The recently released study, based on findings from Census data, showed that single childless women in the U.S. make an average of 8 percent more than their male counterparts. In large urban areas like Los Angeles or New York, their salaries are almost 17 percent higher.
Experts attribute the shift to the higher volume of women attaining college and advanced degrees. Women make up the majority of students on college campuses these days and that correlates directly with higher income.
Women have historically been paid less to do the same work as their male counterparts. This study did not compare those numbers, merely showing the average earning potential across the board. That didn't stop some male students from feeling jealous.
"I think it's wrong. Women should make the same amount of money as men. I think there should be equality in the workplace," said student Rob Barnett.
Major strides were shown to have been made by women of color attaining earning degrees.
"African-American women and Hispanic women are twice as likely as their male peers to graduate from college and that's what's driving such a big difference," noted James Chung, Reach Advisers President.
Experts believe that the marital status of young women did not contribute directly to the higher salaries, but rather correlated with the fact that more highly educated women generally marry and have children later in life.
