New Pew Report Shows Stalled Progress For Women In U.S. Labor Force

In recognition of the upcoming Women’s History Month, Pew Research published an analysis of labor data exploring how women’s roles in the U.S. workforce has evolved over the years. 

The data reveals significant strides in education as pay disparities and representation in leadership positions persist into 2024.  

According to the report, Women now constitute 47% of the U.S. civilian labor force — an increase from around 30% in 1950. This growth, however, has hit a plateau, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections suggesting women will maintain just under half of the labor force through 2032.  

Despite outnumbering men in the college-educated workforce, at 51% for those ages 25 and older, women remain underrepresented in the highest-paying occupations. According to Census Bureau data, 35% of the workers in the country’s 10 highest-paying occupations are women. A separate report published by Pew Researchpublished by Pew Research, reveals that the 10 highest-paying roles include: 

• Physicians, 
• Dentists, 
• Actuaries,  
• Physicists and astronomers,  
• Lawyers,  
• Sales engineers, 
• Pharmacists,  
• Airplane pilots,  
• and Petroleum, mining and geological engineers. 

Related to representation in the highest paying roles, the overall gender pay gap also persists throughout the workforce. Based on median hourly earnings, women earned around 82 cents for every dollar earned by men as of 2022.  

In leadership positions, the disparity is also pronounced. It’s reported that women make up only 11% of Fortune 500 CEOs and 28% of U.S. congressional members. When it comes to leadership positions in business and government, Pew Research cites that in most cases gender parity with men (when each gender is represented equally) has not been reached.  

Overall public sentiment reflects a desire for change, with slim majorities advocating for more women in top political and business roles. However, the data suggests the path forward still holds many societal and workforce challenges. A separate Pew Research report reveals many Americans believe women must overcome greater obstacles to succeed.