SAN DIEGO -- In San Diego County, single, young women who don't have children are earning 15 percent more than men.

According to Reach Advisors, the median income of the women is $30,000 dollars compared to $26,000 for men.

Priscilla Villalpando, in her second year at Southwestern College, is hoping to transfer to San Diego State University and develop a career as a movie producer. She said she wants to be "bigger than Tarantino."

Education also plays a role. The research group said more women are earning college degrees and setting themselves up for knowledge-based jobs like information systems and biotech, which are prevalent in San Diego County.

April Gonzalez, 19, said she hopes her studying will lead to a job with the Department of Homeland Security.

"I don't want a big old mansion, just to be happy with myself," she said.

Still, she said she would not mind a higher salary.

Another reason for the gender pay gap in San Diego is the large minority population.

Vince Vasquez, a policy analyst with the National University System Institute, said the education gap between Latino men and women is widening.

"It's partly men, seeing more declines in high school and college graduation, but we're seeing much higher gains for women," said Vasquez.

Across the state, high school graduation rates for Latino men is 55.1 percent, 65.7 percent for women, according to the state's Department of Education.

With so much competition for jobs, the gender gap could widen. Experts said another reason women earn more is that more women are willing to delay beginning families while pursuing school and work.