A new report from Chile’s National Statistics Institute (INE) reveals that women earned on average 24% less than men in 2024, despite nearly half of households led by women nationwide. The poll Encuesta Suplementaria de Ingresos (ESI) showed men’s median income at 698,255 pesos versus 555,362 pesos for women, widening the gender wage gap from 16.7% in 2023, making Chile’s gender pay gap is one of the widest in Latin America.
Experts warn that the pay gap has deep social consequences, limiting economic security and upward mobility for almost half of Chilean families. While policies such as parental leave and work-life balance laws exist, their impact has been limited. Economist Sandra Bravo, a leading researcher in the Institute UNAB for public policy, stresses the need for structural reforms, including universal childcare, gender-focused training in high-productivity sectors like STEM, and stronger reporting obligations on wage gaps. Without bold action, she argues, Chile risks undermining both social equity and long-term economic competitiveness.
Compiled From: “Brecha Salarial en Chile: Mujeres Reciben 24% Menos de Sueldo que Los Hombres,” La Neta, Aug. 21, 2025.