AN INVESTIGATION OF WAGES AS GENDER SHIFTS IN THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION

Roberta L. Humphrey
Mary Virginia Moore Johnson
Belinda Pullum
Southeast Missouri State University
ABSTRACT
As the number of women in the labor market continues to rise, there is increased scrutiny
of gender’s role in wage trends, especially as it pertains to certain occupations. Accounting, a
traditionally male-dominated profession has now shifted to predominately female, according to
the 2010 census. A number of current theories support the belief that as the percentage of
positions held by women increases the aggregate pay in the profession decreases.
This study investigates whether this phenomenon is being realized in the accounting
profession. This issue is of concern because compression in accounting salaries could negatively
impact the profession’s ability to attract bright, young talent. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics’
Current Population Studies for the 20 year period from 1983 through 2002, this study finds that
the percentage of women in the accounting and auditor occupation increased from 40% to 60%.
During this same period, the average median wage for accountants and auditors held constant (in
Consumer Price Index adjusted dollars). Constant-dollar average median wages were not
statistically different in the female-prevalent period (1994-2002) than during the male-prevalent
period (1983-1987).