Despite Wyoming’s legacy as the Equality State, women in Wyoming continue to earn an average of just 70 cents for every dollar earned by Wyoming men. This wage gap has far-reaching consequences for families, businesses, and communities across the state.
To raise awareness and advocate for solutions, we’ve partnered with the Wyoming Council for Women (WCW), Equality State Policy Center (ESPC), and Wyoming Women’s Action Network (WWAN), with support from the Governor’s Office, to proclaim April 2025 as Equal Pay Month in Wyoming. A formal signing took place on April 10 at the Wyoming State Capitol Building.
Wyoming Equal Pay Day falls on April 18, 2025, marking how far into the year women must work to earn what men in the state made the previous year. In 2024, this date fell on April 2, more than two weeks prior, meaning women are further behind this year than last.
Barriers contributing to the wage gap include limited access to affordable childcare, lack of paid family leave, and a need for workplace policies that support caregivers.
“Wyoming has a strong tradition of valuing hard work, but too many working women still aren’t getting paid a wage that reflects the value of their work,” said Rebekah Hazelton, WYWF Director.
“Acknowledging this disparity is an important step toward closing the gap and ensuring Wyomingites have the opportunity to build financial security for themselves and their families.”
WYWF calculates Wyoming Equal Pay Day using American Community Survey five-year average earnings estimates. Data released in December of 2024 show men earned $65,810
for year-round, full-time work compared to women earning $46,306. Wyoming’s economy cannot reach its full potential when more than half the workforce is left behind.
“When workers are underpaid, entire communities feel the impact,” said Marissa Carpio, Policy Director of the Equality State Policy Center.
“Closing the wage gap isn’t just about living up to our name as the Equality State—it’s about strengthening Wyoming’s economy and creating more opportunities for everyone.“
Wyoming’s 2018 Department of Workforce Services (DWS) wage gap report remains highly relevant, with the economic impact of closing the gap likely even greater today. Research shows that narrowing the gap could add $153 million in labor income, create over 600 jobs, and generate more than $80 million in economic output. Real estate and full-service restaurants would see the greatest job growth, while physicians’ offices and wholesale trade would gain the most in labor income. These gains were also projected to generate over $5 million in additional state and local tax revenue, benefiting communities statewide.
“Equal pay is essential to economic growth,” said Natalia Macker, Chair of the Wyoming Council for Women. “Ensuring that women are compensated fairly for their work means stronger families, more resilient communities, and a more prosperous Wyoming.”
WYWF, WCW, ESPC, and WWAN are committed to continuing the conversation around wage equality and invite the public to join an open discussion focused on strategies we can all take to close the gender wage gap. WYWF Community Conversation: Gender Wage Gap will take place on April 28 from 12 pm – 1 pm via Zoom. Register Now
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About the Wyoming Council for Women
The Wyoming Council for Women’s Issues is a 14-member council with representation from each of the nine Judicial Districts, four at large members, and a liaison from the Department of Workforce Services. The Governor appoints Council members through the Boards and Council application process.
Learn more: wyomingwomenscouncil.org; on Facebook @WyoWomensCouncil.
About the Equality State Policy Center
The Equality State Policy Center’s mission is to improve the lives of all of Wyoming’s people through transparent government, fair elections, and thriving communities. Learn more: equalitystate.org; on Facebook @EqualityState; on Instagram @equalitystate.
About the Wyoming Women’s Action Network
The Wyoming Women’s Action Network (WWAN) is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advancing the economic well-being, health, and representation of Wyoming’s women and families through education, advocacy, and civic engagement. Learn more at wyomingwomensnetwork.org.