A new study from the Center for New York City Affairs at The New School reveals a widening wage gap between high- and low-income workers in New York City.

The study highlights a concerning trend that has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic, diverging from what’s happening in the rest of the country.

"The top 20% of income earners saw an 18.2% real wage increase, while low-income workers, at the bottom 20%, only got a 6% increase. So, what we're seeing is growing wage inequality in New York City," said Lauren Melodia, director of Economic and Fiscal Policy at The New School.

Melodia noted that this trend contrasts with national data. Across the U.S., low-wage workers have seen stronger wage growth, thanks in part to government efforts and wage laws. In New York City, however, these protections have lagged behind.

"We didn’t have a minimum wage increase from 2019 to 2023, and we also had a slower recovery from COVID," Melodia said. "What we’re seeing here in the data is that the slow recovery in NYC, which is distinct from the national story, really impacted the wages of low-income workers hardest."

With a presidential election approaching, the economy is a key issue for voters. Melodia argues that local policies are just as important as national ones in addressing wage inequality.

"If anything, this report is a wake-up call to elected officials that they really need to be thinking about the affordability crisis and other ways to protect workers here and grow the economy in a way that’s progressive—making New York more equal, not less."

While the report paints a troubling picture, experts say there is hope.

A new minimum wage bill has already passed in Albany, and some actions could help low-wage workers in the near future. Still, more needs to be done to tackle wage inequality in New York City.