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Trends show women out-earning husbands

Posted at 9:38 PM, May 08, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-08 21:38:45-04

Nearly 40% of married working women in the United State now out-earn their husbands.

This is a trend that's been steadily increasing since the late 1980s.

It’s a trend happening despite the fact that women working full-time still earn a median wage lower than men.

"Women are on track to become majority bread winners in families where women work and most women do work,” said Liza Mundy, author of “The Richer Sex.” “If we keep going at the same rate, by 2030 a majority of working wives, will out earn their husbands."

"Long term structural changes in the economy are favoring women,” she added.

Today, 57% of college students are women, and more women are getting their Masters and PhD’s than men.  All which translates into higher-paying jobs.

In fact, a new Pew Research study found 66% of women age 18-34 rate career very high on their list of priorities -- compared with 59% of young men.

This is a reversal in trend from the mid 90s.

Click on the video above to hear how this arrangement is working out for several families.