Utah ranks first in gender pay gap among US states in 2024

Women's march. Photo: Parker Coffman on Unsplash

UTAH — Utah has been identified as the state with the most significant gender pay disparity in the United States, according to a new analysis conducted by employment law attorneys at Eldessouky Law. The study drew on U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission data.

Women in Utah earn an average of $47,907 annually, starkly less than men who earn an average of $65,512. This disparity places women’s earnings at roughly 73 cents for every dollar men earn, marking a 26.9% wage gap.

The report also points to a worrying trend in enforcing the Equal Pay Act. Between 2013 and 2022, 72 charges were filed against employers in Utah, a 1,700% increase. This suggests a growing awareness and refusal to tolerate wage discrimination, though the problem persists.

Louisiana follows Utah closely, ranking second, with women earning 25.2% less than men. Alabama and New Hampshire also show significant wage gaps, placing them third and fourth, respectively.

Conversely, states like Vermont, California, and New York show more promising figures, with women earning closer to what men make, yet no state has achieved full parity. “Gender pay gaps perpetuate inequality, which, in this day and age, is highly disheartening,” commented a spokesperson from Eldessouky Law.