Only about one-third of employees, 39%, tried to negotiate pay with their last job offer, according to a survey by Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). Among people in the 27 US cities surveyed, those in New York, Dallas and San Francisco were most likely to ask for more pay.

In terms of gender, 46% of men negotiated salary compared to 34% of women. And by age, workers ages 18 to34 are more likely to negotiate salary at 45%, compared ages 35 to 54 and 55-plus at 40% and 30% respectively.

Respondents were asked, “Thinking of your last job offer, did you try to negotiate for higher pay?” The top 10 cities with “yes” responses include:

1. New York: 55%
2. Dallas: 51%
3. San Francisco: 50%
4. Pittsburgh: 48%
5. Los Angeles: 45%
6. Washington, DC: 45%
7. Boston: 44%
8. Charlotte, NC: 44%
9. San Diego: 43%
10. Houston: 42%

Legislation in many cities and states now prohibits employers from asking candidates about their salary history. This development has removed a long-standing question from the start of the hiring process and forced employers and job seekers to shift their approach to determining compensation, according to Robert Half.

“Starting salary should be a factor of the job skills required and current market demand for those skills,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director at Robert Half. “That’s why it’s more important than ever for both parties to research market conditions thoroughly to pave the way for realistic, productive discussions.”

The survey included more than 2,700 workers employed in the US in professional environments. It was conducted by an independent research firm.