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Is the Gender Pay Gap Largest at the Top?

Author

Listed:
  • Ariel J. Binder
  • Amanda Eng
  • Kendall Houghton
  • Andrew Foote

Abstract

No: it is at least as large at bottom percentiles of the earnings distribution. Conditional quantile regressions reveal that while the gap at top percentiles is largest among the most educated, the gap at bottom percentiles is largest among the least educated. Gender differences in work hours create more pay inequality among the least educated than they do among the most educated. The pay gap has declined throughout the distribution since 2006, but it declined more for the most educated women. Current economics-of-gender research focuses heavily on the top; equal emphasis should be placed on gender inequality among non-college-educated workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ariel J. Binder & Amanda Eng & Kendall Houghton & Andrew Foote, 2024. "Is the Gender Pay Gap Largest at the Top?," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 114, pages 248-253, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:114:y:2024:p:248-53
    DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20241023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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