Experienced Women in High Tech Earn More Than Men

Seems like all pay should be based strictly on merit with gender not providing anyone a monetary advantage, but we know that's not always so. While woman are probably more likely to experience gender bias, according to the IEEE-USA Salary & Fringe Benefit Survey, 2001 Edition, professional women with 20 to 29 years experience in electrotechnology and information-technology fields have higher median incomes than similarly experienced men. The survey reveals that women with 20 to 24 years experience earned $100,037 per year from primary sources, while men made $98,500. Women with 25 to 29 years experience received $107,000, while the dudes made $99,600. At lower experience levels, men earned more than women. For example, in the case of those with 5 to 6 years of experience, men made a median income of $76,000, compared to $68,000 for women. Men received $96,000 at 15 to 19 years, while women earned $84,700. Getting away from gender, the survey of 9,500 respondents revealed a median primary income of $93,100 for all U.S. IEEE members in 2000. Primary sources of income include base salary, bonuses, commissions and self-employment income. Women, however, make up a scant 6.8 percent of the U.S. IEEE membership, so maybe the survey actually reveals less about salary than the fact that less women than men join professional organizations. If you're curious where you stand in the great scheme of compensation the IEEE provides an online salary calculator based on the survey.