Across the board, women's salaries lag behind men's by almost 25%, according to 1998 statistics by the U.S. Department of Labor. There are various reasons for this staggering discrepancy, but not all are beyond individual control. In fact, women can improve their wages by changing a single thing: their level of assertiveness. Women simply do not negotiate their salaries as boldly as men do. In fact, many women do not negotiate at all. Fortunately, there are ways for women to boost their wages - and sense of worth.

Know your value

Don't know what others are making in your salary group? It's easy to find out. Simply check out salary sites and search by "location" and "skill level." Recommended sites include the The Wall Street Journal http://careers.wsj.com/?content+cwc-salaries.htm and Wage Web http://www.wageweb.com.

Don't be afraid to get MORE

Know your bottom line before you go into salary negotiations. If your employer offers a sum many fathoms below your minimum, refuse it and request more. You don't need to don a demonic smile and shout ultimatums, but a firm (and polite) proposal often works wonders.

Practice makes perfect

We've all heard that women are less assertive than men. We've read about how girls raise their hands in class, while boys shout out the answers; how girls jump rope as boys wrestle and throw rocks. These tendencies should never serve as an excuse for timid behavior. Assertiveness, like a swim stroke or whistling, can be learned and be strengthened. ~ Practice your salary negotiation on other friends and family members who are also business people. Treat these mock scenarios as if they are real: dress professionally and prepare your arguments and counter-offers. If possible, videotape yourself. On tape, your weaknesses will be spotlighted - and you'll be able to pinpoint and correct them with greater ease. For females, the most common assertiveness-zapping bloopers include statements that sound like questions (usually accompanied by an upward inflection in tone - otherwise known as the "Valley Girl" syndrome), lack of direct eye contact, needless apologizing, and inappropriate dress.

Get it in writing

This one is simple. After you and your employer agree on your salary, don't rely on promises or handshakes. The bottom line is the dotted line; and if it's not signed, your salary is not secure.