By: McCrindle
The median age of new mothers and mothers is on the rise as they pursue more qualifications, work more, and are in more full-time jobs.
Since over two decades ago, there has been a steady rise in the number of mothers engaged in the workforce, up from 46% in 1996 to 53% in 2016.
Mothers with post-school qualifications have more than doubled in the same time period (23% cf. 52%).
Women are choosing to have kids later in life as they prioritise study in their 20’s and pursue their chosen careers. With higher education comes more opportunities in the workplace.
The more educated a woman is, the less number of children she is likely to have.
The average number of babies women are choosing to have currently stands at 1.7, down from 2.0 in 2007. The rising cost of living is one reason more mothers than ever are working full time.
The median age of first-time mums is 30.5 and rising. Women between the ages of 30 and 34 have the highest fertility rate, with 31.3 years is the median age of women who give birth, up from 31.2 in 2016 and 30.7 in 2007.
Interestingly, however, having children does not necessarily equal greater life satisfaction with women with no children rating their life satisfaction as an 8 out of 10, higher than both partnered mums (7.8/10) and single mums (6.9/10).
Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.
About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.