This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Women in tech are still paid 63% on the dollar as men
I talk with women all of the time about salary, confidence, pay negotiation, and career.
Many women are underpaid, as most of us know; however, many qualified women are also underconfident. Not only that, but women often find themselves in roles doing more than they’re being paid to do.
And we’re okay with it!
We gladly accept more responsibility in our roles because we want to be nice, amiable, and responsible.
“The gender pay gap in the United States tech industry is the divergence in pay between men and women who work in areas such as software engineering. Despite applying for the same jobs at the same companies, women receive job offers that pay less than their male counterparts 63% of the time (source: Wikipedia).”
Before you accept your next job offer and jump at the first offer letter you get, pause, do your research, and ensure the offer is fair for your experience, background, and skillset. Go by research, don’t go by self-defeating thoughts you might have about your candidacy.
As a career coach, I’ve witnessed many people of color often accept the first offer they receive because they have experienced so many “no’s.” Often, that first offer isn’t as good as it should be.
A woman with several degrees and direct experience hesitated applying to the same job many men with less experience wouldn’t blink an eye at because she feared she was not qualified. She was so adamant about not being qualified she stayed in positions below her level of skills for years.
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Another woman I had a conversation with stayed at her job for seven years — even though she wasn’t happy a single moment during the period. Why do women put up with so much?
It’s as if we forget that we have options, we are capable, we are worthy, and we are enough.
Instead of being scared of a “no,” embrace this potential answer. In fact, prepare for it. If you don’t get your “yes,” find it elsewhere. There is always someone in the world who will see and appreciate the value you can bring to the table. There is no need to give up your highest-earning years to earn below the average. We have to remember that just because we’re comfortable doesn’t mean that’s where we should remain.
Beyond the comfort zone is where all of the magic happens — if you step into the discomfort zone for a moment, you’ll realize this simple truth.
Confidence is a crucial component in getting the job you want and securing the salary you seek. Always do your research to learn the average for your profession, but don’t try to meet the average. Always aim to beat the standard.
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This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.