IT Staffing Report: April 7, 2016

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Gender’s role in tech compensation

Gender plays no role in compensation for technology professionals when comparing equal education levels, years of technical experience and job title, according to one analysis of job board Dice’s annual salary survey data of more than 16,000 tech professionals. However, there are differences by gender when it comes to bonuses, compensation satisfaction, primary motivators and career concerns.

A “position gap” does exist.

The top motivator that employers provided to male tech professionals in 2015 was increased compensation at 19%, compared to 14% for women. Telecommuting options was the leading top motivator for women at 17% compared to 11% of men. Flexible hours was the top motivator for 12% of women compared to 9% of men.

According to the report, 38% of men received a bonus in 2015 compared to 34% for women. And the average bonus for men was $10,420; for women, it was $8,899.

In addition, almost 54% of men expressed satisfaction with compensation in their current position, while 51% of women were satisfied with their salaries.

“It’s clear that, in many ways, men and women in technology share the same concerns, receive bonuses, and are satisfied with their compensation,” said Dice President Bob Melk. “But employers are offering women more options like flexible work hours or the ability to telecommute versus men who are more offered compensation as a motivator. Whether this is based on conversations women are having with their managers or something else is unknown.”

Melk continued: “Managers looking to hire and retain top talent should gain a better understanding of what drives their tech talent, regardless of gender.”