In honor of National Parents’ Day (Sunday, July 28th), WTS Philadelphia is highlighting the gender pay gap that persists in several industries, including transportation-related fields, which significantly impacts working parents. 

Gender pay gap is the difference in earnings between men and women in the workplace. According to the Pew Research Center, in 1982 American women earned approximately 65 cents for every dollar earned by men. Over the next 20 years, that pay gap shrunk to 80 cents to the dollar in 2002. However, in 2022, American women earned approximately 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, reflecting only a minor reduction in the pay gap over the 20-year period between 2002 and 2020.

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U.S. Census Bureau data further revealed that in 2022, Black women earned only 63 cents for every dollar White men earned and Hispanic and Latina women only earned about 58 cents to the dollar.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, full time working mothers earned just 71 cents for every dollar compared to fathers. Asian/Pacific Islander mothers earn 85 cents to the dollar, White mothers earn 69 cents to the dollar, Native mothers earn 55 cents to the dollar, Black mothers earn 51 cents to the dollar, and Hispanic and Latina women earn 46 cents to the dollar.

The gender pay gap in transportation mirrors the overall industry gap and can be attributed to multiple factors, including career interruptions, work-life balance needs, education, and unconscious bias in hiring and promotion practices. For working parents, these disparities can mean less financial security and fewer opportunities for career advancement.

Closing the gender pay gap in transportation engineering and construction requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including employers, employees, and industry leaders. By promoting equal opportunities, fostering an inclusive culture, and implementing transparent family-friendly practices, the industry can move toward a future where gender does not determine one’s earning potential. Addressing these disparities is not just a matter of fairness but also essential for the growth and innovation of the field as a whole.

On National Parents’ Day, let's recognize the importance of supporting working parents by striving for a more equitable workforce. Ensuring fair pay for all is crucial for the well-being of families and the broader society.