The gender wage gap in Switzerland is gradually decreasing, although it remains a significant issue.
In 2022, women earned an average of 16.2% less than men, which is a decrease from 18% in 2020 and 19% in 2018.
Structural differences, such as variations in education levels, years of service, and hierarchical positions, contribute to the wage gap. The gap is more pronounced at higher management levels, indicating underrepresentation of women in senior roles.
The wage gap has narrowed in both the public and private sectors, but there are significant variations across industries. Certain sectors, such as the hotel and restaurant industry, have smaller disparities, while others, like the financial and insurance sectors, have larger gaps.
A significant portion of the wage gap remains unexplained, with 48.2% of the difference in 2022 attributed to factors that cannot be accounted for. This unexplained gap varies across sectors, with the banking and insurance industries experiencing the highest unexplained wage difference.
Addressing workplace culture, negotiation practices, and biases in hiring and promotion processes is crucial to reducing inequalities. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure fair compensation for women in the workforce.