Extensive research has shown that women on average make less than men. But the reasons why and the path toward pay equity are much murkier. The study from the Washington-based nonprofit, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research outlines one possible route to at least putting a dent in the gender pay gap: Getting more women into traditionally male-dominated careers that don’t require a college degree and pay a living wage.

The research notes that women make up just 36% of workers in middle-skill jobs that pay at least $35,000 a year and just 27% of workers in growing middle-skill jobs. But women account for 83% of workers in middle-skill jobs that pay $30,000 or less a year.