The post The 12 states where women face the biggest pay gaps compared with men first appeared in Crafting Your Home
The gender pay gap is often discussed as a national issue, but where someone lives can make a big difference. A woman working full time in one state may face a very different earnings picture from a woman doing similar work somewhere else.
The latest state ranking from AAUW shows that some states continue to have much wider differences between women’s and men’s median earnings than others. The data uses U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey information for full-time, year-round workers in 2024,
comparing women’s median annual earnings with men’s.
Before looking at the states, there is one important detail: these numbers do not mean women and men in the exact same job are automatically paid differently by the listed percentage. The figures reflect overall earnings and are affected by factors such as occupations, industries, work experience, career interruptions, caregiving responsibilities, and access to advancement opportunities.
Here are the states with the widest gaps in the latest ranking.
Louisiana has the widest gender earnings gap
Louisiana ranks at the bottom of the latest list. Women working full-time and year-round earned about 73 cents for every dollar men earned, creating a 26.9% difference in median earnings. The median annual earnings were $45,594 for women compared with $62,340 for men, a difference of about $16,746.
The state’s position does not tell the entire story of why the gap exists. Differences in industries, job types, promotions, and workforce patterns can all influence statewide numbers.
Utah follows closely behind
Utah recorded the second-widest gap, with women earning about 73.6% of men’s median earnings. That means women earned roughly 74 cents for every dollar men earned. Women’s median annual earnings were $52,177, while men’s were $70,917, leaving a difference of $18,740.
Utah’s economy has grown in many areas, but a growing economy does not automatically eliminate earnings differences. Factors such as career paths, job distribution, and leadership opportunities can still shape the numbers.
Idaho remains near the bottom
Idaho ranked third among states with the largest gap. Women earned about 75.6% of men’s median earnings, with a 24.4% difference.
The median annual earnings were $50,108 for women and $66,255 for men.
Small movements in state rankings don’t always mean a major change. State estimates can shift because of differences in workforce trends and the way annual data is measured.
West Virginia and Alabama also show large gaps
West Virginia ranked fourth, with women earning 76.2% of men’s earnings. Women’s median annual earnings were $46,096 compared with $60,488 for men. Alabama followed with women earning 76.7% of men’s earnings. The median annual earnings were $46,985 for women and $61,286 for men.
Both states show how earnings gaps can exist alongside broader economic challenges, including differences in the types of jobs available and who fills higher-paying positions.
North Dakota, Michigan, and Ohio remain below the national level
North Dakota ranked sixth, with women earning about 78.7% of men’s median earnings. The state’s median annual earnings were $51,633 for women and $65,646 for men. Michigan and Ohio followed closely. Michigan showed a 79.2% earnings ratio, while Ohio recorded 79.3%. Their median earnings differences were $13,739 and $13,524, respectively.
These states show why a single percentage cannot explain the full gap. Industries, education paths, and job opportunities all shape earnings patterns.
Wyoming, Iowa, Georgia, and Oklahoma round out the list
Wyoming ranked ninth, with women earning 80.3% of men’s median earnings. Iowa followed at 80.7%, while Georgia and Oklahoma both recorded 80.8%.
Oklahoma had one of the smaller dollar differences among the states on the list, but its overall earnings levels were also lower. Women’s median annual earnings were $45,853 compared with $56,776 for men.
Why do these gaps happen?
No single reason explains statewide earnings differences. Research points to several possible contributors.
Women and men often work in different industries and occupations. For example, BLS data shows women are less represented in areas such as construction and maintenance, while men are more represented in some higher-paying technical fields. Caregiving responsibilities can also affect career paths, working hours, and opportunities for advancement. Women are more likely than men to work part-time, which can influence lifetime earnings.
Education alone does not fully close the gap. National data show earnings gaps exist across education levels, including among workers with bachelor’s degrees or higher.
The numbers show that location still matters in the conversation about women’s earnings. While some states have smaller gaps than others, the differences reveal how workplace patterns, career opportunities, and economic conditions can shape what people earn over time.
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