Washington ? Women are less likely than men to reach the highest salary brackets and are more likely to live in poverty, according to a government survey released Monday.

Nearly 16 percent of men age 15 and older who worked full-time in 2001 earned at least $75,000 a year, compared with 6 percent of women, the Census Bureau reported. About 20 percent of men earned between $50,000 and $75,000, compared with 12 percent of women.

Women are more likely than men to live in poverty, especially at older ages. For instance, 12 percent of women age 65 and older lived in poverty, compared with 7 percent of men.

The estimates are from a survey conducted in March 2002 by the Census Bureau. They are being released to coincide with Women’s History Month.

Despite lingering disparities, a separate Census Bureau report last week showed that earning levels for women are at record highs, with those holding college diplomas especially benefiting.