Gender differences in estimated salaries: A UK study

In all 294 British participants completed a two page questionnaire entitled “How much do people earn?” Using a between-subjects design, participants either completed the male or female target questionnaire. Specifically, they were given names and age ranges (range 35–43) of people in 16 gender-neutral jobs from Accountant to Veterinarian and asked to estimate their current average annual salary. Supporting previous research, the “salary estimation effect” was found with males assumed to earn more than their female counterparts in a range of occupations, most notably in unskilled/semi-skilled jobs. Participants also demonstrated good awareness of the current average annual salary in the UK and over half of participants believed wage disparities to exist between men and women; whites and blacks. Implications for salary decision-making and perpetuation of the differential salaries afforded to men and women are discussed.

► The “salary estimation effect” was found with males assumed to earn more than their female counterparts in a range of occupations, particularly in unskilled/semi-skilled jobs.
► Participants demonstrated good awareness of the current average annual salary in the UK.
► Over half of participants believed wage disparities to exist between men and women; whites and blacks.
► Various participant demographics influence perceptions of wage inequity in the UK.