Women earn roughly one fifth less than men - Hesse’s gender pay gap remains stubbornly stuck at 19 percent
Women in Hesse continue to earn less than men, with the gender pay gap holding steady at 19 percent for another year. On average, female workers in the region take home €5.54 less per hour than their male colleagues. This disparity persists despite efforts to address wage inequality across industries and professions.
The latest figures show women in Hesse earning a gross hourly wage of €24.21, while men receive €29.75. This 19 percent gap matches the previous year’s data, indicating no improvement in closing the divide. Nationally, the pay gap stands at 16 percent, slightly lower than Hesse’s figure.
Even after accounting for factors such as occupation, qualifications, and employment history, an 8 percent gap remains unexplained. Official statistics suggest unmeasured influences—like career breaks for pregnancy, childcare, or family responsibilities—may contribute to this persistent difference. The issue worsens with age, peaking at 28 percent for workers between 60 and 64.
The unchanged 19 percent pay gap in Hesse highlights ongoing challenges in achieving wage equality. With an unexplained 8 percent difference even after adjustments, the data points to deeper structural issues. The widening gap for older workers further underscores the need for targeted solutions.
