The tech industry has undergone seismic changes over the past two decades, with advances in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and mobile technology reshaping the global digital landscape. Yet beyond the technical revolutions, the human side of the sector is evolving too—particularly for women.
According to the Tech Salary Report 2025, experienced women in tech are among those most likely to acknowledge that workplace culture has improved.
Among professionals with over 20 years in the industry, 64 per cent of women believe the culture has become better, compared to just 46 per cent of their male counterparts. This makes women nearly 1.5 times more likely to report positive changes in their work environments.
“Early in my career, I faced significant gender bias,” shared one woman with more than 25 years of experience in the sector. “I needed to get an MBA just to be considered for the same roles my male colleagues walked into. It’s exciting to see younger women coming in now and being trusted with complex roles right from the start. That was almost unheard of when I began.”
This reflection encapsulates a wider trend that suggests a gradual shift in the culture of the tech industry, especially for women. While challenges remain, there is a growing sentiment among seasoned female professionals that progress is finally tangible.
Also Read: From authentic leadership to talent investment: 5 proven tips to win the startup game
The past two decades have seen technology professionals ride a wave of innovation, from the rise of JavaScript reshaping software development to AI and machine learning now dominating conversations around the future of tech. Yet, for many women, the most remarkable change has been the slow but steady improvement in inclusivity and opportunities.
Significant changes in the tech industry
Despite economic uncertainties, salary trends in 2024 remain robust. The average tech professional now earns US$112,521 annually—a modest 1.2 per cent increase from the previous year.
However, when adjusted for purchasing power, today’s figures remain almost identical to those from 2005. Industries such as consulting, software, and banking/finance lead the pack, offering salaries exceeding US$125,000.
AI expertise has also emerged as a premium skillset. Tech professionals responsible for AI projects earn nearly 18 per cent more than their peers, underscoring the growing value placed on this area.
Interestingly, while entry-level salaries have seen consecutive declines, mid-career professionals with three to five years of experience enjoyed the most significant salary growth in 2024.
Against this backdrop of fluctuating compensation trends, women in tech are standing out for another reason—higher levels of salary satisfaction. The report identifies women, alongside consultants, experienced professionals, software developers, and those with security clearances, as the groups expressing the most contentment with their pay.
Also Read: Future-proofing talent management: The impact of AI on retention in Southeast Asia
This relative satisfaction is noteworthy, given that overall satisfaction with compensation is declining across the industry. The reasons behind women’s greater contentment remain unclear, but the finding suggests a narrowing of the historical pay gap, at least among certain demographics.
Career mobility also plays a crucial role in earning potential. The report highlights that the sweet spot for switching jobs among those with over two decades of experience is between four and ten times. Those who change roles six to nine times throughout their careers tend to achieve the highest salaries.
For women, particularly those who navigated male-dominated environments early on, this strategic job mobility may have contributed to both career growth and compensation satisfaction. As one seasoned professional reflected, seeing younger women ascend the ranks more swiftly is a testament to the pathways carved out by earlier generations.
Still, challenges remain. The tech industry continues to grapple with broader issues, including diversity gaps at leadership levels and persistent biases.
However, the data from the Tech Salary Report 2025 offers a glimmer of progress—an acknowledgment from women who have witnessed, and helped shape, two decades of industry change.
—
Image Credit: Mimi Thian on Unsplash
The post Two decades on: Women in tech see culture shift and growing satisfaction appeared first on e27.