Why It Matters
Washington women earned nearly $19,000 less than men in 2024, reversing a brief improvement and placing the state among the worst in the nation for income disparity between the sexes. The gap affects household budgets, retirement security, and economic mobility for more than 1.9 million working women across the state.
What Happened
A National Partnership for Women and Families analysis of federal census data shows Washington women earned a median income $18,545 below their male counterparts in 2024. Only Utah recorded a wider gap. The disparity grew from $17,400 the previous year, erasing gains made in 2023.
March 26 marks Equal Pay Day, representing how far into the current year women must work to match what men earned in the prior calendar year. For women of color, the income shortfall is substantially larger. Latina women in Washington earned $37,796 less than white men, while Native American women faced a $33,659 gap.
By the Numbers
Washington ranks second-worst nationally for gender wage disparity. Women in the state earned $18,545 less than men in median income. Latina women faced a $37,796 income gap compared to white men. Native American women earned $33,659 less than white male workers. The state is home to 3.8 million women and girls.
Zoom Out
The Washington State Women’s Commission, a cabinet-level agency, attributes part of the gap to workforce concentration. High-paying industries in Washington — including technology and aerospace — employ more men than women. The commission launched its Activate 3.8 campaign to address systemic barriers through career exploration programs for girls, policy advocacy, and workplace retention efforts targeting women in the public sector.
Commission officials said research has not yet identified all factors driving the widening gap. Retention rates for Black women in government jobs and support for women navigating menopause remain priorities for state workforce programs.
What’s Next
The Women’s Commission is expanding initiatives on salary negotiation training, retirement access, and retention programs. State officials say keeping women in the workforce and supporting career advancement are essential to closing the income gap. The commission plans additional research to determine what policy changes could produce measurable improvement in wage parity.
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