[Update] Negotiating Entry Level IT Salary

[j00fek]

Originally posted by: Feldenak
I got lowballed for the position I'm in, but as a new graduate the experience it offered down the line far outweighed the salary offered. Just something else to consider, will the job be good for your career down the line?

same here, im using this company as a potential steppingstone for the future

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: sao123

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n

Originally posted by: miri

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Yeah, IBM offers 60K, this company offers 45K. Its still nice, but I want to get what I am worth. Also, I have an interview with exxon (I really don't want to work there), but I would imagine they are around 55K+.

entry level IT pays 45k????

Its an entry level professional position.

Take it, run with it...be happy. Most entry level IT positions are in the mid to high $30's even with crappy benefits.

what he said.... trust me.

 

[crownjules]

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Yeah, IBM offers 60K, this company offers 45K. Its still nice, but I want to get what I am worth. Also, I have an interview with exxon (I really don't want to work there), but I would imagine they are around 55K+.

This company wants me as they called me the day of the interview. They never do that ! The benefits this company offers are worth ~10K.

Location is in major city in Texas.

Do you know what you are worth? By that I mean have you worked internships throughout college? Real world experience is much better then the theory and paperwork of the classroom. The benefits you are getting sound really good, and do not forget to include them in your salary equation. If you're getting paid $45K by the same company, all told you're getting $55K. If this doesn't assume 401K plans, then you'll get even more since you most definitely should max that out and get as much free money as you can, and will mean you're "making" more.

 

[Scarpozzi]

If the benefits are good, take the job. You can always make a TON of money by contracting, but you won't get squat for benefits. If the company has money, it will come your way after you stick around a few years....be patient and build experience.


I have many friends that started in large companies and regretted leaving them for contract work because it paid twice as much right off the bat.....then they had to relocate and change jobs every 2 years with few, poor, or no benefits.(example, one was health insurance that makes you pay all your bills up front, and get reimbursed 2-3 months later) It's simply not worth it. Go with what's stable and never get in over your head in your personal finacial responsibilities and you'll be in good shape.

 

[CVSiN]

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Yeah, IBM offers 60K, this company offers 45K. Its still nice, but I want to get what I am worth. Also, I have an interview with exxon (I really don't want to work there), but I would imagine they are around 55K+.

This company wants me as they called me the day of the interview. They never do that ! The benefits this company offers are worth ~10K.

Location is in major city in Texas.

Since its a large company the position is more of a training/learning position until you move up to be an associate.

Dont discount the big Texas oil companies..
they take pretty damn good care of thier IT folks..

and they have the money to pay top salaries.

I work for one in Houston and man its a great place to work..

lets just put this for an example of how much cash this company lays out for regular IT stuff.

new linux workstations..

dual Operterons
16 gigs of ram
SLI video
2x 23 inch HP flat screens

they just bought 3000 of these..
PCs are getting updated for Vista rollout later this year.. (well as soon as min/max specs are posted and finalized anyway.)

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: CVSiN

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Yeah, IBM offers 60K, this company offers 45K. Its still nice, but I want to get what I am worth. Also, I have an interview with exxon (I really don't want to work there), but I would imagine they are around 55K+.

This company wants me as they called me the day of the interview. They never do that ! The benefits this company offers are worth ~10K.

Location is in major city in Texas.

Since its a large company the position is more of a training/learning position until you move up to be an associate.

Dont discount the big Texas oil companies..
they take pretty damn good care of thier IT folks..

and they have the money to pay top salaries.

I work for one in Houston and man its a great place to work..

lets just put this for an example of how much cash this company lays out for regular IT stuff.

new linux workstations..

dual Operterons
16 gigs of ram
SLI video
2x 23 inch HP flat screens

they just bought 3000 of these..
PCs are getting updated for Vista rollout later this year.. (well as soon as min/max specs are posted and finalized anyway.)

*makes a mental to note check the big Texas oil companies when browsing jobs in a couple years.

 

[wasssup]

Yeah, that's definitely an awesome entry level starting salary for IT.

Its mid-30's here in NJ too.

 

[BrokenVisage]

Tell us what company it is already!

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
If the benefits are good, take the job. You can always make a TON of money by contracting, but you won't get squat for benefits.

Honestly, who really cares about such benefits at that age? I've been a consultant for years now, and I can pay for every benefit I'd ever need and still had a large amount of money remaining.

If the company has money, it will come your way after you stick around a few years....be patient and build experience.

So, in 10 years he might be up to 60 or 75k, if he's lucky. When you're young and free of much responsibility that you'll have later in life it's the time to make the most money possible, imo. Doing the 8-5 for a 3% raise a year is about the most complacent role a professional can be in.

I have many friends that started in large companies and regretted leaving them for contract work because it paid twice as much right off the bat.....then they had to relocate and change jobs every 2 years with few, poor, or no benefits.(example, one was health insurance that makes you pay all your bills up front, and get reimbursed 2-3 months later) It's simply not worth it. Go with what's stable and never get in over your head in your personal finacial responsibilities and you'll be in good shape.

None of which is a concern while you are young unless you are in very poor health.

Let's put this another way: If I can make and save in a year what most people do in a decade, then how is it in any way reasonable to say "just wait" to someone young enough such that all the expressed concerns about are not an issue? You can work 5 years, save more than most people have at retirement, and spend the rest of your life working on what you want to do.

Complacence never equals success. Sitting idly by hoping that your company will throw you a few percentage points a year is about the most irresponsible thing a professional can do in these times. It's putting all your proverbial eggs in one basket, imo, and leaves you with nothing to stand on should you be laid off, etc.

 

[jaybert]

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG TO NEGOTIATE SALARY. HRs job is to get you to work for the lowest salary you are willing to work for. Its a game...do you think they are going to give you 60k when they think you will work for 50? no, they're a business and they expect negotiaton, its part of the employment process. if you really want the job, just don't put yourself in a position where you have to turn down the offer if they say no.

 

[jaybert]

double post.

 

[Cal166]

There's always a hotshot right out of college expecting to make it at the high end.

If you have a couple of years of job experience, then yes you are worth $45k maybe more.

With no previous job experience, you are getting paid above average on a CIS degree especially in TX.

Here in New York, you are very lucky if you even get $30k.

Be happy with what you get, if you don't like it, there are plenty of others who would love to have the job.

 

[Cal166]

Originally posted by: jaybert
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG TO NEGOTIATE SALARY. HRs job is to get you to work for the lowest salary you are willing to work for. Its a game...do you think they are going to give you 60k when they think you will work for 50? no, they're a business and they expect negotiaton, its part of the employment process. if you really want the job, just don't put yourself in a position where you have to turn down the offer if they say no.

There is nothing wrong with negotiating salary but this case is different.

1. He's graduating from college in a month or so.
2. No previous experience, not that I have read.
3. No other company is offering him more.

 

[jaybert]

Originally posted by: Cal166

Originally posted by: jaybert
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG TO NEGOTIATE SALARY. HRs job is to get you to work for the lowest salary you are willing to work for. Its a game...do you think they are going to give you 60k when they think you will work for 50? no, they're a business and they expect negotiaton, its part of the employment process. if you really want the job, just don't put yourself in a position where you have to turn down the offer if they say no.

There is nothing wrong with negotiating salary but this case is different.

1. He's graduating from college in a month or so.
2. No previous experience, not that I have read.
3. No other company is offering him more.

I understand that means he has less leverage, but whats the risk of asking for more money? Its not like they're going to pull his offer if he asks for a few extra thousand a month or a signing bonus. The worst that could happen is they say no, and he goes ahead and accepts the offer as-is.


EDIT:

I just dont see what everyone's aversion is to negotiating their salary. You will be negotiating with HR, so its not like your relationship is going to be strained with your future boss because you asked for some extra money. Not only that, but negotiation is expected. If you are able to get an extra $2-3k now, and you plan on sticking with the company for many years, think how quickly that money is going to add up. Your raises are based on a % of your salary usually, so not only do you start out with an extra $3k/year, you're raises will be larger (by a little), which adds up over time.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
This is a company where I can work for the rest of my career if I desired to do so. They say I am applying for a career, not a job. They are also listed in the top 20 places to work for in IT by computerworld magazine. Also, turnaround in the IT department is 5%.

From my experience the ranking mean squat:

Maxtor ranked #1 place to work in San Jose - it is about to do massive layoff and hasn't got a payraise in 3 years, and project you work on will get cancelled every time before it is shipping.

Genentech ranked #1 - but they lowball you and squeeze your workload so much that you will be aging 20 years in 2. My GF works there and she have seen people on average only last 1 year before they are fed up.

 

[acemcmac]

When employers demand that I lead off on salaray negotiations, I start by saying "I really don't think we should be discussing anything less than forty" and if they don't like it, they can blow me. You can't even get a morgage on forty around here (south west of Philly)

 

[puffff]

Originally posted by: jaybert

Originally posted by: Cal166

Originally posted by: jaybert
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG TO NEGOTIATE SALARY. HRs job is to get you to work for the lowest salary you are willing to work for. Its a game...do you think they are going to give you 60k when they think you will work for 50? no, they're a business and they expect negotiaton, its part of the employment process. if you really want the job, just don't put yourself in a position where you have to turn down the offer if they say no.

There is nothing wrong with negotiating salary but this case is different.

1. He's graduating from college in a month or so.
2. No previous experience, not that I have read.
3. No other company is offering him more.

I understand that means he has less leverage, but whats the risk of asking for more money? Its not like they're going to pull his offer if he asks for a few extra thousand a month or a signing bonus. The worst that could happen is they say no, and he goes ahead and accepts the offer as-is.


EDIT:

I just dont see what everyone's aversion is to negotiating their salary. You will be negotiating with HR, so its not like your relationship is going to be strained with your future boss because you asked for some extra money. Not only that, but negotiation is expected. If you are able to get an extra $2-3k now, and you plan on sticking with the company for many years, think how quickly that money is going to add up. Your raises are based on a % of your salary usually, so not only do you start out with an extra $3k/year, you're raises will be larger (by a little), which adds up over time.

you're negotiation may only take place with the HR rep, but you cant be sure your manager isnt being consulted behind the scenes, particularly if the department has a budget it is trying to stick to.

 

[jm0ris0n]

Well guys, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined this one thread would have drawn 41 responses. On friday I talked to the HR rep and negotiated to 48,000. That is what I asked for and that is what I was given. I accepted the offer + asked how I could get a hold of a company shirt. She asked what size and what color I'd like so it looks I 'negotiated' myself a company shirt too

Since I?ve given you all so much company info I'd rather not say their name, but I will say they are an Insurance/Financial Investments company. Fortune 200. This is not an oil company. I have a fellow classmate who is going to exxon in Houston. He won't tell me his salary, but I know for a fact its at least 55K+. We both have a BBA in Computer Information Systems.

The college we graduated from is called Texas State . We're the fifth largest school in Texas if anyone cares. Our program is changing over to make everything .net, but I have mainly been instructed in Java, websphere, vb.net, networking, and database (sql). Thanks for all the responses. I will definitely let you all know how the job goes once september comes along.

Remember, its never too early to start the job search !

 

[ivol07]

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Well guys, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined this one thread would have drawn 41 responses. On friday I talked to the HR rep and negotiated to 48,000. That is what I asked for and that is what I was given. I accepted the offer + asked how I could get a hold of a company shirt. She asked what size and what color I'd like so it looks I 'negotiated' myself a company shirt too

Since I?ve given you all so much company info I'd rather not say their name, but I will say they are an Insurance/Financial Investments company. Fortune 200. This is not an oil company. I have a fellow classmate who is going to exxon in Houston. He won't tell me his salary, but I know for a fact its at least 55K+. We both have a BBA in Computer Information Systems.

The college we graduated from is called Texas State . We're the fifth largest school in Texas if anyone cares. Our program is changing over to make everything .net, but I have mainly been instructed in Java, websphere, vb.net, networking, and database (sql). Thanks for all the responses. I will definitely let you all know how the job goes once september comes along.

Remember, its never too early to start the job search !

congrats. :thumbsup:

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Well guys, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined this one thread would have drawn 41 responses. On friday I talked to the HR rep and negotiated to 48,000. That is what I asked for and that is what I was given. I accepted the offer + asked how I could get a hold of a company shirt. She asked what size and what color I'd like so it looks I 'negotiated' myself a company shirt too

Since I?ve given you all so much company info I'd rather not say their name, but I will say they are an Insurance/Financial Investments company. Fortune 200. This is not an oil company. I have a fellow classmate who is going to exxon in Houston. He won't tell me his salary, but I know for a fact its at least 55K+. We both have a BBA in Computer Information Systems.

The college we graduated from is called Texas State . We're the fifth largest school in Texas if anyone cares. Our program is changing over to make everything .net, but I have mainly been instructed in Java, websphere, vb.net, networking, and database (sql). Thanks for all the responses. I will definitely let you all know how the job goes once september comes along.

Remember, its never too early to start the job search !

My GF goes to Texas State.

EDIT: Oh yeah, congrats.

 

[zoiks]

I started at Computer Associates at 45k. 6 years later, I just got a job at a really promising company at 92.5k including bonuses.
I doubt that I'll be doubling my salary in another 6 years.

 

[altonb1]

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Hey Guys,

<snip>

UPDATE: On friday I talked to the HR rep and got an extra 3K + a company shirt See last post for details. BTW: This is an insurance/financial investments company.

Quit being greedy. Take what you have. You already got the free shirt FTW!

 

[imported_KuJaX]

Free t-shirt, good thing you offered.

Congrats, and I hope that you enjoy it.

 

[GeneValgene]

free t-shirt! you must take the offer!

 

[BHeemsoth]

Originally posted by: miri

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n

Originally posted by: miri

Originally posted by: jm0ris0n
Yeah, IBM offers 60K, this company offers 45K. Its still nice, but I want to get what I am worth. Also, I have an interview with exxon (I really don't want to work there), but I would imagine they are around 55K+.

entry level IT pays 45k????

Its an entry level professional position.

Did you graduate from Rice by any chance? That would explain the high entry level salary.

The average starting salary for CIS Majors at my school was $55k last year.