Taipei: The average annual income of Taiwanese men was NT$754,172 (US$23,245) in 2024, 1.54 times that of women at NT$489,894, marking the smallest gender income gap since 2016. According to Focus Taiwan, a Ministry of Finance (MOF) report released Wednesday highlights these figures, showcasing a gradual decline in the male-to-female income ratio over the years.

The report detailed various income sources, revealing that the largest disparity was in income from professional practice. Men earned an average of NT$240,689 annually, which is 1.83 times the NT$131,237 earned by women. In terms of salaries and wages, men earned an average of NT$839,609 a year, compared to NT$604,101 for women, resulting in a ratio of 1.39.

One notable exception in the income categories was separation pay, where women out-earned men. Women received an average of NT$682,035 annually, compared to NT$581,245 for men.

The male-to-female income ratio was first recorded at 1.57 in 2016. It gradually declined to 1.55 in 2020 before rising to a peak of 1.60 in 2022. The ratio then fell to 1.58 in 2023 and 1.54 in 2024.

The report also highlighted the gender distribution in Taiwan's profit-seeking enterprises. There were 2,824 companies with capital exceeding NT$1 billion, with men occupying the roles of responsible person, legal representative, or manager at 2,381 of these companies, accounting for 84.3 percent. Women held these positions at 443 companies, or 15.7 percent, marking the highest share since records began.