Salary Question (applying, jobs, $50,000, cities)

[mjt87]

I hope this isn't confusing. It probably will be.

I currently live in upstate New York. In the city, the salaries are way higher, because of the cost of living.

So, I'm applying to jobs right now way far from here (Example: Seattle). When I apply online for jobs, it will ask for the desired salary... here's the problem. I don't want to totally lowball myself, but I don't want to ask for too much either, to the point where they won't even contact me.

Does this make sense? I just wish I knew how different markets were... like how a $35,000 salary in Albany, NY is $50,000 in Manhattan.

[manderly6]

Look online. There are various websites that show what comparable wages are in different cities.

[veuvegirl]

Originally Posted by manderly6

Look online. There are various websites that show what comparable wages are in different cities.

[mikester007]

Google "glassdoor"

[Colts]

I always put zero or one in the salary field.

That way, I can avoid or delay being the first one to throw out a number. HR filters salaries based on values that are too high, not too low.

Obviously, no reasonable person is going to expect you to work for free, so research salaries as usual and have a ballpark figure ready when they ask you about it.

[nctecchie]

You are never obliged to disclose your current salary or your salary expectations - they will want you to but you do not have to. Indicate that you want the market rate. When / if they ask you what your current salary is or what your salary expectation is, don't answer. You can say, "More importantly, what is your salary range for this position?".