California’s gender pay gap persists, with full-time working women earning 88 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2024, according to a report released Friday. However, the gap widens significantly when comparing women’s earnings to those of white men, where women earn approximately 63 cents for every dollar.
Persistent Disparities
The findings come from the 15th annual Report on the Status of Women and Girls, prepared by Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. While the overall gender pay gap has slightly narrowed since 2010 – up from 84 cents on the dollar – the report emphasizes that women, particularly women of color, continue to earn less than their male counterparts.
The report also highlights imbalances in specific industries. Currently, 74% of California’s tech jobs are held by men. Women working in STEM fields earn just under $110,000 annually, significantly more than the $64,000 median earnings for women across all occupations, but still underscores the need for greater representation in high-earning fields.
Leadership and Representation
Despite representing nearly half of entry-level positions in corporate settings, women hold only about 29% of top executive positions. In fast-growing sectors like healthcare, women are well-represented, holding 68% of existing positions. However, they account for only 25% of computer- and math-related jobs and one in six engineering positions.
Mount Saint Mary’s University President Ann McElaney-Johnson stated, “The data are clear: Barriers and disparities persist across California’s industries and leadership spaces.” She added that lifting up the strengths women bring to the workplace is essential, noting that women are “redefining leadership, economic opportunity and community impact.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current gender pay gap in California?
Full-time working women in California earned about 88 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2024, according to the report.
How do women’s earnings compare to those of white men?
Women in California earn about 63 cents for every dollar earned by white men, according to the report.
What percentage of California’s tech jobs are held by men?
Currently, 74% of California’s tech jobs are held by men, according to the report.
As California’s economy continues to evolve, will addressing these disparities in representation and leadership develop into even more critical for ensuring equitable economic opportunities for all?
