Gender Pay Gap Widens Again Despite Efforts to Close It
The wage gap between men and women in the U.S. has widened for the second consecutive year, with women earning just 80.9% of men's median salaries in 2024, down from 82.7% in 2023. Census Bureau data reveals median earnings for full-time employed men ROSE 3.7% year-over-year, while women's pay increased only 1.5%. The median salary for men stood at $71,090, significantly higher than the $57,520 median for women.
Structural disparities persist as certain professions remain gender-segregated. Experts suggest targeted measures—such as advanced education and certifications—could help women bridge the gap. Black Americans and those with bachelor's degrees were the only groups to see earnings decline in 2024, compounding intersectional inequities.
