Melbourne's gender income gap widens with age to 31 per cent
Across Melbourne, men earn on average $68,312 a year and women $52,283, a gap that grows larger as workers age.
Men and women in Melbourne start their careers with similar pay, but the gap widens steadily through their 30s and 40s. By age 45 to 54, men earn a median of $96,457 while women in the same age group earn $69,620.
A gender studies professor at the University of Sydney says women shoulder much more unpaid domestic work during their prime working years when family care is most intense, constraining their hours and career choices.
Unpaid domestic work creates what researchers call a motherhood penalty. The gap is smallest in Maribyrnong (14 per cent) and largest in Macedon Ranges (59.2 per cent).
Greater Melbourne's median income overall is $59,784.
- Men $68,312 annually vs women $52,283
- Overall gap
- Men $96,457 vs women $69,620
- Age 45-54 gap
- $59,784
- Melbourne median income
Why it mattersThe widening income gap across working life flows into retirement, affecting women's long-term financial security and wealth far beyond their earning years.
AustraliaMelbourne workers of all genders can see how their pay compares to others in their area and age group, and the data reveals deep gender inequality in the city's labour market.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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