Percent of mothers in the work force, 1975-2003* (line graph): 2003: Mothers with children ages 6-17, 77.8%; Mothers with preschool children under age 6, 62.8%. The percent of mothers in the work force is increasing among both groups.
*Data for 1995 and later are not strictly comparable with data for earlier years due to changes in the survey and estimation process.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2004). Employment Characteristics of Families in 2003. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor.