Unequal pay for women is a known issue across the United States. Public agencies are trying to resolve California’s unequal pay issues. Here’s what to know about unequal pay for women in California.
On average, a woman in California makes roughly 90% of a man’s wages, which is considerably higher than the national average. California has state agencies that strive to lessen the pay wage gap. In order to ask for equal pay from employers, women should conduct research, learn to negotiate, and consider their legal options if all else fails.
Do Women Get Equal Pay?
On average, women in California do not get equal pay compared to men. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, women in California made a little less than 90% of a man’s wages on average. This calculates to roughly $78.6 billion of women’s wages in California lost due to the unequal pay gap. California’s pay wage gap is better than the national average, but the income inequality between men and women still persists.
California Equal Pay Initiatives
California has established certain agencies that are committed to achieving equal pay for women. The Office of the First Partner, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the Labor and Workforce Development agency work with women to enforce and implement strong equal pay laws in California.
Related: A Guide to Equal Pay Laws in California
How to Ask for Equal Pay
1. Collect Research
Before bringing a demand for equal pay to your supervisors, conduct research to determine a reasonable pay range. Gather data of other people’s wages in similar fields, similar regions, within the same company, and similar experiences. Websites like Payscale and Glassdoor offer salary insights to compare wages by location and title. Talk to friends and colleagues to develop an understanding of the job market.
2. Learn to Negotiate
Negotiation is important in achieving equal pay. Strike a balance between being forward and complacent. Be cooperative but clear about what you want. Make a stronger argument by explaining how better compensation would be good for your productivity and overall company success. Prepare some data about your achievements on the job and explain how better pay will positively impact performance.
3. Consider Legal Options
If negotiation fails, consider pursuing legal action. Federal law requires equal pay for equal skill, effort, and responsibility. Employers are prohibited from paying women less than men for the same work. Consequently, women have the option of pursuing legal action against their employers for unequal pay due to their gender. Speak with an experienced attorney from Her Lawyer today to explore your legal options against your employer.
Related: Gender Discrimination vs Gender Inequality: The Difference
FAQs About Unequal Pay for Women in California
How does unequal pay for women in California compare to the rest of the country?
California is doing considerably better than the rest of the country in terms of unequal pay for women. Women in California make roughly 90% of men’s wages on average, which is on a better track than the rest of the country. In the USA overall, women make 82% of men’s wages. California has many initiatives dedicated to achieving pay equity for women, which has contributed to the positive difference in equal pay for women.
Related: Wage Discrimination Laws in California
How should I prepare for asking my boss for equal pay?
Before asking your boss for equal pay, be sure to prepare some research and learn to negotiate. Conduct some research into the pay range for your specific industry, job, location, company, and experience. This information can provide a general understanding of the industry-wide salary practices and concrete numbers to present to your boss. Learn to negotiate in order to reach a compromise. Be both firm and understanding, and explain how higher pay is a benefit to your productivity and overall company. If negotiation fails, consider taking legal action.
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one is receiving unequal pay in the workplace, get your free consultation with one of our California Employment Discrimination Attorneys today! We don’t get paid unless you win your case.