IEEE salary survey: experienced women in high-tech jobs earn more than men

Washington, D.C. - Professional women with 20-29 years of experience in electronic technology and information technology fields have higher median incomes than men with similar levels of experience, according to the IEEE-USA's 2001 Salary & Fringe Benefit Survey released Dec. 28, 2001.

By Jim Montague, news editor January 2, 2002

Washington, D.C. Professional women with 20-29 years of experience in electronic technology and information technology fields have higher median incomes than men with similar levels of experience, according to the IEEE-USA’s 2001 Salary & Fringe Benefit Survey released Dec. 28, 2001.

Women with 20-24 years of experience earned $100,037 per year from primary sources, while men made $98,500. Women with 25-29 years received $107,000, while men earned $99,600.

However, among professionals with less experience, men earned more than women. For example, men with 5-6 years of experience earned median incomes of $76,000, compared to $68,000 for women. At the level of 15-19 years of experience, men received $96,000, while women earned $84,700.

Consisting of more than 9,500 respondents, the survey 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 make up 6.8 percent of the U.S. membership.

The report adds that a regression analysis, used to determine the net contribution of many factors on primary income, revealed that, on the whole, women IEEE members in the U.S. are still paid 7.3% less than men. IEEE says this is probably a more reliable indicator of distinction in its members’ incomes. IEEE-USA Salary & Fringe Benefit Survey, 2001 Edition can be ordered online at www.ieeeusa.org/catalog/01salary.html . An online salary calculator, based on the survey, is also available to help technical professionals to assess their market value. The calculator is located at www.ieeeusa.org/careers/salarycalculator .