When it comes to compensation at work, the gender pay gap between men and women is still a problem. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2022 American women earned an average 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This was only a 2 cent increase over 2002 figures. Closing the pay gap has been a slow journey, with women only earning 65 cents to each dollar earned by men in 1982. This is only an increase of 17 cents in more than 40 years. 

At this pace, the gender pay gap will not be closed until 2088 according to the American Association of University Women (AAUW). These figures become even more detrimental to women as they enter their retirement years. New figures show that women earn just 70 percent of what men do after leaving the workforce, forcing many people holding onto jobs well into their 70s and 80s. 

Ethnicity also plays a role in how far apart the pay gap remains during a person's career. Asian American women working full-time earned 99 cents, while all earners (including part-time and seasonal) were paid 89 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men.

Meanwhile, Black Women working full-time, year-round were paid 69 cents and all earners (including part-time and seasonal) were paid 66 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men.

Latina women and Native women saw the highest pay gaps at 52 cents and 55 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men, for part-time work, respectively, and 57 cents and 59 cents for full-time work, respectively. 

The U.S. Department of Labor reports, on average, men are paid $1,219 per week and women $1,002. With less than a high school diploma, men receive $745 per week, while women only earn $594. With an advanced degree, men are paid $1,998 and women $1,546. 

The AAUW report noted, in some professions, women collectively are receiving billions less than they would with equal pay. This was particularly noticeable in the medical field, where female physicians and surgeons were paid $19 billion less annually than their male counterparts. 

According to American Progress, despite the pay gap being illegal since 1963, many companies can still get away with discriminatory practices. AP research shows that it is particularly prevalent in workplaces that discourage open discussion about wages, in a place where employees fear retaliation.