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Farmworkers and the gender wage gap: An empirical analysis of wage inequality in US agriculture

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  • Monica Fisher
  • Paul A. Lewin
  • Ryanne Pilgeram

Abstract

We use nationally representative data from the National Agricultural Workers Survey to assess gender‐based differences in wages and benefits of hired farmworkers. Decomposition and matching results indicate that, compared to men, women make 5% to 6% less in hourly wages and are less likely to receive a bonus or have health insurance paid by their employer. These gender gaps are partly explained by differences between female and male farmworkers in farming experience, hours worked, farm tasks, and crops cultivated. Sizable proportions of the gender gaps are unexplained and the result of discrimination, unmeasured differences between women and men, or both.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica Fisher & Paul A. Lewin & Ryanne Pilgeram, 2022. "Farmworkers and the gender wage gap: An empirical analysis of wage inequality in US agriculture," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 44(4), pages 2145-2163, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:44:y:2022:i:4:p:2145-2163
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13202
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dabkiene, Vida & Siksnelyte-Butkiene, Indre & Streimikiene, Dalia & Sapolaite, Vaida & Balezentis, Tomas, 2025. "From glass to grass ceiling: Addressing gender barriers in agricultural innovation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
    2. Claudia Schmidt & Steven C. Deller & Stephan J. Goetz, 2024. "Women farmers and community well‐being under modeling uncertainty," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 46(1), pages 275-299, March.

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