Do Women Earn More Than Men in Bermuda?

The Bermuda Job Market Employment Briefs (October 2025) provide specific data on the median incomes for jobs held by men and women 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 overall median income for all job holders in 2024 was $71,151, 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 2024, the division of filled jobs remained relatively balanced:

• Males held 17,182 jobs (approximately 51% of the total).
• Females held 16,269 jobs (approximately 49% of the total).

Both genders saw job growth between 2023 and 2024, with a larger numerical increase for males:

• Jobs held by males increased by 2.2% (+367 jobs).
• Jobs held by females increased by 1.4% (+218 jobs).

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

Median Income Comparison: Men vs. Women

The 2024 Employment Survey data reveals the following median gross annual incomes by gender:

Men:

The median gross annual income for jobs held by males was $67,302.

• This represents 95% of the overall median income ($71,151).
• Compared to 2023 ($66,594), the median income for males increased by 1.1%.

Women:

The median gross annual income for jobs held by females was $76,089.

• This is significantly higher than the median for males and represents 107% of the overall median income ($71,151).
• Compared to 2023 ($74,511), the median income for females increased by 2.1%.

Analyzing the Gender Income Difference

The data presents a clear picture for 2024: the median income for jobs held by females continues to be higher than the median income for jobs held by males.

The official Employment Brief states: "The profile of median gross annual income by sex shows that females continue to earn more than males. On average, men earned 95% of the total median income in 2024 compared to 107% for women."

Both groups saw median income growth, but the rate of increase for females (+2.1%) was nearly double that of males (+1.1%) between 2023 and 2024.

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

While the figures clearly show a higher median income for females in 2024, it is 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 high earners among males skewed 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 is heavily influenced by the types of jobs predominantly held by each gender.
3. Occupational Segregation: In Bermuda, females are often more highly represented in professional and administrative roles that command higher median salaries. Conversely, many sectors with lower median pay may have a higher concentration of male workers.
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, which this aggregate data does not do.

Conclusion

The 2024 Bermuda Employment Survey reveals that the median gross annual income for jobs held by females ($76,089) surpassed that for jobs held by males ($67,302). Both groups experienced income growth from the previous year, though females saw a more significant percentage increase. These findings reflect the overall distribution of earnings across all jobs held by each gender and are influenced by the different industries and occupations in which men and women work within the Bermudian economy.

For more information about which jobs are most in-demand, see In-Demand Jobs in Bermuda.

Accessing the Full Data

The median income figures discussed here are drawn directly from Table 3 of the Bermuda Job Market Employment Briefs (October 2025).

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Disclaimer: This article summarizes median gross annual income findings by gender from the official Bermuda Job Market Employment Briefs (October 2025), based on the 2024 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.