Wisconsin’s pay gap between men and women is worse than the national gap, according to Wisconsin Public Radio, even as the state’s corporate boards continue to see growth in female representation.
Figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show that nationally, women with full-time work at year-round jobs earn roughly 84 cents for every dollar men make. In Wisconsin, that number drops to 81 cents. A UW–Extension report found the pay gap persists even for those with college degrees.
The U.S. Department of Labor says that around one-third of the pay gap can be attributed to factors like age, education level, or occupation and industry choices; however, nearly 70% of the pay gap cannot be explained.
The Labor Department’s chief economist, Sarah Jane Glynn, said some portion of the unexplained pay gap is caused by discrimination, despite state and federal laws designed to prevent it. She adds that increasing pay transparency among employers can help address the pay gap.
Internal salary audits, access to affordable child care (which disproportionately affects women in the workforce), and representation in leadership positions have been cited as other potential solutions.
