, the gap is widest at ages 57 and 58 when a woman earns just 74.2 percent of a man’s salary. For men at that age, the average salary is $62,000, while the average woman earns $46,000.
Not clear if the gap will worsen for younger women later
This data only reflects the gender gap for 2017, which is the most recent data. It does not indicate whether younger women will continue earning at the same rate they currently do as compared to their male peers. Or whether the gap will widen for them and look like the older women in this survey.
Another survey suggests woman have a long way to go to reach gender parity. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), if the gender pay gap continues at its current rate, there will not be equal pay for equal work in the U.S until 2059.
Some states may achieve gender parity sooner
Where a woman lives will also affect her ability to reach gender parity. The IWPR projects New Mexico will reach pay equity until 2054, and the first state to reach gender parity will be Florida in 2038.
Women of color have a bigger pay gap
Not only where she lives, but also a woman’s race may affect her ability to earn equal pay. The pay gap disproportionately affects women of color. Black and Latino women suffer the largest repercussions. Latino women earn about 58 percent of what white men earn, while black women earn about 67 percent.
For the time being, receiving equal pay for equal work remains an issue for women across the country, particularly for women of color and older women. Some progress has occurred. However, current projections for equality do not present an encouraging picture for American women.
If you have experienced pay discrimination based on your gender, you may be able to take legal action against your employer. The Equal Pay Act states that men and women must be given the same pay for the same work. You may be able to file a discrimination suit and hold your employer accountable for unfair and illegal treatment.
