Most US families now have two parents working full-time: Pew
Financial pressures are driving the shift, and more than 8 in 10 parents say money is a reason both parents work full time.
- According to a new Pew Research Center analysis of 2025 Census Bureau data, 52% of heterosexual couples with children under 18 have both parents working full-time, up 21 points since 1975.
- Financial necessity drives this shift, as more than 8 in 10 parents cite money as the reason for dual-income arrangements, while families where only the father works full-time dropped from 42% in 1975 to 23% last year.
- Educational background shapes these dynamics, with 69% of mothers holding postgraduate degrees working full-time alongside partners; 54% of Asian mothers and 60% of Black mothers remain in dual-income households.
- Balancing work and family responsibilities remains difficult, with more than half of working parents struggling to manage these demands while raising a child costs more than $300,000 over 18 years.
- While 80% of dual-income parents report a financial boost, 22% say the arrangement negatively affects children's well-being, though Wharton School economist Corinne Low noted, "Working moms today are spending more time with their kids than stay-at-home moms when we were kids.
21 Articles
21 Articles
The Epoch Times
Zero HedgeBoth Parents Work Full-Time in Majority of Families, Census Data Show
Both parents work full-time in more than half of couples with children under 18, according to newly analyzed data. Fifty-two percent of couples comprised of a mother and father work full-time jobs as of 2025, according to the Pew Research Center analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau released on June 16. That percentage is an increase from 46 percent in 2015 and 31 percent in 1975. Black mothers are still the most likely to be in a couple …
Most US families now have 2 parents working full time: Pew
Polling released Wednesday found that most U.S. families have both parents working full-time jobs. The Pew Research Center found that, as of 2025, 52 percent of mothers and fathers in different-sex relationships with children under 18 both work full-time jobs, according to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. This is up from 31 percent…
Mom and dad are both breadwinners in most families for first time
The affordability crisis is so bad that, for the first time ever, both mom and dad are working full-time in most American families
A new study from Pew Research found that more heterosexual parents are holding full time jobs, even as they're expected to be more involved at home.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
