A recent survey conducted by CVKeskus.ee and Palgainfo Agency highlights a persistent gap in salary expectations between genders in Estonia. According to the findings, men expect a median net salary of €2500 when changing jobs, whereas women have a median expectation of €2000. The most pronounced differences in salary expectations are found in the financial and trade sectors, while the smallest discrepancies exist in marketing. This gap raises questions about workplace equality and the systemic factors influencing how pay is determined across genders.

Additionally, the survey reveals that nearly half of the respondents believe that gender has a considerable impact on compensation for the same work. In sectors like IT, finance, and construction, men appear more ambitious in their salary expectations, often seeking over €3000 net as they search for new positions. This demographic shows a stark contrast with women, where only about 13% of female respondents work in these high-salary fields, compared to 23% of males. This disparity in occupational representation significantly contributes to the gender pay gap evident in expectations among employees.

The findings stress the need for more equitable pay practices and raise awareness of the ongoing disparities faced by women in the labor market. For gender equality advocates, these results present both a challenge and an opportunity to address and rectify these significant gaps in salary expectations, ultimately pushing for reforms within various sectors to ensure fair compensation for all, regardless of gender.