Gender Pay Gap

Economics

The difference in average or median earnings between women and men, expressed as a percentage of men's earnings, reflecting both direct pay disparities and structural factors.

## Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap measures the difference between what men and women earn. It can be measured in various ways, leading to different figures.

### Types of Gap

| Measure | Compares | US Gap (2024) |
|---------|---------|---------------|
| Unadjusted (raw) | All men vs. all women | ~16% |
| Adjusted (controlled) | Same job, experience, hours | ~5–8% |
| Hourly | Per-hour earnings | ~14% |
| Annual | Full-time annual earnings | ~16% |

### Contributing Factors

- Occupational segregation (men in higher-paying fields).
- Career interruptions (disproportionately affecting women).
- Negotiation differences.
- Discrimination (explains portion of adjusted gap).
- Part-time work (women work part-time at higher rates).

### Global Context

| Country | Unadjusted Gap |
|---------|---------------|
| South Korea | 31% |
| Japan | 22% |
| US | 16% |
| UK | 14% |
| Germany | 18% |
| Luxembourg | 1% |