Entry-level salary (credit, loans, relocating)

[AC2213]

I recently moved to the Nashville-area, just out of college, and have been looking for a job. My degree is in journalism, and I'm currently in the runnings for a commmunications/marketing coordinator position with a non-profit in town. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what I could expect to make at a job like this. I have solid grades from school and took advantage of more than enough job/internship experiences while in school.

Thanks so much! I'm still getting a feel for the cost of living here, so any advice I can get is helpful.

[DonCorleone]

I have a friend who is in marketing and his starting salary was in the neighborhood of $32-35,000 when he started out working for an agency. Keep in mind that that was 7 years ago. Check some of the career sites like Career Builder, Monster.com, or even the Tennessean (local paper) classifieds to see if there are salaries listed.

Good luck and welcome to the area!

[tone_bone25]

I currently live in Milwaukee, WI but will be relocating to Nashville (Madison to be exact) in less than 3 weeks. My degree is in communications and I've been working for a large Hilton property downtown Nashville for the last 2.5 years as a convention planner/manager. I originally came in as an assistant in the catering office making $12.50/hour. When I took my management position I accepted an offer for $32K/year. That seems to be the standard norm. if I was you, I would not take anything below that...it's simple cost of living really. I have rent, car payment, school loans, credit card payment, utilities, groceries, GAS, GAS, GAS, etc... You need to demand a decent amount in order to live. I would say you'd be very fortunate to receive $35,000. I guess it depends on your experience too. I had an internship in college w/ a promotions firm that planned events for the city (Green Bay, WI). My employer now didn't seem to care too much. And if they did, it didn't sway them to give me any more money.
$32K (give or take) is a great place to start. Fortunately, the cost of living in Nashville is a bit less than other areas I've lived (Chicago- astronomical & Milwaukee- WAY overpriced!!!). Good luck in the job hunt and I hope you get that gig!!!