Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own (Tech Ladies) and not those of AFROTECH™.
The tech industry has long been seen as a lucrative space, but how equitable is it when it comes to compensating women? The Tech Ladies 2024 Salary Report dives deep into this question, offering a comprehensive look at how women in tech are compensated, what benefits they receive, and where the gaps still exist. With over 140,000 members globally, Tech Ladies is dedicated to helping women in the industry thrive by providing data-driven insights and actionable recommendations.
As companies continue to emphasize diversity and inclusion, the numbers show that real progress is still needed—especially when it comes to pay equity and growth opportunities for women in male-dominated industries. Here’s a glimpse at some of the report’s findings:
Women in Tech Are Seeking Growth — But Many Feel Stuck
The desire for career advancement is strong, with 40% of women looking for expanded responsibilities in their current or future roles. However, many feel that organizational barriers, such as lack of leadership opportunities and poor management, are holding them back. This isn’t just a small group—53% of women surveyed are actively job hunting, driven by the need for better growth opportunities and leadership support. For employers, this presents a clear signal: offering clear pathways for growth and leadership development is critical to retaining top female talent.
Equity and Bonuses: Significant Gaps in Compensation
Equity and bonuses are crucial components of compensation in tech, but the report shows a major disconnect for women. 60% of women in tech receive no equity at all. For those who do, it’s often a meaningful part of their compensation package, with some reporting equity valued at $100k or more. Similarly, bonuses show wide variability, with senior-level roles receiving substantial bonuses, while others see much smaller payouts. These findings highlight the need for companies to reconsider how they distribute long-term incentives and rewards across all levels.
The Power of Networking and Mentorship
One of the most striking findings is the critical role of networking and mentorship in career success. Across all education levels and seniority, strong professional networks and relationships with colleagues are viewed as essential to career advancement. Mentorship also plays a key role, particularly for those with less formal education, showing that interpersonal connections often hold more weight than degrees when it comes to career progression in tech.
Why This Matters for Employers and Employees Alike
For women in tech, this report is an essential tool for understanding where they stand in terms of compensation and benefits—and how they can advocate for themselves. It’s a roadmap for salary negotiations, career growth, and overall job satisfaction.
For employers, this is an opportunity to close the gender pay gap and create more equitable workplaces. By understanding the current landscape and what women value most in terms of compensation and benefits, companies can attract and retain the best talent while fostering a more inclusive culture.
What’s Next?
These are just a few of the insights we uncovered in the Tech Ladies 2024 Salary Report. From detailed salary trends to industry-specific data, the report covers a wide range of topics that every woman in tech—and every employer—should know about.
Download the full report to access all the data and discover what actions you can take to improve pay equity and career satisfaction in the technology industry. If you’d like to partner with Tech Ladies to further our mission of advancing equity within the tech industry, learn about our partnership opportunities here.
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Tech Ladies is a global community dedicated to helping women build lifelong careers in the technology industry. With over 140,000 members, we are on a mission to provide women with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Our members benefit from exclusive resources, including access to our job board, curated events, and tailored networking opportunities. Our private, members-only community offers a safe and supportive space for learning, sharing experiences, and fostering meaningful connections. Whether through events or custom resources, we aim to create an environment where women in tech can succeed professionally and personally. We also provide full-service hiring solutions to organizations looking to recruit top talent. Our boutique hiring services, including our job board and Talent Network, have connected thousands of women with life-changing job opportunities. If you’re interested in partnering with us, please visit our partnerships page and if you’re interested in joining our community or Talent Network, visit our website!