ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2006 > November > 16 > Entry
Calculate your Professional Value
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is the President’s salary standing the test of time if in 1789 the President of the United States, George Washington made $25,000 annually and today the current President, G.W. Bush makes $400,000 annually in 2006? More importantly, is yours?
The average salary in the U.S. is $36,764; check on the approximate salary for your position and how you compare. Now obviously the salary for positions are based on a number of things, but it is important to conduct competitive intelligence when it comes to your pay. If you don’t keep an eye on how you stack up you may find yourself grossly underpaid.
Where do you begin in determining a fair salary for your position? You can determine the approximate value for your position by utilizing information that you can easily find online at the United States Census Bureau or through a company such as Salary.com. (This information is also helpful if you are moving to a new city with a different cost of living.)
This information should give you a good start to understanding your value to an employer. If your pay falls within the average range, great job maintaining your value! If you come in lower than the average you have some work to get your salary on track.
Of course, it is common for a person that stays with a company for a long time, to receive a 4% annual average pay increase each year. This will lead a to a below-average salary after many years with the same employer. Check and make sure you are making the amount you deserve.
So be aware of the average salary in your field. Remember to conduct continuous research on the salary of similar positions. If you determine you are undervalued, get your resume ready for a potential change. Then if necessary, take the next step and start interviewing. The main goal is: Make what you are worth!!
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