Navigating Salary Expectations: A Guide for Women in Tech
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Understanding Salary Expectations
The inquiry "What are your salary expectations?" is a common one across various sectors. For women, particularly in technology, responding to this question strategically is essential.
According to a recent report from the National Women's Law Center (January 2023), Latina and Black women experience significant wage disparities in the corporate world. Latina women earn only 55 cents, while Black women earn 63 cents for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men. This gap can be attributed to several factors, including discrimination, limited access to career advancement opportunities, and occupational segregation.
To address these issues, it is vital for both the government and employers to collaborate on ensuring pay equity for all genders.
Gender Pay Disparities in Technology
Women in the tech industry are not exempt from facing a considerable gender pay gap. A study by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) reveals that women in computing roles earn, on average, 87 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. This disparity is even more pronounced for women of color, with Black and Latina women earning only 79% and 74% of what white males make in similar positions, respectively.
The underlying reasons for this gap include a lack of diversity in hiring and promotion practices, as well as stereotypes and biases that can hinder women's professional evaluations and advancement opportunities.
Given these challenges, it is crucial for women to understand how to negotiate their salaries from the outset of their careers. Many of my mentees are either entering tech roles or transitioning within the industry. However, many still lack the necessary skills to effectively negotiate salaries. While technology jobs often offer lucrative pay, women must realize that these figures are attainable and should not hesitate to advocate for themselves.
Wait for the Recruiter
I always advise my mentees to refrain from stating salary expectations on application forms. If it is required, I recommend utilizing resources like Glassdoor or 81cents—a lesser-known but valuable site for salary transparency—to determine a fair range for the position, industry, and region. If you are not obliged to provide an answer, don’t feel pressured to do so.
If the topic arises during a phone or video interview, respond with, “I would like to learn more about the salary range for this position before sharing my expectations.” This approach is a sound negotiation tactic; avoid being the first to propose a figure, as it could limit your negotiating power.
Engaging with Others
Another effective strategy involves discussing salaries with trusted friends or colleagues. While not everyone is comfortable sharing this information, it is important to normalize the conversation around salaries. If you have a trustworthy colleague, consider asking them about their earnings or the typical salary range for the role in their company.
Assessing Your Expectations
Before seeking a new position or negotiating for a raise, clarify your own expectations. Ask yourself: “What am I aiming for? What salary range do I desire? What kind of role will allow me to achieve that salary?” Aligning your skills with your goals and crafting a compelling narrative about your professional journey will empower you during negotiations.
Start Negotiating Early
Women must prioritize salary negotiations from the beginning of their careers. Even small differences in starting salaries can accumulate over time, leading to substantial disparities in earnings. This is one of the reasons why women should approach discussions about salary expectations with care from the outset.
By confidently communicating with recruiters, women can demonstrate their awareness of the gender pay gap issues that affect female professionals. Addressing these concerns early on can enhance women's confidence and sense of worth.
Understanding how to negotiate a fair salary is essential for women to secure financial stability, advance their careers, and promote gender equity in the workplace. For further insights, I recently authored an article detailing four tips for salary negotiation in technology. You can read it here.
This video titled "WHAT ARE YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS | Best Answer (from former CEO)" provides valuable insights on how to navigate salary expectations effectively.
In this video, "WHAT ARE YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS? (The BEST ANSWER to this COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTION!)", you will find strategies for addressing salary inquiries during interviews.
