04-01-2026
Employer Insight: For the second year in a row, the gender pay gap has widened between women and men. It is the first time the gap has widened for two consecutive years since the 1960s. Recent Census Bureau data shows that women (working full-time, year-round) earn 81 cents for every dollar that men earn. That gap was 83 cents last year and 84 cents the year before. Payscale published similar data showing an increase in the wage gap. Over a 40-year career, women could see $1 million in lost earnings, or $14,300 per year.
Glassdoor’s data indicates that women’s earnings stop growing in their late 30’s, while men’s wages continue to grow throughout their 40’s. The gap is higher for older women aged 45 and older, who earn $.71 for each dollar men earn. Female executives earn $.69, which could reflect “the cumulative effects of slower career progression, caregiving penalties, and less consistent access to leadership roles.” (Payscale)
Some equal pay advocates have pushed for more legislation requiring pay transparency. According to NPR, studies are mixed on whether those transparency laws lead to higher wages for women. In 2026, nine states with those laws had narrowed the gender pay gap. Six other states with those laws did not close the gap. Experts do not believe a single factor causes wage gaps. But separate job categories for men and women are significant contributors. For example, more women perform low-wage work, such as hotel housekeeping, childcare, and food service. Data also shows that male doctors earn higher wages than female doctors across all specialties.