Salary negotiation for a IT position

[rh71]

I wouldn't start a full-time job after 4 years of college for anything less than $30k (even these days). That is, unless you're desperate and about to be out on the street...

 

[rudder]

Your negotiating position depends on how many jobless PC techs out there would chomp at the bit for a 20K/year job. If the job duties are very focused and your resume matches, yes you may be able to and should squeeze more $$$. If it is a generic PC tech maintinaing PC's position, good luck.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Just remember that $ figures are completely relative to the region.

 

[Turkey22]

Uhh I'd say ask for more, but if you dont get it then take the job anyways. Are they offering benefits too? Depending on where you live 20k + benefits are a good start. Especially with the current IT job market. Just think if you had identical people to hire and one asked for more money, who you gonna hire? And that is exactly what can happen as there are so many people with the same qualifications out there, except alot of them also have experience. Btw your employer will care alot more about the experience rather than your education. If nothing else it could be a resume builder for your next job. Most good IT jobs require a min of a B.A. and 3-5 years exp.

I was in a similar position when I took the job I had today. I work for a school district so its not year round, but I make just under 20k with excellent benefits. It's enough to pay my house payments and to provide for what I need. And its local which was very important to me. There are a lot of things that go along with the job other than just salary, look at all the aspects esp with rising gas prices. how much will it cost you to drive to work every day? Are there other jobs you can get? Having an underpaying job is better than having no job as many can tell you first hand.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: Turkey22
Uhh I'd say ask for more, but if you dont get it then take the job anyways. Are they offering benefits too? Depending on where you live 20k + benefits are a good start. Especially with the current IT job market. Just think if you had identical people to hire and one asked for more money, who you gonna hire? And that is exactly what can happen as there are so many people with the same qualifications out there, except alot of them also have experience. Btw your employer will care alot more about the experience rather than your education. If nothing else it could be a resume builder for your next job. Most good IT jobs require a min of a B.A. and 3-5 years exp.

I was in a similar position when I took the job I had today. I work for a school district so its not year round, but I make just under 20k with excellent benefits. It's enough to pay my house payments and to provide for what I need. And its local which was very important to me. There are a lot of things that go along with the job other than just salary, look at all the aspects esp with rising gas prices. how much will it cost you to drive to work every day? Are there other jobs you can get? Having an underpaying job is better than having no job as many can tell you first hand.

Sorry but I would be willing to say that anywhere in the continental US 20K starting especially with a degree of any kind is a joke and I wouldn't even consider the offer. Heck you can make almost as much working any no brainer retail position and in some cases more especially if there is commission. Starting for that kind of a job here in Mass, which is one of the most competitive environments for IT is about $15-17/hour with no experience or very little...I would say don't settle for much under 30K, 28 maybe but anything less than that is not worth your time.

good luck.

 

[Kelemvor]

Be careful. I had a job that offered me a particular salary. When I told them I was ideally hoping for a bit more and asked if it was negotiable, they said No and gave the job to someone else.

IT jobs are still in huge demand. If you aren't willing to work at the price they offer, I bet there are 200 people right behind you that will. Don't try for too much or they;ll just say Sorry, and go to the next person.

 

[Shelly21]

but still, 20k is piss poor.

 

[Ogg]

Originally posted by: bozack

Originally posted by: Turkey22
Uhh I'd say ask for more, but if you dont get it then take the job anyways. Are they offering benefits too? Depending on where you live 20k + benefits are a good start. Especially with the current IT job market. Just think if you had identical people to hire and one asked for more money, who you gonna hire? And that is exactly what can happen as there are so many people with the same qualifications out there, except alot of them also have experience. Btw your employer will care alot more about the experience rather than your education. If nothing else it could be a resume builder for your next job. Most good IT jobs require a min of a B.A. and 3-5 years exp.

I was in a similar position when I took the job I had today. I work for a school district so its not year round, but I make just under 20k with excellent benefits. It's enough to pay my house payments and to provide for what I need. And its local which was very important to me. There are a lot of things that go along with the job other than just salary, look at all the aspects esp with rising gas prices. how much will it cost you to drive to work every day? Are there other jobs you can get? Having an underpaying job is better than having no job as many can tell you first hand.

Sorry but I would be willing to say that anywhere in the continental US 20K starting especially with a degree of any kind is a joke and I wouldn't even consider the offer. Heck you can make almost as much working any no brainer retail position and in some cases more especially if there is commission. Starting for that kind of a job here in Mass, which is one of the most competitive environments for IT is about $15-17/hour with no experience or very little...I would say don't settle for much under 30K, 28 maybe but anything less than that is not worth your time.

good luck.

Come to Louisiana and youll have to eat your words......I know of entry level biologists and engineers fresh out the door with their BS are offered 20k to start in this state!!!!!!!:shocked:

Im being serious and thats why they all move to Texas......
I could make at least 10K more doing the same job I do here if I moved to Texas

 

[Nightfall]

20k for technical support?

It really just depends on what you are doing.

If you are just providing call center support or technician work, it is a little low for your degree. However, it is your first job out of college. My first job out of college was 30k a year though with my 4 year B.S. in CIS. That was back in 1997 though and a lot has changed since then.

If I was trying to get a job in the economy today, I don't know if I would take that position. Especially since I could work at Burger King or something for that same amount of money. I would probably ask for something a little more. At least 27k.

 

[z0mb13]

salary.com

 

[dxkj]

Originally posted by: hahher
since everyone agrees that $9/hour is crappy for college degree, what's everyone think is fair minimum?

Well my wife has a college degree and is working as a receptionist for more than $12/hr, Im not quite finished yet and I sit at a desk playing on the internet at all day for 9.85 an hour...


Soo, I would say for that job aim for 13-18 an hour at least... or find a different line of computer work...

 

[dquan97]

bring documentation on what your peers are making in the field and how vital your job is to the success of the company. I'd counter-offer @ $40K, then negotiate down.

 

[Maverick]

whats your location? If you live in a place where IT jobs are paying that low of salary then consider moving where your skills are in higher demand.

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: dquan97
bring documentation on what your peers are making in the field and how vital your job is to the success of the company. I'd counter-offer @ $40K, then negotiate down.

you'd counter offer at double what the position standard was?