[jcpct]

Have your son look at employment with some of CT's biggest employers. UTC, Aetna, etc. He will get the best benefits and experience there and best opportunities for advancement. That will help determine where he lives.

[DigitalMilford]

Originally Posted by jcpct

Have your son look at employment with some of CT's biggest employers. UTC, Aetna, etc. He will get the best benefits and experience there and best opportunities for advancement. That will help determine where he lives.

For big employers in IT Infosys should be on the list.

[ayoskillz]

There are jobs out there making 50k but starting out most jobs will be making around 30k to 40k mark. Give or take depending on the company. In the I.T feild you make your money off of experience, not education. I dont care what stats you bring up showing average pay or whatever because its not true as I'm pretty sure you are seeing.

[DigitalMilford]

Originally Posted by ayoskillz

There are jobs out there making 50k but starting out most jobs will be making around 30k to 40k mark. Give or take depending on the company. In the I.T feild you make your money off of experience, not education. I dont care what stats you bring up showing average pay or whatever because its not true as I'm pretty sure you are seeing.

IT is broad. It's everything from the Geek Squad to network engineers. Some even put developers under the IT umbrella. I think your characterization is correct only for the lower end.

[brownedbits]

Originally Posted by DigitalMilford

IT is broad. It's everything from the Geek Squad to network engineers. Some even put developers under the IT umbrella. I think your characterization is correct only for the lower end.

Agreed. I think it is safe to say generally, a person with a general IT/networking bachelors degree will not be making under $50k to start in CT. That is usually the $50k and up start range, depending on many other factors.

Source: I work in the vast/broad world of IT

[ayoskillz]

Originally Posted by DigitalMilford

IT is broad. It's everything from the Geek Squad to network engineers. Some even put developers under the IT umbrella. I think your characterization is correct only for the lower end.

Yes you are right about how broad it is but Im talking in the world of cyber security. I'm very close with this field and without experience you will be making geek squad pay.

[brownedbits]

Originally Posted by ayoskillz

Yes you are right about how broad it is but Im talking in the world of cyber security. I'm very close with this field and without experience you will be making geek squad pay.

Not to get in the weeds here, but the OP mentioned the person's degree is in IT and network security, not cybersecurity. Two different areas of expertise.

[JayCT]

$50,000 a year is certainly doable outside Fairfield County and moderately doable in Fairfield County. It will be a struggle but with sharing an apartment and careful budgeting he can do it. Lots do.

I don’t agree with those that say he must have a car. Though our state is very car oriented, it is certainly possible to live here without one. It just is going to limit where he lives and works. I know people that do it. They live in downtown Hartford and work just across the River in East Hartford. They walk or bike to work and use mass transit to get around the region. On occasion they rent a car if needed but pretty much live fine day to day without one.

I’ve also met people in New Haven, Bridgeport and Stamford that do it as well. It’s not easy but they do save a ton of money not having one. Again it just limits them. Jay

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by Danny K

Would $50,000/year be enough? He is having a little trouble finding entry-level jobs that'll even pay that much but he said there are a good amount. The average salary of jobs that he's finding is around $18-20/hr which I really think is kind of low. I told him that he probably needs at least $24/hr which is about $50,000/year. What do you all think?

Is he looking just at permanent, full-time, or is the $18-$20 contractual via agencies. If the latter, he cannot count on 40 hours a week. (and if its contractual at that rate, my hunch is the actual client is on a tight budget. Although a contractual $18-$20 is being billed out most often at $27-$30/hr).

[BobNJ1960]

Originally Posted by CTartist

That is another thing you have to deal with in southwestern Fairfield County. There is so much money down there kids get their rent paid by parents. I have been to wedding showers and the bride to be gets handed a house key to a house that is paid for. I kid you not.

Both my boss and his wife make tremendous salaries, with bonuses, so he is fortunate (the son) in that he can take an opportunity he could never do on his own.

I do not know the OP's situation in being able/willing to assist on expenses at all.

Lower FFC rents are very high. I am surprised he is seeing offers as low as $18/hr in IT. Our Minimum wage goes to $13 in 11 days.