Women and Men Both Experienced Changes in Occupations During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in employment for all types of U.S. workers, but these changes looked different for women and men.
Some employees transitioned to remote or hybrid work, while essential workers faced hazardous conditions in the workplace. Many workers had to adjust their schedules or leave their jobs. And sudden shifts in demand for goods and services led to fluctuations in employment across different occupations, leading to different changes for men and women.
Both men and women’s job gains were mostly in the broad category of management, business, science and arts occupations in which men were paid 26% more than women, on average.
In recognition of Equal Pay Day on March 14 and Women’s History Month, this article examines differences in occupational employment shifts for women and men during the COVID pandemic.
Continue reading to learn more about:
Different occupations for women and men
Declines for women, mostly service and retail
How men fared
Continued disparities between men and women