Did you miss Pay Gap Day 2024?

In 2024 the average woman worked in to this year until March 12th to earn the same amount as the average white man ended at on Dec. 31, 2023. Here is another way of looking at that gap:

Women are paid less than men at every education level. The average hourly wages, by gender and education level in 2023 are as follows:

Less than high school: $19.03 for men, $15.13 for women

High school: $25.21 for men, $19.84 for women

Some college: $29.51 for men, $22.83 for women

College: $50.37 for men, $36.85 or women

Advanced degree: $64.49 for men, $48.21 for women

Source: EPI analysis of Current Population Survey Outgoing Rotation Group microdata. For more information on the data sample see EPI's State of Working America Data Library.

You know the drill: Call and make your support known for Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.17/S.728). Sen. Joni Ernst at 202-224-3254, Sen. Chcuk Grassley at 202-224-3744, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson 202-225-2911.

Their excuse is to say that legislation will not help close the gap. But neglect to say that this legislation also establishes the National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to address compliance, public education, and enforcement of equal pay laws. It will add teeth to the 1963 Act which has helped to narrow the gap.

Mary Hoffman

Decorah