Job seekers want record-high wages — and men expect $25,000 more than women do

Americans' wage expectations have reached record highs, with the average reservation wage for job seekers climbing to $78,645 in July 2023, reflecting the current economic and labor market conditions, including inflation and increased prices following the pandemic, according to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. While wage expectations have risen across the board, men and college graduates have higher demands than women, suggesting a need for more preparation and salary transparency to address the gender pay gap.