Perceptions of unequal pay and career advancement opportunities are increasing in the workplace, according to a new study released by CareerBuilder on Thursday.
Thirty-eight percent of female workers said they felt they were paid less than male counterparts with the same skills and experience, up from 34% in 2008 when the survey was last conducted, and up from 31% in 2003. Thirty-nine percent of female workers felt men had more career advancement opportunities within their organizations, up from 26% in 2008.
The survey of U.S. workers aged 18 and over, which Harris Interactive conducted on behalf of CareerBuilder from November 15 to December 2, included 2,274 men and 1,636 women.
Perceptions Reflect Reality
Comparing salaries, CareerBuilder said 45% of men surveyed reported making $50,000 or more, versus 24% of women. Ten percent of men made $100,000 or more, compared with just 3% of women. On the other end of the pay scale, 40% of women reported making $35,000 or less, compared with 24% of men.
In terms of upward mobility, 30% of men surveyed said they held a management position, compared with 21% of women. Forty-nine percent of women said they worked in clerical or administrative roles, versus 25% of men.
Women also reported a difference in the amount of kudos given to members of the opposite sex. Thirty-six percent reported that men received more recognition for their accomplishments than did women within their organizations.
"While many companies are working toward greater equality in all measures of the workplace, a significant disparity still exists," Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder, said in the statement. "Workers in general are more aware of average compensation levels. They are also more vocal about shortcomings they believe
