As of 2015, women working full time earned 80 percent of what men working full time did, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. So how can you make up that ground? Use these tips to try to eliminate the wage gap:
Recognize that negotiating is an asset
Many hiring managers are prepared to give you $10,000 to $15,000 more than they offer — but you have to ask, said Kate Gremillion, CEO of Mavenly + Co., a professional development firm. Negotiating can even help you as you are getting started in a career. More than three-quarters of employers said recent graduates appeared more confident when they asked for more money, a NerdWallet survey found.
Research using industry contacts
You probably know you should research your market value before negotiations. But don't just use online resources like Glassdoor and PayScale, Gremillion said.
You will get more reliable information from industry contacts, ideally a mix of men and women. You don't have to ask what your contacts earn, just a reasonable base salary given your level of experience.
Don't rush to say a number
Many experts suggest talking numbers only after the hiring manager offers you a salary. That way, you don't ask for less than he or she was prepared to offer. But if you are asked for your desired salary on a job application or during the interview process, hopefully your contacts have given you a good idea of the base salary you could expect. Consider adding 10 to 15 percent to that number.
