In addition to what Chet wrote, employers have a fair notion of the value of jobs not only in their particular marketplace, but also the value they believe the job is worth to their organization.  But I would urge you to also figure out - for your own use - what level of income you require in order to pay your bills, make ends meet, and at least maintain your present standard of living.  Whip out the old check book and see what it costs you, on average, to pay the bills over the last few months.  Once you have that monthly average, take it times 12 to come up with an annualized income stream below which you know you cannot go and still make it.  Add about $10K to that annualized amount and you'll have a basic salary range within which you know you need to be - at least.  I'm not saying that's the salary you should anticipate, but I think YOU need to know what that "can't go below" range is to give you a base upon which to make more informed employment decisions.  Hope this helps.

Paul W. Barada

The Negotiation Expert