History of Oceania

What wages did women earn during World War 2?

Women's wages increased during World War II, as they took on jobs traditionally held by men who had been called to serve in the military. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average weekly wage for women in manufacturing increased from $21.56 in 1940 to $36.18 in 1944. However, women still earned considerably less than men, with the average weekly wage for men in manufacturing being $50.83 in 1944.

This wage gap largely depended on the specific industry and job. Women who worked in higher-paying industries, such as shipbuilding or aircraft manufacturing, could earn wages close to those of men. However, women were concentrated in lower-paying industries, such as textiles or food processing. There were also disparities within jobs, with women typically being paid less than men for the same work.

Despite these challenges, women's participation in the workforce during World War II helped to pave the way for greater gender equality in the workplace. After the war, many women continued to work, and their contributions helped to fuel economic growth.