How much is a mother’s work worth? $140,315, study shows

Let’s start with this: Moms are priceless. Still, if we had to put a dollar value on their work, a new study has an answer—$140,315. That’s the annual economic worth of a mom’s labor, according to a 2024 study by Insure.com. 

The figure reflects the multi-hyphenate role moms play daily: caregiver, chef, teacher, chauffeur, nurse, household manager, and so much more.

And yet, despite this jaw-dropping valuation, society consistently undervalues mothers’ labor—often seeing it as worthless. The message is loud and clear, whether it’s the absence of paychecks for caregiving, the lack of Social Security credits for years spent raising kids, or the fact that too many women internalize this devaluation.

Why these numbers matter

Let’s unpack that $140K. This number isn’t about inflating egos; it’s about recognizing the economic reality of motherhood. If moms—or any unpaid caregivers—suddenly stepped out of their roles, families would have to pay a significant amount to replace the services they provide.

Take, for instance, the sobering reality of life insurance. Many stay-at-home moms don’t carry it because they think, I don’t work, so why should I insure myself? But here’s the truth: If the unthinkable were to happen, the labor moms do is incredibly expensive to replace. A partner would need to pay for childcare, household management, and other services—a bill that could easily reach six figures annually.

The economic impact of unpaid work runs deep in America. Caregivers, including moms who stay home full-time, don’t earn Social Security benefits for their labor, leaving them at a lifelong economic disadvantage. And according to a study from Pew Research, 18% of parents in the U.S. stay home to care for their children full-time, yet very few of them have financial protections in place.

Related: The ‘motherhood penalty’ costs working moms $16,000 a year

What other countries get right

The U.S. is often described as an outlier in its lack of support for mothers and families. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here’s how other societies value and compensate moms:

• Germany: Germany’s long-term care insurance system (Pflegeversicherung) provides pension contributions for caregivers who provide care for at least 14 hours per week.
• Sweden: Sweden offers pension credits to individuals who take time off work to care for a family member, ensuring that caregivers do not face reduced pension benefits due to their caregiving responsibilities.
• France: France has implemented caregiver credits that count towards the caregiver’s pension, acknowledging the time spent out of the workforce for caregiving duties.  
• Canada: Parents can receive up to 18 months of partially paid parental leave, funded by the government. 
• France: Provides generous family benefits, including monthly stipends for parents with children under 18 and heavily subsidized childcare.

These examples highlight how societies that prioritize caregiving—both culturally and economically—create systems where mothers are supported, not sidelined.

What this means for moms

The numbers—$140,315 and counting—are validating, but they also raise uncomfortable questions. Why does a society that depends so heavily on moms to function offer them so little in return? Why do we continue to undervalue labor that is foundational to the flourishing of families, economies, and communities?

For moms, this research serves as a reminder of their worth, whether or not it comes with a paycheck. But it’s also a wake-up call to take financial protections seriously. Life insurance, for example, isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And advocating for policies that compensate caregiving, such as paid parental leave or Social Security credits for caregivers, isn’t selfish—it’s an essential safety net.

The economic impact of a mom’s work may be into the six figures, but the reality is that what moms contribute is truly invaluable. They are the glue holding families, economies, and communities together—every single day.

Related: The unpaid work women do adds up to $10.8 trillion per year

Sources:

1. Mother’s Day Index 2024. insure.com. Mother’s Day Index 2024: Mom’s salary increases by 5% from 2023.
2. Stay-at-home moms. Pew Research. Stay-at-Home Moms in the U.S.
3. Swedish Parental Leave. Government of Sweden. Swedish Parental Leave.
4. Germany Elterngeld. Federal Ministry for Family Affairs
5. Caregiver Credits in France, Germany, and Sweden. ssa.gov. Caregiver Credits in France, Germany, and Sweden: Lessons for the United States.
6. French Family Allowances. welcometofrance.com. Family Allowances.
7. More choice for parents. Government of Canada. More choice for parents.