According to Eurostat, the statistics agency of the European Union, Luxembourg was the only member state where women’s gross hourly earnings were higher than men’s, by 0.7%, in 2022. In contrast, on average, women’s were 12.7% less than men across the EU and 13.2% less in the euro area.

However, a closer look reveals that gross average annual earnings for women in Luxembourg are still 4.3% lower than men’s when measured in full-time equivalents (FTEs), with the exception of construction sector (11.2% higher) and education (2.9% higher).

However, in terms of per employee earnings, which include part-time jobs, all sectors show women’s earnings falling behind those of men. On average, women earned 13.7% lower than men in 2022.

This data is part of the ‘structure of earnings survey,’ conducted every four years. The survey results, on Tuesday 9 July 2024, shows that in FTE terms, women earned a gross salary of €73,896.07 in 2022, compared to €77,189.28 for men. When averages are calculated across all employees, regardless of employment status, annual earnings drop to €64,219.57 for women and €74,448.42 for men, highlighting the significant gender pay gap that persists in the country.

Economic sectors

The earnings gap varied across 12 different economic sectors, revealing further disparities. Women earned nearly 27.8% less than their male counterparts in professional, scientific and technical activities, indicating a substantial pay inequity in high-skill fields. However, when all employees are considered, women’s take-home salaries are nearly a third less in real estate activities and administrative and support service activities (32.1% less), professional, scientific and technical activities (31.1% less), and wholesale and retail trade (30% less), illustrating the widespread nature of the issue.

In absolute terms, women in the accommodation and food services sector earned the least, with an average salary of €32,604.96, while those in the education sector earned the most, at €96,711.49. Men also earned the least in accommodation and food services, averaging €41,121.30, and the most in financial and insurance activities, at €122,083.60. In addition to financial and insurance activities, men earned more than €100,000 in 2022 in both professional, scientific and technical activities, and in the education sector.

The situation has improved over the years though, data shows, but still significant disparities remain in certain sectors. The persistence of these disparities underscores the need for continued efforts to address the gender pay gap, ensuring equal pay for equal work across all sectors.