In 1980 the median earnings for full-time male workers in the age group of 25 to 29 was equal to $43,767 in today's wages. In 2005, it was $37,680. Statistically women have always earned less, there drop is notably less dramatic.
In 1980 women, earned $32,110 for the same age group in today's dollars that is the amount is inflation-adjusted dollars but in 2005, they earned $32,110. This trend of reduced wages began to develop around the world in the early 1980`s. It was believed at the time, technology was replacing workers.
Nevertheless, at the same time companies were offering new workers lower wages than more senior workers that allowed them to lower their expenses. More service jobs than before exist and young people are staying in school longer and unless a man in that age group finds work in the trades, he is less likely to find work.
The factor is due to the service industry, which usually pays less than other sectors, such as manufacturing. Today's lower-income people are making less money than ever while the rich get richer. Middle-class people are treading water, still making close to the same amount of money they were 30 years ago.
