Comparing Median Incomes for Men and Women in Bermuda

Comparing earnings between genders is a vital aspect of understanding economic equity and labour market dynamics. The Bermuda Job Market Employment Briefs (September 2024) provide specific data on the median incomes for jobs held by males and females in Bermuda. This allows for a direct comparison based on official statistics collected from businesses across the island.

Understanding these figures offers insights for employees, employers, and policymakers interested in gender-based economic outcomes. The data focuses on the median gross annual income, a statistical measure that represents the midpoint of earnings for all filled jobs within each gender category.

A key metric derived from the survey is the median gross annual income. Calculated from the comprehensive count of filled jobs reported by island businesses, this figure represents the midpoint earnings level: half of all job holders earn more than this amount, and the other half earn less. The term 'gross' signifies that this income includes all monetary compensation before any deductions are made for things like payroll tax or social insurance contributions. The overall median income for all job holders in 2023 was $70,238, serving as a useful benchmark for comparison.

Job Distribution and Growth by Gender

Before diving into income, it's helpful to note the distribution of jobs. In 2023, the division of filled jobs was relatively balanced:

• Males held 16,815 jobs (approximately 51% of the total).
• Females held 16,051 jobs (approximately 49% of the total).

Both genders saw job growth between 2022 and 2023, although the increase was slightly larger in number and percentage for males:

• Jobs held by Males increased by 3.8% (+611 jobs).
• Jobs held by Females increased by 2.2% (+341 jobs).

This near-even split in job numbers makes the comparison of median incomes particularly relevant.

Median Income Comparison: Males vs. Females (2023)

The 2023 Employment Survey data (Table 3) reveals the following median gross annual incomes by gender:

Males:

The median gross annual income for jobs held by males was $66,594.

• This represents 95% of the overall median income ($70,238).
• Compared to 2022 ($65,279), the median income for males increased by 2.0%.

Females:

The median gross annual income for jobs held by females was $74,511.

• This is significantly higher than the median for males and represents 106% of the overall median income ($70,238).
• Compared to 2022 ($72,293), the median income for females increased by 3.1%.

Analyzing the Gender Income Difference

The data presents a clear, and perhaps surprising, picture for 2023: the median income for jobs held by females was higher than the median income for jobs held by males.

The official Employment Brief explicitly states: "The profile of median annual income by sex shows that females continue to earn more than males. On average, men earned 95% of the total median income in 2023 compared to 106% for women."

Key takeaways from this comparison:

• Difference: The median income for females ($74,511) was $7,917 higher than the median income for males ($66,594).
• Ratio: Females' median income was approximately 112% of males' median income (calculated as $74,511 / $66,594). Put differently, the male median income was about 89% of the female median income.
• Growth Trend: Both groups saw median income growth, but the rate of increase was faster for females (+3.1%) than for males (+2.0%) between 2022 and 2023.

Crucial Context: Understanding What the Data Means (and Doesn't Mean)

While the figures clearly show a higher median income for females in 2023, it is absolutely critical to understand the limitations and context of this data:

1. Median vs. Average: This comparison uses the median, the midpoint value. It's possible that the average (mean) income could show a different pattern if, for example, there were a higher concentration of very high earners among males skewing the average upwards. The median provides a better picture of the "typical" earner.
2. Overall Median, Not Job-for-Job: This data DOES NOT compare pay for men and women doing the exact same job with the same experience and qualifications. It compares the median income of all jobs held by men against the median income of all jobs held by women. The difference observed could be influenced by the types of jobs predominantly held by each gender.
3. Potential Influencing Factors (Not Explicit in Data): The disparity in median incomes could relate to several factors not isolated in this specific gender breakdown from Table 3:
   • Occupational Segregation: If females are disproportionately represented in occupations or industries that generally command higher median salaries within the Bermudian context (e.g., certain professional roles, specific areas of finance or management where the overall median is high), this could elevate the overall median for females. Conversely, if males are more concentrated in sectors with lower overall median pay (e.g., some trades, certain service areas), this could lower the overall male median. The report doesn't provide a simultaneous breakdown of income by gender and occupation/industry to confirm this directly.
   • Work Patterns: Differences in average hours worked (though Table 3 notes income includes all hours normally worked), prevalence of part-time vs. full-time roles between genders could play a role.
   • Experience and Education: Variations in the distribution of educational attainment or years of experience between male and female job holders could influence overall median earnings.
4. Does Not Measure Equal Pay for Equal Work: This data point cannot be used to conclude whether Bermuda has achieved "equal pay for equal work." Assessing that requires comparing salaries for men and women in identical roles with similar qualifications and experience, which this aggregate median data does not do.

Therefore, while the finding that the female median income exceeded the male median income in 2023 is statistically accurate based on the survey, it reflects the overall distribution of earnings across all jobs held by each gender, rather than a direct comparison of pay for equivalent roles. The underlying reasons for this difference are complex and likely involve the occupational and industrial distribution of genders within Bermuda's specific economic structure.

Conclusion

The 2023 Bermuda Employment Survey reveals that the median gross annual income for jobs held by females ($74,511) surpassed that for jobs held by males ($66,594). Both groups experienced income growth from the previous year, with females seeing a slightly higher percentage increase. However, interpreting this finding requires significant caution. It reflects the midpoint earnings across all jobs held by each gender and is likely influenced by the distribution of men and women across different occupations and industries, rather than being a measure of equal pay for equivalent roles. Further analysis correlating gender with occupation, industry, and experience would be needed to fully understand the dynamics behind this median income difference.

Access the Source Data

The income statistics by gender discussed here are directly sourced from Table 3 of the Bermuda Job Market Employment Briefs (September 2024).

---

Disclaimer: This article summarizes median gross annual income findings by gender from the official Bermuda Job Market Employment Briefs (September 2024), based on the 2023 Employment Survey. These are median figures representing the midpoint of all jobs held by each gender and should not be interpreted as a measure of equal pay for equal work. Individual earnings vary based on numerous factors. Always consult the official government publications for the most complete and accurate data.