MADISON, WI (WATQ) - Wisconsin and other states are trying to get more women working in science, technology, engineering and math.

A U.S. Department of Commerce study finds the state has a ways to go in order to get a more balanced ratio of male-females in these fields.

Data from the 2009 American Community Survey shows Wisconsin has about 138,000 people employed in the fields of science, technology, engineering or math. Only 27 percent are women. Nationally, that figure's even lower: 24 percent.

The Commerce report cites possible factors for the gender gap in science jobs. It says there may be lack of female role models, gender stereotyping and less family flexibility for working moms.

For women who do go into the fields of science, technology, engineering and math: there's good news about wage disparity. The pay gap between men and women is less in these areas than in other jobs.