Salary - How much should I ask for?

[crelf]

Hi Everyone,

I am currently in the process of discussing potential salary requirements with a System Integrator on the East Coast of the USA. I have about 7 years of LabVIEW experience (5 years hardcore), and would love to work for this company (the blokes doing the hiring are probably members of this list - so hi guys!) My main problem is that all of my programming experience was based in Sydney, Australia, and I honestly don't know how much it costs to live in the USA. I've checked a few web sites to get some basic cost of living data, but would like to hear from anyone who might be able to give me some advice on the salary range I should shoot for. I certainly don't want to put this company offside by asking for an exho
rbitant fee, but I also don't want to short-change myself and end up living in a dumpster under the interstate.

If anyone has any ideas, I'd really appreciate hearing from you!

cheers,
Chris

Christopher G. Relf
Christopher.Relf@mBox.com.au
Int'l Voicemail & Fax: +61 2 8080 8132
Aust Voicemail & Fax: (02) 8080 8132
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[Labviewguru]

Christopher,

How is the book going?

Salary is a tough thing. It depends on so many factors, that trying to narrow it down is very difficult. A lot of regionality plays into it. For example, here in San Diego, a EE can pull in $65,000 annually with no problem. 80 miles north, in Los Angeles, this is unheard of for the most part, and $45,000 is more in line. Education, experience, ability are all factors.

I would suggest that you have them make an offer, and try to get an offer from another company nearby, or look for salaries in your area. Try asking agencies, recruiters, and others. Once you have decided on accepting a salary, stipulate that you want to be able to renegotiate your salary after 30, 60, or 90 days.

I would also suggest that
the price of a home in the area is a huge factor that you need to look at. For example, in San Diego, the median price is $370,000, whereas in Los Angeles, it is about $250,000 or so.

I hope this is helpful.

Also, you should be able to get a good first offer from the company.

Good luck, and can I have your spot in Australia? I hear its REALLY hard to get in...

[a]

"Labviewguru" wrote in message
news:50650000000500000073960000-1027480788000@exchange.ni.com...
> Christopher,
>
> How is the book going?
>
> Salary is a tough thing. It depends on so many factors, that trying
> to narrow it down is very difficult. A lot of regionality plays into
> it. For example, here in San Diego, a EE can pull in $65,000 annually
> with no problem. 80 miles north, in Los Angeles, this is unheard of
> for the most part, and $45,000 is more in line. Education,
> experience, ability are all factors.
>
> I would suggest that you have them make an offer, and try to get an
> offer from another company nearby, or look for salaries in your area.
> Try asking agencies, recruiters, and others. Once you have decided on
> accepting a sal
ary, stipulate that you want to be able to renegotiate
> your salary after 30, 60, or 90 days.
>
> I would also suggest that the price of a home in the area is a huge
> factor that you need to look at. For example, in San Diego, the
> median price is $370,000, whereas in Los Angeles, it is about $250,000
> or so.
>
> I hope this is helpful.
>
> Also, you should be able to get a good first offer from the company.
>
> Good luck, and can I have your spot in Australia? I hear its REALLY
> hard to get in...

Are those starting salaries for new grads?

[Enrique]

crelf;

You can get what seems to be a good estimate at salary.com

Enrique

[crelf]

Thanks for your input everyone - I ended up looking at salary.com (I plugged in the area I wanted to work, and called my self a "Software Engineer III"), and it spat out the appropriate numbers.

Thanks again!
Christopher

[Nathan Vaidyanathan]

Hi, Chris,

I am a Certified Developer working in Melbourne, Australia. I have about 3 + years experience. I hear that these NI certifications can significantly boost the salary packages. I recently got my CLAD and CLD. Is it possible for you tell me, what sort of salary package i can expect in Melbourne. I should have really opened a new thread for my question, but i thought you might have better idea as you worked here for a long time. Thanks in advance.

[Ray.R]

Do you realize that this thread is 6 years old?

Yes... it would be a good idea to start your own thread..  🙂