The gender pay gap measures the difference between average earnings of men and women in the workforce. Australia has made progress in reducing the gender pay gap but a persistent difference remains across most industries and occupations, with multiple contributing factors including occupational segregation, career interruptions, and discrimination.
The Workplace Gender Equality Agency publishes annual data on the gender pay gap across Australian industries and employers with 100 or more employees. From 2024, large employers are required to publicly report their gender pay gap data, increasing transparency and accountability.
ATO Taxation Statistics show the gender income gap from tax return data, capturing differences in taxable income between male and female taxpayers across age groups and occupations. This data shows the gap widening in the late thirties and forties when career breaks and part-time work patterns have the greatest impact.
The gender pay gap has implications beyond immediate income, affecting superannuation accumulation, access to credit, and long-term financial security.
Data sourced from ATO Taxation Statistics gender disaggregated tables and Workplace Gender Equality Agency employer census data. Updated annually.