NC improves ranking on women's earnings as wage gap narrows

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- According to recent studies, women in North Carolina are making more money, but they still earn far less than their male counterparts.

The state moved from 31st to ninth nationwide for women's median earnings.

Gov. Josh Stein declared Wednesday, March 26, Equal Pay Day to raise awareness about the narrowing - but still persistent - income gap.

Equal Pay Day falls on March 26 to represent how far into the new year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.

North Carolina data show improvement, but women interviewed say there is still a long way to go.

Stephanie Farley does what many women do every day: she shows up to move up, even when her paycheck does not.

"I had one job interview where I had to do a compensation analysis to tell them how much I thought I should make," Farley said. "I did the research and presented how much I thought I should get paid. The company told me they thought I was overqualified."

A report from the N.C. Department of Administration shows progress, but also highlights continuing disparities.

"I think it's going to require accountability and intentionality - especially transparency around salaries and income levels - so we can believe equal pay for equal work is truly a goal," said Annette Taylor with the North Carolina Council for Women.

According to the report, the gender wage gap in North Carolina improved over seven years, with women now earning 83 cents for every dollar earned by men, up from 80 cents. That improvement moved the state's national ranking from 31st to ninth.

However, women with a bachelor's degree still earn just 72 cents for every dollar earned by an equally educated man.

"What it means is that perceptions still exist around how people value men's work compared with women's," Taylor said.

"I think it's still a crisis," Farley said. "North Carolina is ranked eighth in tech, yet women make up only 38% of the tech workforce."

ABC11's Tamara Scott met Farley at The Coven in Cary - a coworking space built for women and designed to support realities that can shape careers.

"There's a private mothers' room and period-friendly workplace support," Farley said. "This space offers a comfortable, accessible and productive environment."

State officials point to child care costs as a major contributor to the wage gap. Taylor said those costs must be addressed for progress to continue.

"When women can afford child care, they can pursue careers they want and careers that pay well," Taylor said. "Women spend between 20% and 26% of their annual income on child care."

Farley said a good place to start on an equal pay journey is research - understanding full compensation packages and finding strong mentors.

"I'm proud that at 21 years old I felt empowered enough to have tough conversations about pay," Farley said. "Even when you're told no, it shapes future conversations. No matter where you are in your career - 21 or 55 - you'll face moments like that."

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