Today many Americans are taking home a smaller paycheck than they used to, according to a study released Monday by the United States Conference of Mayors.

According to the report, people who worked in job sectors particularly hard hit by the recession had an average salary of $61,637 before the recession. But when it comes to jobs gained after the downturn, the average wage was $47,171 dollars.

“The wage gap has nearly doubled from one recession to the next.” – United States Conference of Mayors.

Conditions have become worse since the last recession, when the internet bubble burst. At that time, the Conference of Mayors measured the wage gap at 12 percent, about half of today’s 23 percent.

“While the economy is picking up steam,” said Conference president and Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, “wage gaps are an alarming trend that must be addressed.”

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