Motherhood in Switzerland Slashes Women's Earnings by 40% Over Five Years

A new study reveals the long-term financial impact of motherhood in Switzerland. Women who had their first child between 2013 and 2015 saw their earnings drop sharply over time. The findings highlight a persistent gap between mothers' and fathers' income after childbirth.

Five years after giving birth, Swiss mothers earned 40 percent less on average than before having their first child. This decline is part of a broader trend where mothers' earnings fall by 60 to 70 percent compared to fathers in the long run. Even among those who remained employed, wages dropped by roughly 35 percent after the first birth.

The study also found that about 10 percent of mothers left the workforce entirely after their first child. While 84 percent were back in employment five years later, their earnings still lagged behind pre-birth levels. Researchers attribute part of this 'child penalty' to mothers reducing their working hours. Unlike previous claims, the data does not include comparisons with fathers' wages or recent studies from the Swiss Federal Office of Social Insurance. Instead, it focuses on the direct financial consequences for mothers over time.

The research confirms that having a first child leads to lasting earnings losses for Swiss mothers. With many reducing work hours or leaving jobs temporarily, the financial effects persist years later. The study underscores the economic challenges faced by women after entering parenthood.