Women Earn More Than U.S. Average In This North Carolina City

There is something to be said about being a woman who works full-time in Charlotte, North Carolina. A new study from Smartest Dollar shows these women earn more annually than the national median average.

Smartest Dollar looked at cities within the the U.S. where women made the highest wages. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and unreliable child care, these women continued to have a place in the workforce. And their salaries grew. The cities were ranked based on the locations median annual wage for women working full time and adjusted cost of living.

The analysis found full-time working women in the Queen City actually earned an adjusted median wage of $50,056. That is more than the national median of $49, 263.

According to the study, over the past decade, wage growth has steadily increased for women working full time. But, most of the women are in professions that pay relatively little. For example, the research found mostly women fill health services and education jobs. Women are also overrepresented in clericals roles. Those include administrative assistants, clerks and legal support workers.

There are some occupations in the health field that pay well, like registered nurses. But many others pay below the national median. For example, the study showed the majority of preschool teachers are women, and they typically earn $30,210 per year.

Research showed women earned higher wages depending on what part of the country they worked. States in the Northeast and on the West Coast tend to have higher median earnings for women after adjusting for cost of living. Not to mention these locations offer more professional occupations that pay more. For example, in Massachusetts, the median cost-of-living-adjusted wage for full-time women is $62,443. It leads the states in best pay for women.

In the western part of the U.S., there are more higher paying cities for women. That's because of more professional occupations like technology, finance and law.

It seems like over the past two years, we all have had to deal with an unusual amount of stress. From staying healthy and COVID-free to learning to work from home, we've all had to make adjustments. I understand why the 'me-time' movement is in full gear. And what better way to have "me time" than to pamper yourself?

When is the last time you had a spa day? And I don't mean get your feet or nails pedicured or manicured. I mean indulging in the entire spa experience. When I say 'spa experience', I mean a full body massage, a facial, reflexology, sauna, or steam room. When is the last time you set aside 30, 60, or 90 minutes to take care of yourself?

The benefits of spa treatments are numerous. Healthcare experts say it can help lower your blood pressure, reduce pain, reduce stress, boost your immunity, and also give you a natural glow. If you're ready to relax now, check out these five Black women-owned day spas around the country from the online magazine Sisters from AARP. All the spas are near the Carolinas so traveling should not be a challenge.

Shirley Garner is the owner and is committed to helping her clients heal trauma through wellness and self-care. The East Harlem spa has a number of  treatment options that include acupuncture, a variety of facials and massages, and cupping therapy.

She's a professional makeup artist who has worked in television and film for decades. Tamara Delbridge has done work for the 2022 Netflix film Beauty and the Black Girls Rock! awards ceremony. She's now a licensed aesthetician who offers customized facials. You can also book makeup, eyebrow and eyelash enhancements.

Sonjauh Green-Webb has been providing holistic skin and body treatments for Black women for the past seven years. Nola Organic Spa offers nail services, facials, waxing, massages and yoni steaming.

Alicia Frazier is the owner and her spa specializes in treatments that address hyper-pigmentation and dark spots. She provides services for both oily and combination skin types. There are also waxing services from head to toe.

Atlanta native Danni Smith knows body. In fact, her spa provides a body positive sanctuary for full-figured clientele. Women of all shapes and sizes are welcome, however Atlanta Curves Therapeutic Massage specializes in chronic pain relief and anxiety solutions for curvy women.