By Andrea Pozderac and Azra K. Nurkic

The conversation surrounding the gender pay gap is not new, but recent data from 2023 provides a fresh perspective on the wage disparity between men and women in the United States. For every dollar earned by men, women now earn 84.5 cents, creating a gap of 15.5 cents.

Several factors contribute to this enduring wage disparity. The PEW Research Center’s survey highlights occupational segregation, differences in educational attainment, and varying work experiences as some of the measurable reasons. Interestingly, occupational segregation alone accounts for half of the gender pay gap.
State-wise, the disparity is even more glaring. While Connecticut leads the way with women earning 97 cents for every man’s dollar, Utah trails with women making a mere 72.7 cents. The challenges compound for women of color. In 40 states, half of the women of color, including Black, Latina, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander women, occupy the lowest-paying jobs and earn below a living wage.

Younger women, those between the ages of 25 to 34, fare slightly better, earning 92 cents for every dollar earned by a man. However, this 8-cent gap is still significant and calls for attention.

For a visual deep dive into these statistics and more, we encourage our readers to check out the insightful infographic titled “Gender Pay Gap in the United States, September 18, 2023” crafted by Andrea Pozderac and Azra K. Nurkic. The infographic paints a comprehensive picture of the current state of gender wage inequality in the U.S., urging us all to understand, discuss, and act.