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When I got my first job out of college 2 years ago, I was ecstatic because it would be the most money I'd ever get paid than all the previous jobs I had plus benefits as well. The salary was 40,500. It was a very basic systems analyst/support job. Because of promotions and other things, my salary is now about 50,000 2 years later....
But I've been doing some research and some say my salary is quite low for someone who works in NYC. I've tried googling various metrics but the results are all so volatile thus I can't really get much meaning out of them. I'm sure it depends on fields too. In thinking about it more, if you live on Long Island like I do, the costs certainly add up commuting to the city such that most apartments you find are below standards. I was lucky to find something nice for a lower than expected price.
So what's the verdict? Am I one of the poorest commuters on the trains?
What do you think the average salary is for an entry level position in NYC?
If you got your first job in NYC, what was your starting salary and how long ago was this?
What do you do?
Very much so - and I do feel I have a strong salary, but given the high costs of NY/LI, a lot of times it feels like it isn't enough. I'd probably have to leave the state if I couldn't find a job here though !
I remember seeing threads like this 3+ years ago. You were made to feel inadequate if you were a fresh college grad making less than 65k. If I find the threads then i'll post it for those that want a quick laugh.
I would say 40k is a good salary for somebody fresh out of college but it really depends on what your field/degree in. Some(most) fields are not very marketable and you'll be lucky if you find a job paying more than 30k a year.
Sounds about right. I had to learn an actual marketable trade to earn more and then had to live in the ghettos and slums until I paid my dues in full. Maybe one day I'll dust off that overpriced piece of junk degree and go corporate. The degree is a backup, no one will ever respect mine until I have solid experience behind me. Thinking you can ride through some four year fantasyland on mom and dad's dime and then make it big right away is pretty unrealistic. This isn't the post-WW2 America of prosperity. This is 2013. You really aren't special and you will be lucky to hack out a decent life.
Last edited by EastBoundandDownChick; 07-20-2013 at 07:05 PM..
Everyone always spews that, "AT LEAST YOU HAVE A JOB BE GRATEFUL" stuff at people for every minor question they ask. But seriously---do you really think you're amongst "the poorest" when you're riding alongside retail workers on the train? You make more than I do with a BS and MS under my belt.
Obviously it depends on what field you're in, that's the first thing. Many nurses make more than 60K out of the gate. So do a variety of other professions. But I think your salary for an entry level position is about right. Most places seem to post entry level salaries somewhere in the 40s, give or take some.
50K after two years? That's not so bad. My friend was making somewhere around that with a major in CIS and eventually he added some other certs and he moved up within the company enough to boost his salary wayyy above that. My husband is also underpaid, as am I---join the club. Get your experience and apply to new positions as you move along.
Should we be grateful that our government doesn't drop bombs on us? Or that we don't have death squads roaming our streets? Or that we have clean water?
Some companies pay below rate, some at rate, and some above. What's the difference between their employees? On average not a lot.
The truth is that some people always look for better and jump ship for a few more dollars. They're always on the hustle.
Some others are either too afraid or too content.
Sometimes the grass is greener. Test the market and see what's out there.
I'll tell you that I know of too many people who were told that they have it good or that they should be grateful and a few years down the line they had even more because they ignored the naysayers and hustled for something better.
A lot of people simply don't like to see others do better.
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