When you start looking for a new job, it can be tough to know what kind of salary you should be asking for. With all the advice out there, it’s hard to get a sense of whether you’re asking for too little or too much. At least that’s how I felt when I started my job search. That’s why I want to share with you some advice about how to figure out what is a good starting salary for a first job .
When it comes to what is a good starting salary for a first job, the answer can vary depending on the industry and location.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for workers in all occupations was $50,620 in May 2017. However, this number does not account for factors such as cost of living or location. In fact, in some areas of the country like New York City or Los Angeles, it would be difficult to find any position with an entry-level salary below $60k per year. On the other hand, employers in less expensive regions may offer starting salaries closer to $30k annually.
Additionally, there are certain industries that pay more than others. For example, individuals who work in fields such as engineering or finance tend to earn more than those in other professions such as sales or education because their skills are more highly valued by employers who are willing to pay higher prices for them.
What is a good starting salary for a first job
Introduction
If you’re fresh out of school, or are a recent graduate, then it’s important to know how much money you should be making in your first job. The answer to this question will vary depending on what industry you work in and where that industry is located geographically—but having an idea about the average starting salary for someone with your level of experience can help guide your negotiations with potential employers.
The amount of money you can earn in your first job will depend on the level of your skills and experience. In some cases, you might have advantages that other entry-level professionals don’t have. For example, if you graduated from a top-tier school with a degree that’s in demand in your field, then you might be able to command higher pay than many of your peers. On the other hand, if you don’t have much practical experience and few specialties to speak of, you should expect to receive a lower salary.
The amount of money you can earn in your first job will depend on the level of your skills and experience. In some cases, you might have advantages that other entry-level professionals don’t have. For example, if you graduated from a top-tier school with a degree that’s in demand in your field, then you might be able to command higher pay than many of your peers. On the other hand, if you don’t have much practical experience and few specialties to speak of, you should expect to receive a lower salary.
- Tip: The best way to know how much money you should ask for is by understanding how companies evaluate new employees’ performance during the hiring process.*
With some research, you should be able to find out about the average starting salary for someone with your level of experience in your field and region. Don’t forget to ask friends and family members who already work in the industry for advice as well. Finally, once you’ve learned how much other people are earning in their early careers, think about what would be an acceptable salary for you.
To find out what the average starting salary is for your field and region, you can use sites that have collected this data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a federal agency that collects employment data, has an Occupational Employment Statistics database on its website. It includes information about the average salaries of workers in different fields.
Another resource for salary information is Glassdoor, which has collected millions of self-reported salaries from employees across the country. Glassdoor also allows users to submit their own salaries anonymously so they can compare them to others’ salaries in their industry and region (this only works if you’re willing to share this information).
Finally, if you know anyone who already works in your chosen field—whether personally or professionally—ask them how much they make! After all, it’s unlikely that anyone would be offended by your question about how much money one earns at their job!
After considering the various factors involved and conducting some more research on your own, go ahead and request a certain salary from potential employers. You may not get everything that you want, but at least you’ll know what other people are earning for comparable positions and will therefore be able to negotiate fairly well without underselling yourself or making unrealistic demands.
After considering the various factors involved and conducting some more research on your own, go ahead and request a certain salary from potential employers. You may not get everything that you want, but at least you’ll know what other people are earning for comparable positions and will therefore be able to negotiate fairly well without underselling yourself or making unrealistic demands.
If you’re worried about asking for a higher salary than others in similar positions, remember that many companies are looking for someone who’s willing to take initiative; this is especially true if they’ve hired an assistant before and had trouble finding someone who was willing to work hard or didn’t have enough experience. Even if you don’t end up with the highest offer, if your attitude shows that you’re motivated by more than just money (such as having flexible hours), it will show through in interviews!
Conclusion
With all this information in mind, it’s probably best to start off with a salary that’s slightly lower than what you think you deserve. In most cases, employers will be willing to pay more than what they originally offered if they believe the candidate has the skills and experience necessary for the job. On the other hand, if you ask for too much money upfront and then continue pushing during negotiations, you might end up losing out on an otherwise great opportunity! This is especially true when considering today’s competitive labor market.
