Gender Pay Gap Persists Even Among Top Global Earners

The latest Ipsos Global Influentials (IGI) study, which surveys the top 20% of earners by household income, reveals a persistent and troubling disparity in personal income between men and women.

A Stark Global Divide

Our H2 2025 data shows that among employed "Influentials" worldwide, men earn, on average, 18% more than the median personal income for the group, while women earn 18% less. This stark gap exists despite these individuals representing the top tier of household income earners in their respective markets.

The Challenge in APAC: A Deeper Look

The pay gap story is unique in every region, and the challenge in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) is particularly pronounced. In APAC, Influential women earn just 67 cents for every dollar a man earns.

This stark 33% pay gap means that even our region's most successful female leaders face a significant economic barrier. The challenge in APAC is notably greater than in Europe, where women earn a more comparable 77 cents on the dollar. As we approach International Women's Day, this data is a clear and urgent reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve economic equity.

Debunking Common Explanations for the Global Gap

What’s driving this worldwide discrepancy? Our study investigated several potential factors and found that some of the most common explanations don't hold up.

• It’s Not Education: The data shows virtually no difference in educational attainment. Roughly 74% of both employed male and female Influentials have an undergraduate degree or higher, ruling out education as a primary driver of the income gap.
• It’s Not Ambition or Enjoyment: Attitudes that contribute to workplace success are also remarkably similar. Men and women report nearly identical levels of career commitment, the drive to reach the top of their profession, and overall enjoyment of their work.

Perhaps most surprisingly, significant income gaps are found even in sectors traditionally dominated by women, such as education and healthcare, as well as in top leadership roles like CEO and Manager.

A Call to Action for Businesses

The findings suggest that lingering gender discrimination, historical gender roles, and unequal access to opportunities continue to influence pay disparities globally. The data is a clear call to action for brands and businesses to take a hard look at their own compensation structures and determine how they might be contributing to this ongoing issue.

Explore the full global data in the Ipsos Global Influentials infographic below. To understand the specific dynamics in the markets that matter most to you—from APAC to Europe to the Americas—get in touch with our team.

For more information on the Ipsos Global Influentials study, please contact Mavise Lo.