The gender wage gap in Catalonia stood at 19.9% in 2021, becoming the second lowest figure recorded in the historical series, but with an increase of 0.2% more than the previous year, according to a study prepared by the Labor and Productive Model Observatory. The report indicates that this result is due to an increase in the annual earnings of men (4%) in relation to those of women (3.8%).
The increase in gross annual earnings for women was 919.3 euros (3.8%) to reach 25,015.9 euros annually, while for men it was 1,209.1 euros (4%) and reached 31,212. .7 euros. In total, the average annual gross salary of the salaried population in Catalonia in 2021 was 28,145 euros, which means 1,044 euros more compared to 2020 (3.9%).
As explained by the Business Department in a statement published this Thursday, the uneven salary increase is due to a growth in male employment in the industry, more specifically in tertiary activities and areas with higher salaries.
Although it has been reduced compared to the previous year, the highest gap is among the 10% of people with the lowest salaries, reaching up to 29.2%. On the other hand, the lowest gap occurs among the 10% of people who earn the most, with 16.6%.
If we talk about the gender pay gap by age, the largest difference is 23.5% between people between 45 and 54 years old. On the other hand, inequality is lower among young adults between 25 and 24 years old, at 14%. That is why in the conclusions of the study, it is indicated that in the age group where the gap is greatest it coincides with the typical age of raising children.
However, regarding women with Spanish nationality, their gross annual earnings are "considerably higher" than those of foreigners. What's more, they even surpass the salaries of foreign men.
