There are different ways to measure Australia’s gender pay gap – different government agencies calculate pay gaps based on different data, producing varying results. It’s no wonder we’re confused!

Future Women explains that the Australian Bureau of Statistics relies on weekly earnings data collected every 6 months, while the Workplace Gender Equality Agency collects data from Australian companies with at least 100 employees including base salary plus discretionary payments like bonuses, overtime and superannuation. 

Our equalpayday.com website uses the ABS 13% from which the date for Equal Pay Day is calculated.  Women this will work 50 additional days into the new financial year to earn the same, on average, as men did last financial year.

However you measure it, the gender pay gap favours men across all national figures, industries, occupations, and age groups.

Pay transparency is critical too – federal legislation passed last year means private sector companies with more than 100 employees will have their pay rates published in February 2025.  This will reveal the extent to which male and female colleagues in equivalent jobs are paid differently.