Let's dive into a topic that's been on the minds of many but often gets tucked away in the back of our conversations - the wage gap. It's no secret that, on average, women earn less than men. But did you know the extent of this disparity varies quite a bit from state to state? Today, we're zoning in on Utah and Idaho to shed some light on what's happening.

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Utah holds a less desirable title when it comes to wage equality. Women in Utah earn only 63.25% of what men earn, making it the state with the most significant wage gap in the U.S. Idaho isn't faring much better, contributing to the conversation with its own numbers highlighting the ongoing issue of pay inequality with women earning 67.79% of what men earn according to Marketwatch.com

Why is this happening? The reasons behind the wage gap are complex and multifaceted. Factors like occupation choices, education levels, parenthood, and even societal norms play a significant role. For instance, specific fields traditionally dominated by men tend to pay more. At the same time, industries with a higher percentage of female employees often see lower wages. Moreover, becoming a parent can impact women's earnings more significantly than men's, contributing to the widening gap as careers progress.

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Even when accounting for factors like education and job type, a gap still exists. Women and men with the same qualifications, doing the same job, often don't receive equal pay. And that's something we need to talk more about. Addressing this issue isn't just about fairness; it's about creating a more equitable society where everyone has the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of gender. Promoting financial literacy, encouraging women to negotiate salaries, and pushing for transparent pay practices are steps in the right direction.

The Minimum Wage Every Year Since 1938

Here are the minimum wage amounts every year since 1938.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cardenas

10 States With The Largest Housing Vs. Wage Growth Gaps

MyElisting.com calculated the percentage difference over the 5-year period from 2018 to 2022. The resulting "Housing vs. Wages Growth Gap" was obtained by subtracting the percentage increase in wages from the percentage increase in housing prices. States were then ranked based on the magnitude of this gap.

Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews

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