Gender pay gap rises in Denmark in 2023

New statistics reveal the gender pay gap in Denmark widened slightly in 2023, with men earning 12.4% more on average than women, up from 12.2% the year before. The gap was most significant in the regions, where it reached 16%. Part of the discrepancy may be due to gender differences in job types within the sector. Despite the wider gap in 2023, the overall trend since 2004 shows a steady decrease of about 25% in the pay disparity. Anne-Louise Lindkvist from Sampension suggests the increase could be related to sizeable pay raises this year. She warns that the slow progress in narrowing the gender pay gap is concerning, considering women’s longer lifespan and smaller pensions. Optimistically, increased educational gains for women and a rise in paternity leave could eventually reduce economic differences. Average monthly salaries in 2023 were 54,574 kroner for men and 45,200 kroner for women, including pension contributions and bonuses.