Ace the WorldatWork Regulatory Exam 2026 – Master Benefits Programs with Confidence!

The primary purpose of the Equal Pay Act is to prohibit different pay rates for similar work. This legislation, enacted in 1963, was designed to address the issue of wage disparity based on gender by ensuring that men and women receive equal pay for performing the same job under similar working conditions. The law seeks to eliminate pay discrimination and promote fairness in compensation practices, particularly for roles that require the same skill set, effort, and responsibility.

The Act does not function as a mechanism to increase salaries across all job roles, adjust salaries based on inflation, or mandate bonuses for female employees. Its focus is specifically on ensuring equal pay for equal work, which is a foundational principle in promoting gender equality in the workplace.