There were gains in the earnings of females in all age groups relative to males during the 1980's. The greatest gains in the earnings of females relative to males were for younger and middle-aged workers. A considerable amount of the narrowing of the wage gap is explained by the decrease in earnings of younger males. . . . Regardless of martial status, the median earnings of mothers with dependent children are only 57 percent of white males. Females without dependent children who live with their spouses have earnings that are 64 percent of white males. . .
Educational attainment has no impact on the wage gap between males and females.
The gender gap in earnings narrowed at all education levels during the decade but continues to be large. There were significant earnings declines during the decade for men with all but the highest level of education. Earnings for women with an eighth-grade education or more increased or remained fairly stable during the decade. . . Even in traditionally female occupations, men earn more than women. In all but Health Assessment and Treating occupations, traditionally female occupations pay less than the median earnings for all full-time female workers.