U.S. median household income rose to $80,610, the first significant increase since 2019—but it’s not good news for everyone

In addition to being systemically undervalued and underpaid, women dominate low-wage occupations, such as those in service and hospitality, which may help explain why the broader wage gap persists. Women make up two-thirds of the lowest-paid U.S. workforce, according to the National Women’s Law Center.