April 7, 2007

What Am I Worth?




In general, you are worth whatever someone is willing to pay you.

What you ultimately end up receiving for a salary depends on many factors:
  • The specific details of the job
  • What you have done, and how long you have done it
  • What the employer thinks you can do
  • Where you work
  • The industry in which you work
  • The size of the hiring company
  • The size of the hiring department
  • Your education
  • How much the employer values the specific position
  • How well you negotiate
  • How many other people are vying for the same position
  • The job market in general
  • etc, etc
Remember that, within reason, everything about a job is negotiable, including salary.
If the hiring company wants you badly enough, they can sometimes increase their offer.

Remember also, that there is more to a job than simply the salary.  Consider the whole package:
  • Bonus
  • 401(k) contributions
  • Stock options
  • Other benfits
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Company culture
  • Commuting distance
  • Telecommuting options
  • etc, etc.
Here are a few web sites that can help you calculate what particular jobs might be worth in your area:
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