The number of women participating in the U.S. labor force increased from about 15 million in the late 1960s to 48.3 million in 2016. However, since 2000, the rate of women entering the workforce has slowed.
In 2016, 56.8 percent of women participated in the labor force.
Changes over time
The proportion of women ages 25-64 in the labor force who held a college degree increased from 11 percent in 1970 to 42 percent in 2016. The proportion of women with a college degree tripled in that span, while the percentage of men doubled.
In 2016, women accounted for 47 percent of the workforce and 52 percent of workers employed in professional and management occupations. Of the Fortune 500 companies, 32 – 6.4 percent – were headed by female CEOs in 2017
In 2016, 75 percent of employed women usually worked full time — that is, 35 or more hours per week. The remaining 25 percent usually worked part-time (1-34 hours per week).
Percentage of women working by county
Sources: American Community Survey, 2009-2013 estimates; The New York Times
Earnings
Female-to-male earnings ratio and median earnings of full-time, year-round workers 15 or older by gender: 1960-2016
Source: U.S. census
Median earnings in thousands (2016 dollars)
Source: U.S. census
Earnings by occupation
Median earnings for selected occupations with 80 percent or more female workers
Percentage of women in select occupations
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
More moms working
From 1975 to 2012, the percentage of women in the workforce who had children under 18 increased 21 percentage points, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Businesses owned by women
Number in 2016, by select industry.
Source: U.S. census
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