Single in Stilettos

My rant on unequality in pay

I have usually worked in predominantly male fields.

In high school, I worked as a basketball supervisor where I was paid less than my male counterparts (I got paid $7/hr, whereas they got paid $8.50... a HUGE difference when you're 16), and then I worked summers while in college as a professional mover. Did you hear that? Yeah, I was a mover. I found myself discriminatedagainst frequently, and despite my abilities, I was constantly undercut. I would give 110%, and the guys could give 50%, and they would get more money. Yes, I realize that guys can lift more than I can, but its amazing what someone can do with a dolly these days.

Now, I work with the navy where I am one of 4 women in an office of 44 men. Although I have a college degree, I have watched 2 men be promoted above me that do not have a college degree. One of them didn't even graduate from high school. And, yes, I am the lowestpaid employee in my office. I know because I'm in charge of those records.

To move on, I took various courses during my college studies that focused on women's role in society. Unfortunately, the unequalityof our payscales is not something up for debate. Its a fact. And it goes back as far as the ages.
See Leviticus 27:1-4.

I've heard many men complain that women are given special treatment. I think that's ridiculous. I've never asked for any of my employers to go out of their way for me. Actually, when I moved up to the DC area I applied for a job as a mover since I already had experience, I figured it would be a breeze. Boy, was I wrong. Two places I applied to wouldn't even consider me since I'm a woman. Yes, I probably could've sued them or something, but instead I gave up and joined the ranks of waitressing.

I did a quick search on average pay scales for women vs. men and this is what I found:

Position/Industry Female /Male
Accountants $85,375 /$119,314
Accountants (1-5 years experience) $72,534 /$94,314
Advertising Account Executive $49,000/ $56,000
Allergists or Immunologists $190,983/ $254,289
CEO, Health Care $152,673/ $195,783
Lawyer $73,476 /$84,188
Government/Lobbying, Nonprofit $73,907 /$96,655
Managing Editor $55,983 /$62,574
Neurological Surgeons $337,031/ $487,000
Reference Librarian,
0-5 years experience $38,399 /$39,958
Retail Store Sales $19,864 / $31,148
Teachers $42,848 /$46,956
Web infrastructure $69,850 /$87,750
Average Full Time Employee $97,071 /$127,379

Note. Salaries vary by industry and include medians,
total compensation, average base, average total including salary and bonus. http://www.womenof.com/Articles/cb_12_7_052.asp

See, its not just me. Its everyone. Oh well.

posted by Me @ 9:31 AM