U.S. Gender Wage Gap Widens for First Time in 20 Years

In 2023, the U.S. gender wage gap widened for the first time in 20 years, with women earning 83 cents for every dollar earned by men, down from 84 cents in 2022, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. This trend reflects the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the complexities of the post-pandemic labor market, particularly affecting women in low-wage industries such as hospitality and caregiving. While wages increased for all workers, the gains were more pronounced for men, highlighting persistent disparities. The widening gap is especially notable among Black and Asian women, while Hispanic women experienced a slight narrowing of their wage gap. Economists warn that this shift could signify a regression in the progress toward gender equity, with S.J. Glynn from the Labor Department emphasizing the need for caution in interpreting these findings. The situation underscores the enduring structural challenges women face in achieving pay equity.