According to the United States Census Bureau, the difference between median earnings for men and women in Maine who worked full-time, year-round in 2019 was $10,237.
Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed (PDF) March 15, 2022 National Equal Pay Day in Maine, symbolizing how far into the year women on average must work in order to earn the same amount that men did as of December 31, 2021. Nationally, women working full-time, year-round are on average paid just 82 cents for every dollar paid to men. The wage gap is even starker for women of color. Nationally in 2020, African American women made 64 cents on the dollar, and Latinas just 57 cents on the dollar compared to white, non-Hispanic men.
“We are making strides in paying women an equal wage, but there is more work to be done,” said Governor Janet Mills. “On this Equal Pay Day, let us recommit to paying women fairly and equally – based on their experience, their responsibilities, and their qualifications – so that we can level the playing field for women across Maine and ensure that our state provides opportunity for all. Not only is it good public policy, but it’s the right thing to do.”
Requirements regarding equal pay have been a part of Maine law since 1949, but wage inequality persists. To promote pay equality, Governor Mills signed legislation in 2019 to discourage employers from basing wages on an employee’s salary history.
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