salary range for fresh grad eng in seattle and surrounding areas 50k? (sales, apartment)

[artemist]

I recently got a job offer that would require me to relocate, for 50k.

Anyone in the engineering field who has an idea of what range do companies offer for starting pay for fresh grads? I'm wondering if i should negotiate.

i've got good grades, but they didn't know, and probably aren't too concerned about it. rather, they were more interested in the projects i was involved in.

I know the salary will let me get by comfortably, but perhaps a higher starting pay would let me move up faster. I've also heard of companies offering the lower end of the range by default

any opinions welcome

oh and, WA having no state income tax, does that mean i bring home my basic pay, or are there other taxes to be deducted?

[pw72]

I think 50K in today's economy for a new grad is decent for Seattle. Sure, some fields offer more, some less. But, 50k for a single is doable just about anywhere in Seattle. A family, not so much. Just be prepared to pay atleast $900 for a decent 1-BR apartment. Yes, no income tax helps, but there is a steep sales tax. Unless you plan on major purchases, though, that shouldn't be too much of a dent.

[tenpercenter]

in terms of taxes you'll still be subject to all of the federal ones (social security, medicare etc etc). wasn't sure what you meant by "basic pay"

[rbkoreaus]

If you're fresh out of college, that is a reasonable offer. Congrats on getting the job too. Competition in engineering has been stiff out here. There is such a vast pool of people to choose from in engineering in this part of the country.

[eskercurve]

Hrm ... I would consider negotiating if you're in a high demand field. In 2004 I started working for my corporation at $51k. Tack on 7 years of inflation and other factors, I'd say you should get at least $60k.

Though, do remember the economy is really sucking right now.

It also depends on your field. Civil and Mechanical engineering start out as low as $45k and Petrochemical engineers can start out as high as $85k. Aerospace is also another big pay kind, as are software engineers.

I'd consider researching where your offer stands in relation to other fields and your own by going to well known websites like glassdoor and salary.com.

That said, $51k will afford you about a $800/mo rent with a normal car and some conveniences and occasional going out. It's not a bad offer. Depending on where its located you can get a nice 2 br house in the burbs or a 1 bedroom studio in north seattle or downtown, it varies widely.

[calibound1]

Generally speaking, that's a reasonable offer for a fresh engineering grad. As eskercurve pointed out, it really depends what type of engineering you are getting into.

[artemist]

Originally Posted by tenpercenter

in terms of taxes you'll still be subject to all of the federal ones (social security, medicare etc etc). wasn't sure what you meant by "basic pay"

thanks for the info. i meant basic pay as in the 50k offered. wasn't too sure about taxes; have yet to go through all the info on the irs site

Originally Posted by rbkoreaus

If you're fresh out of college, that is a reasonable offer. Congrats on getting the job too. Competition in engineering has been stiff out here. There is such a vast pool of people to choose from in engineering in this part of the country.

thanks i'm really glad to have the job so early on.

in general i'd just like to know if it is low enough than avg starting pay to ask for something more around average, as i haven't started work and need to start before i can use skills/experience as leverage to negotiate.

[tobester]

The offer sounds very low to me. Depends on many things - what degrees (BS, MS, PhD)? what is your degree in? Where did you go to school? Does it include full benefits, moving expenses? You need to realize starting low makes it very hard to get a more reasonable salary through promotions/COL.

[artemist]

Originally Posted by tobester

The offer sounds very low to me. Depends on many things - what degrees (BS, MS, PhD)? what is your degree in? Where did you go to school? Does it include full benefits, moving expenses? You need to realize starting low makes it very hard to get a more reasonable salary through promotions/COL.

I've a bachelor in mechanical eng.

moving expenses are partly covered, but not too sure about benefits. trying to get details on it.

how would one define full benefits?

yeah, i thought of the starting low rising slow problem which is why i'm considering negotiation. but then i'm also keen to keep the job. :/

[tobester]

Originally Posted by artemist

how would one define full benefits?
:/

Medical insurance, dental insurance, retirement benefits, 401K matching, vacation, sick leave, educational expenses