Relocation, new job, want higher salaryI currently have a job at a great employer but have recently found out that out of 3 other people that have the same job title and responsibilities (in the same company) are paid between $5 and $10 thousand more than I. I will be leaving this position in the coming months to relocate to Boston. When I move, I definitely want to make more than what I'm making now, especially because the cost of living is much higher than at my current location. As I begin my serach for a new job and contemplate salary ranges, would it be feasible to ask for $10-$15 thousand more than what I'm currently making? (The person that I replaced (though she worked for the company for 3 years) hired in at $10 thousand more than I did and ended her 3 year period making almost $20 thousand more than I. ) Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I think you are looking at this the wrong way. First, what other people make should not affect what you are looking for. They may have more education, more experience, or just may be related to the boss. They may have had better negotiation skills than you when they were hired. Maybe you were desperate and needed a job and settled on a lower salary (or didn't do your homework... see next paragraph). Second, the way to know what to ask is by knowing what the market value of your skills will be here in Boston. Look at ads for jobs in Boston that are the same or similar to the ones you are looking for and require the same or similar education and experience. They may be paying $30,000 more than you make now or they may be paying $10,000 less. Whatever the market value of the job is, that is what you should be looking for. In an ideal situation, you will be offered a job that includes a cost of living increase as well as the 10-15% increase that people want when they change jobs. But without knowing the market value, you are just guessing. I essentially agree with Chet, but I would also add that I think you need to do some research on how your own income needs will change as the result of the higher cost of living in the Boston area. Obviously, you want to increase your earnings, but you also need to know what level of income you require at present in order to pay your bills, make ends meet, and to maintain your present standard of living. You need to know, in other words, what level of income you require right now to stay afloat financially - not because that's the salary level you'd be seeking, but as a reference point for the development of a salary range as you move on. Take Chet's advice about doing the research on what comparable jobs are paying in the Boston area, based on what want ads tell you, factor in an increase in compensation in at least the 10% to 15% range, compare that to your present income needs, and you should have a fair idea of your anticipated salary range for the Boston area - with an increase added on. My point is knowing you income needs will give you a much clearer picture of your basic financial picture. What other people are supposedly being paid has nothing to do with it. Hope this helps. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert | |
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