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Old 08-24-2012, 12:23 AM
 
9 posts, read 9,068 times
Reputation: 10

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Hello everyone, I am heading down to Vienna for a final face-to-face interview on Monday. It's an entry-level position as a junior engineer. I have a spouse and a 2-year-old daughter to support and he wants to go to a community college. About how much does it cost per month to rent a decent 2 bedroom apartment? I also need to factor in utilities, tv/internet, getting another car/car payment, cell phone plan, etc. Basically, what kind of salary would I need for us to be able to live and thrive there? Any insight is appreciated, thank you.
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Old 08-24-2012, 03:22 AM
 
9,879 posts, read 14,125,760 times
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you won't be "thriving" living off a "junior engineer"salary. Those salaries are usually for someone who is sharing a house with multiple roommates. Not someone who is attempting to solely provide for a family.
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Old 08-24-2012, 06:06 AM
 
36 posts, read 79,591 times
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70K+. Engineers work in the Silicon Valley; DC has "IT Guys."
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Old 08-24-2012, 09:31 AM
 
Location: Reston, VA
2,090 posts, read 4,247,129 times
Reputation: 1331
Quote:
Originally Posted by saversrevenge View Post
70K+. Engineers work in the Silicon Valley; DC has "IT Guys."
I agree there are a lot of "IT Guys" in the DC area, but there are plenty of engineers - doing real engineering. I know engineering techs who make in the 70's, so I'm guessing that jr engineers make a bit more.
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Old 08-24-2012, 09:48 AM
 
Location: Ashburn, VA
49 posts, read 138,268 times
Reputation: 30
FYI, if you ever decide to look into a different career, the US Patent & Trademark office is constantly hiring Patent Examiners as we have a huge backlog of applications. If you have an engineering degree, you certainly will qualify. Once established, you can take advantage of the fantastic flexible schedules and eventually work from home full time (I've been working from home full time for the past 6 yrs..and been with the USPTO for the last 18 yrs). It's not uncommon to see your salary rise to $100k+ w/i 5 years or sooner depending on your starting GS level.

Just something to think about.

Check out www.uspto.gov
Check out www.usajobs.com for the various patent examiner positions (http://www.usajobs.gov/JobSearch/Sea...87&search.y=11)

Last edited by bellasdad; 08-24-2012 at 09:53 AM.. Reason: Add links
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Old 08-24-2012, 09:51 AM
 
Location: Ashburn, VA
49 posts, read 138,268 times
Reputation: 30
In terms of a rent for a "decent" 2 BR apt, I haven't researched that in a long while but my guess is that it will be at least $900-1100/mo.
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Old 08-24-2012, 10:12 AM
 
36 posts, read 79,591 times
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add another 1000 to that and you would be closer...especially if you would want an "easy" commute to Tysons/Vienna.
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Old 08-24-2012, 10:28 AM
 
Location: Northern Virginia
4,489 posts, read 10,945,482 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bellasdad View Post
In terms of a rent for a "decent" 2 BR apt, I haven't researched that in a long while but my guess is that it will be at least $900-1100/mo.
Yikes! I would say the starting point for anything close to that area is closer to $1500, approaching up to 2500 for the "luxury" places in prime locations.

OP, I would be leery about trying to support your whole family on just your salary in this area. I don't think I would feel comfortable doing that if I made less than $90k. Other people's tolerance levels for retirement savings and emergency funds and such are probably different, but personally that would be the bare minimum I'd look for. Could you do it for less? Sure, probably. Would I intentionally try to? No.

My husband makes around $90k right now, and even with no kids I felt very uncomfortable the 3 months I went without working when I was attempting a career switch.
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Old 08-24-2012, 10:30 AM
 
Location: Reston, VA
2,090 posts, read 4,247,129 times
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Here is a nice 2 bedroom condo in a family friendly neighborhood with easy commuting to Vienna for $1700. There is a small kids playground within easy walking distance from this property at South Lakes and South Bay that has lots of activity.

11164 BEAVER TRAIL CT #11164, RESTON, VA 20191 | Listing Information | HomesDatabase.com
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Old 08-24-2012, 10:55 AM
 
Location: Ashburn, VA
49 posts, read 138,268 times
Reputation: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by CaliTerp07 View Post
Yikes! I would say the starting point for anything close to that area is closer to $1500, approaching up to 2500 for the "luxury" places in prime locations.

.

Oops, I was way off on my numbers..sorry.
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