An Empirical Investigation of Gender Wage Differences in Information Systems Occupations: 1991 - 2008

This paper investigates the gender earnings gap, adjusted for key determinants, for individuals employed in clerical and professional level information systems positions for the period from 1991 through 2008. It explores changes in the earnings gap for IS workers, and specifically examines changes which occurred relative to the so-called internet "bubble" observed during the late 1990s. Empirical analysis of the wage gap is based on data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). Examination of these data suggests that the gender earnings gap is persistent, despite frequent claims to the contrary from industry surveys. It is narrower for professional level positions. Furthermore, the data suggest that professional level female IS workers may have indeed experienced a beneficial effect from the internet "bubble" of the late 1990s, but it is unknown whether or not that effect may be fading in the internet "bust" of the early 21st century.