AI gives different salary advice to men and women, study finds

Researchers from Harvard and MIT conducted a large-scale study analyzing 86,000 responses from four leading AI models to examine salary negotiation advice based on gender, according to wtvr.com and fox17online.com.

The study tested identical job candidate profiles differing only by gender and found consistent patterns across all AI models. Women were advised to prioritize flexible schedules, parental leave, and work-life benefits, while men received guidance focused on negotiating higher base salaries and equity compensation such as stock options.

This finding challenges the assumption that AI provides objective advice free from human bias. Instead, the AI reflected existing gender dynamics embedded in its training data, the reports said.

The implications are significant for American workers who may rely on AI tools seeking unbiased negotiation advice. If AI recommendations mirror traditional gender biases, they may unintentionally limit women's salary outcomes rather than promote equity.