That's a lot of money: How much does a mother's salary decrease in Bogotá?

Motherhood is a very important stage in a woman's life . However, in large cities like Bogotá, it can entail a significant salary penalty. How much can a mother's income be reduced?

In Bogotá, a study conducted by the District Secretariat for Economic Development (SDDE) in conjunction with the National Association of Financial Institutions (ANIF) found that mothers with children over 12 years old can experience a reduction of up to 53.9% in their income per hour worked due to the maternity penalty. This reduction varies depending on the age of the children and the mother. For example: Women between 20 and 29 years old with children under five lose an average of 27.1% of their hourly income. If women have children between 6 and 12 years old, the figure rises to 31%. Furthermore, the penalty persists over time and accumulates throughout the working career, particularly affecting mothers of middle working age (30-39 years old), where the reduction can reach up to 47% for children over 12 years old.

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What is the new trend in motherhood in Colombia?

Motherhood in Colombia is undergoing a profound and structural transformation, reflected in several demographic, social, and public health aspects. Employment opportunities and training are among the most significant and influential factors in the reduction of the birth rate.

▪️Changes in desire for motherhood

Colombia is experiencing a historic drop in its birth rate. In 2024, just 445,100 births were reported, the lowest number in decades, a 13.7% decrease compared to 2023 and a cumulative decline of 32.7% over the past ten years. Only one in six women of reproductive age express the desire to become a mother, while three out of four do not want to have more children.

▪️More education

The decline in childbearing is associated with educational, economic, and employment factors, as well as a lack of male co-responsibility in family planning. Women are also experiencing increased planning and use of permanent contraception.

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▪️Changes in family structure The decline in fertility has changed the composition of Colombian households, with an increase in single-person households and female heads of household, especially in regions such as the Amazon and Orinoquia, where more than 40% of households are headed by women.

▪️Advances in maternal health

At the same time, Colombia has made significant progress in maternal health. Maternal mortality has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years, with a 28.6% reduction so far in 2025 compared to the previous year, thanks to improvements in prenatal care.