Empowered Women, Empowered Salaries: Know Your Value, Own Your Worth

Tammy Mifflin, MBA, CPRW, CDCS
Mar 18
7 min read

As women continue to break barriers in the workplace, one challenge remains at the forefront of our career journeys: the gender pay gap. Despite the progress we've made, women still earn less than men for the same work, with women of color facing an even greater disparity. This inequality is deeply rooted, but that doesn't mean we can't take control and work to close the gap in our careers.

At the same time, one of the most powerful tools in our professional toolkit is the ability to negotiate. Unfortunately, many women avoid negotiations, fearing being seen as aggressive or demanding. But it's time to change that mindset. Women should see negotiation as a vital skill for career advancement, and it all starts with knowing your worth.

The Gender Pay Gap: Why It Still Exists

According to recent statistics, women earn, on average, 82 cents for every dollar earned by a man, with women of color earning even less. Several factors influence this gap:

Bias and Discrimination: Unconscious bias still impacts the way women are paid. Stereotypes about women’s roles, abilities, and aspirations contribute to lower salaries in many industries.
Lack of Transparency: In many workplaces, pay is not transparent, even though pay transparency laws in many states have been passed over the past few years to change that. However, women are less likely to know what their male counterparts earn, making it harder to advocate for higher pay.
Negotiation Discomfort: Women often avoid negotiating their salaries for fear of being seen as too assertive, whereas men are more likely to push for higher compensation.
Caregiver Penalty: Women who take time off to care for children or aging parents may face discrimination in salary negotiations due to perceived career gaps.

Why Negotiation Is Key to Closing the Gap

While the pay gap remains a systemic issue, negotiation is one area where women can take immediate action. Research indicates that women who negotiate their salaries are more likely to receive a fair wage; however, many still refrain from asking for what they deserve. Negotiating is not about seeking more than you are worth—it's about ensuring you are compensated fairly for your skills, experience, and contributions.

Practical Steps for Women to Successfully Negotiate

1. Know Your Worth: Research and Preparation

Before any negotiation, do your research. Investigate salary ranges for your position and industry, taking into account your experience, education, and unique skills. Websites such as Glassdoor and PayScale provide valuable insights into average salaries for your role.

Tip: Remember to consider the entire compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, and perks. Factors like flexible hours or additional vacation time may be negotiable when the salary isn't.

2. Own Your Achievements: Highlight Your Impact

Women often downplay their accomplishments, but now is the time to embrace them. When negotiating, clearly express the value you bring to the organization. Highlight your achievements, quantify your impact, and demonstrate how your contributions align with the company's goals.

Tip: Prepare a "brag file" filled with positive feedback, project successes, and examples of your leadership. This will help you support your case with solid evidence.

3. Practice Confidence, Not Aggression

Negotiating isn’t about being aggressive—it’s about advocating for yourself in a manner that reflects your professional value. Practice your negotiation conversation with a trusted friend, mentor, or career coach to feel more comfortable when it’s time to speak up.

Tip: Reframe the conversation as a discussion about value rather than a confrontation. Use phrases like, “Based on my experience and the market rate, I believe a salary adjustment to [amount] would better align with my role and responsibilities.”

4. Don’t Settle for the First Offer

Often, the first offer serves as just a starting point. Therefore, please don’t rush to accept it unless it exceeds your target salary. I’ve frequently observed that women tend to accept the first salary offered for a job for several reasons, even if it may not represent the best offer:

Time Constraints or Urgency — If a woman is eager to find a job or has pressing financial obligations, she might accept the first offer out of necessity. This urgency can overshadow the desire to negotiate, especially if she believes it’s the best option available at that moment.
Assumption that the Offer is Fair — Many women assume that the salary presented is the highest they can expect or that the employer has already determined what is fair for the role. This assumption can inhibit them from even contemplating negotiation.
Gratitude and Excitement About the Offer — After months of job searching, receiving an offer can bring immense relief and excitement. In the rush to secure the position, women may feel compelled to accept the first offer out of gratitude for the opportunity rather than taking the time to negotiate for a better deal.
Lack of Confidence or Fear of Rejection — Many women experience Imposter Syndrome when negotiating and may feel that doing so could jeopardize their job offers. There is often an underlying fear that asking for a higher salary might lead to rejection or being perceived as too demanding or aggressive, which causes them to accept the initial offer without negotiating. Growing up, my parents taught me that the answer is always no if you don’t ask for what you want. The same principle applies here: if you’re too afraid to ask for more money, the answer will be no. However, you have a 50% chance of it going either way, so why not take your shot?
Uncertainty About Their Value — Women may not always clearly understand their market value, particularly if they lack experience in salary negotiations. Without thorough research or knowledge of industry standards, they might feel hesitant to ask for more, fearing they will price themselves out of the opportunity. Ladies, this entire article is about recognizing your worth and advocating for your value. If no one has reminded you recently, you are a powerful, valuable force in the workplace, and your worth is not determined by what others may offer you but by the unique skills, talents, and perspectives you bring. Proverbs 31:25 states, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Embrace your worth, advocate for yourself, and understand that negotiating for what you deserve is not solely about money—it's about honoring the strength and value that God has placed within you. So, carry your crown confidently, ladies!
Pressure to "Fit In" or Be "Liked" — Women are often socialized to be likable and accommodating, which can lead to a greater willingness to accept the first offer. They may fear that negotiating will make them seem less cooperative or likable, especially in male-dominated industries.

Whether you're asking for a higher salary, better benefits, or additional vacation days, remember that requesting what you need to feel valued is perfectly acceptable. It's essential to recognize your worth!

Tip: If the employer can't accommodate your salary request, inquire about alternative benefits, such as professional development opportunities, remote work options, or more flexible hours, which can improve your work-life balance.

5. Know When to Walk Away

One of my favorite songs is “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers, which presents the perfect negotiation mantra: “You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run.” Sometimes, a negotiation may not go in your favor despite your best efforts. If you’ve made a strong case and the employer isn’t willing to meet you halfway, recognize when to walk away (or run). Exploring other opportunities where you’ll be valued and compensated fairly feels better in the long run.

Tip: Always maintain professionalism during negotiations, even if you choose to decline the offer. You never know when another opportunity might arise at the same company.

The Bigger Picture: Closing the Gender Pay Gap

While individual negotiations are necessary, it’s also essential to consider the larger systemic factors contributing to the gender pay gap. As women, we can take collective action by:

Advocating for Pay Transparency — Encourage companies to disclose salary ranges for roles and promote transparency in pay practices.
Building Strong Networks — Women supporting women is vital for career advancement. Motivate others to share salary information, provide mentorship, and champion each other in negotiations.
Promoting Family-Friendly Policies — Advocate for workplace policies that benefit both men and women in caregiving roles, such as paid family leave, flexible working hours, and childcare assistance.

Conclusion: Empowering Women to Take Control

As women, we possess the power to close the gender pay gap by actively negotiating our salaries, advocating for pay transparency, and supporting one another in our career growth. The key is knowing your worth, being confident, and negotiating wisely. If you don't ask for what you deserve, you’re not just leaving money on the table—you're leaving growth and opportunity behind.

Remember, it's not about being pushy or aggressive. It’s about standing firm in your value and taking control of your career trajectory. Whether you're seeking a raise, a promotion, or exploring new opportunities, negotiation is your tool to ensure you’re compensated fairly for everything you bring to the table.

Key Takeaways

Know Your Worth: Recognize your value and confidently negotiate fair compensation.
Don’t Settle: The first offer is just a starting point—negotiate for what you deserve.
Overcome Fear: Conquer Imposter Syndrome and practice self-advocacy.
Support Each Other: Build a supportive network to empower career growth for all.

Disclaimer: While this article specifically focuses on empowering women in honor of Women’s History Month, the strategies and insights shared are valuable and applicable to all individuals, regardless of gender. Career growth, self-advocacy, and fair compensation are universal goals that benefit everyone. We acknowledge and appreciate the diverse experiences and journeys that all individuals encounter in the workplace, and we hope these tips inspire and encourage anyone seeking to elevate their career and embrace their worth.