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Looking up compensation ranges....

Waterjunky

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Hello all;
A close friend is in negotiation with the company they work for regarding a raise and promotion. The position has them overseeing staff internationally and domestically and is basically one step short of a full VP within the company. This is a small to mid size company with 3-500 employees. They they have a Phd and 15+ years experience in the field. They oversee almost all research and development. This is an agriculture input company.

Long story short - my guess is they are under paying my friend. Anybody know how to find averages or some references for things like this?

Thanks
 

Flatsix66

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The Blind app is pretty good to find total compensation for professional jobs.
 

Dalton

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In my opinion, glassdoor and indeed are wildly inaccurate, but people use them a lot. For me i talk with other people that do the same thing and get an idea, but years with the company make a difference, many variables...


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Waterjunky

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How long has he been with them?
15+ years with them. Started out as a regional specialist, moved to managing all the research specialists in the field, and now picked up all the R&D.
 

Waterjunky

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I know if a had a PHD and 15 years experience, 150k would be in the basement, and generally shooting towards 250+


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The current offer is is $145 + $30k potential bonuses + a few odds and ends.
 

DLC

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What does he make now? How much of a bump is it. 145 + 30 seems low for the added stress and responsibilities. Chances are he won’t get his full 30 on the bonus, once they get you locked in they try to F you at bonus time....
 

Waterjunky

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cost of living factor... where is the job?
The job can be almost anywhere, They are based out of the Sacramento area because that's where they live. The company is north east coast
 

Waterjunky

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What does he make now? How much of a bump is it. 145 + 30 seems low for the added stress and responsibilities. Chances are he won’t get his full 30 on the bonus, once they get you locked in they try to F you at bonus time....
About 125 + 30 bonus. The head ache, workload, and responsibility has gone up by an order of magnitude..... 20 or 25k sounds like a low ball offer.
 
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DLC

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It seems to me when a company bumps / promote an existing employee it’s usually under paid and when hiring outside the company to fill a position it’s anything goes price wise.... usually a lot more $$$$
 

DLC

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Doing quick math it’s a $9 /hr bump from 125 to 145. Doesn’t seem like much

$60 hr to $69 hr

$75 hr is 156,000
 

HubbaHubbaLife

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Aren't we supposed to say, "Asking for a friend" on these posts? Still learning protocol here :]

To be serious, I understand you're looking for a quick fix but the best scenario is using LinkedIn to network with others in your field, build industry relationships, trust and they will share such info. I doubt these Glass Door styled sites will provide what you're seeking with any valued consistency..... there simply data banks .... nobody is sharing comp packages on these... kinda like a polling service and folks don't offer up valued information to untrusted sources.... I know I don't.
 
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JDKRXW

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15+ years with them. Started out as a regional specialist, moved to managing all the research specialists in the field, and now picked up all the R&D.

From everything ive seen....'old timers' at medium to large companys don't do as well overall as guys (and gals) that stay for shorter periods at each place they work.
So your buddy needs to step up his game and push hard because this could the last chance he gets to ring the bell.
 

ChevelleSB406

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It seems to me when a company bumps / promote an existing employee it’s usually under paid and when hiring outside the company to fill a position it’s anything goes price wise.... usually a lot more $$$$

I know that all too well, started at the bottom and bumped up, and salary trailing behind always. It took me to get outside offers to show true market value dropped on C level desks to get me close, hoping for parity this time around.

We are Chemical Engineering software company, many many Ph.D's in our R&D teams and that salary would be light for them, but I don't know the comparison between industries.

Market value is the best indicator, and for that, only way to find out is get other offers.
 

HB2Havasu

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I would say with the education and experience 'your friend' has the compensation would be significantly higher than $145K annually. I would think this would be in the $200K+ range. FYI - Never allow an employer to leverage Bonus Pay into your base salary. Those should always be based on performance. If it were me I certainly would not take on that much extra responsibility & stress for a 16% pay increase.
 

Rajobigguy

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Many years ago I worked for a company that had about 3000 employees world wide. After I had got what I felt was a unsubstantial raise (2%) I went to talk to the boss about it and pointed out to him that I was the top guy in the dept., which he agreed with but he said that the raise I got was all he could offer. I also pointed out that we were seriously undermanned to which he told me we would be hiring someone else soon. So I sent the company my resume and applied for the position under a different name. During my first phone interview I asked what the salary range was for the position. When they quoted me the range I told them that I would need to be near the top of that scale and they said that with my experience that wouldn't be a problem at all. We set up a time for a in person interview and the boss was pretty surprised when I was the one that showed up. Anyway it seemed to work out pretty well because I got an additional 20% raise after proving to them that they couldn't replace me for less than that. 😁
 

Dalton

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I would say with the education and experience 'your friend' has the compensation would be significantly higher than $145K annually. I would think this would be in the $200K+ range. FYI - Never allow an employer to leverage Bonus Pay into your base salary. Those should always be based on performance. If it were me I certainly would not take on that much extra responsibility & stress for a 16% pay increase.

I would never allow the bonus to be apart of base, but being part of overall compensation is fine, sometimes they’re are not based on performance, but based on completion of say one year of employment, which is easy an fine, something like 5k initial bonus, 5k mid, and 10k at one year mark. By also we can’t rewrite company policies here on RD lol


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RiverDave

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Many years ago I worked for a company that had about 3000 employees world wide. After I had got what I felt was a unsubstantial raise (2%) I went to talk to the boss about it and pointed out to him that I was the top guy in the dept., which he agreed with but he said that the raise I got was all he could offer. I also pointed out that we were seriously undermanned to which he told me we would be hiring someone else soon. So I sent the company my resume and applied for the position under a different name. During my first phone interview I asked what the salary range was for the position. When they quoted me the range I told them that I would need to be near the top of that scale and they said that with my experience that wouldn't be a problem at all. We set up a time for a in person interview and the boss was pretty surprised when I was the one that showed up. Anyway it seemed to work out pretty well because I got an additional 20% raise after proving to them that they couldn't replace me for less than that. 😁

I love this.. :D

RD
 

RiverDave

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I am pretty far out of the corporate world and have worked for myself since I was in my mid 20's. That said I have always believed you are worth what you believe (truly believe) you are worth. The only reason some people get truly wealthy in this world is they never set limitations on their own self worth.

I can tell you a quick story on that subject though in a much smaller capacity than the OP's' friend.

I knew a person that was working as a dispatcher for a construction company. I never really asked what they were making or even cared (not my business). That person moved to my town and quit their job.. The old company called them and asked them to come back on a temp basis for a couple of weeks as the new person wasn't working out. They came to me for advice...

I asked them what were they making. They said 15.00 an hour.. I'll admit I was a bit shocked that is what they were getting paid for how much work they do, and how talented that person is. I told them tell the boss they won't back back unless it was 20.00 an hour. That person said they'll never go for it.. I said if they don't you can work for me for 20.00 an hour for the two weeks..

They went back with the #.. The boss begrudgingly agreed to it and they did the final couple weeks.

Next up the new job.. Right there on the resume / applications it has last salary.. That person went to right 15.00.. I said "Uh no... your last salary was 20.00 and you are looking for a pay increase."

The person went from 15.00 an hour to 25.00 an hour in two weeks with zero change in experience or job skills.. The only thing that changed was a little bit of confidence.

Don't believe the story? Ask your favorite Lake Havasu Real Estate agent about it next time you want to see a house off rdp.. LOL. It was Stacy when she was in her early 20's and we first got together.. She moved down to Carlsbad and quit her job.


The point of the story is don't ever doubt your worth, and don't ever apologize for it.

I haven't machined in years... but if I walk over to my phase converter and push the green button it's 85.00 an hour from the word go.. That's for friends. If it's prototyping for business? I'll quote the job.. I'll come in reasonable, but I'm quick so the back end price is usually 125-150.00 an hour. If I'm doing what I used to do and overseeing projects / programs with 100's of part numbers and delivery dates, inspections & fitments etc.. almost exclusively subbed out.. You can add comma's to that in terms of per hour pricing.

I can't hardly believe someone with a PHD makes a 145K a year.. That seems really really light to me.

RD
 
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SKIDMARC

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I am pretty far out of the corporate world and have worked for myself since I was in my mid 20's. That said I have always believed you are worth what you believe (truly believe) you are worth. The only reason some people get truly wealthy in this world is they never set limitations on their own self worth.

I can tell you a quick story on that subject though in a much smaller capacity than the OP's' friend.

I knew a person that was working as a dispatcher for a construction company. I never really asked what they were making or even cared (not my business). That person moved to my town and quit their job.. The old company called them and asked them to come back on a temp basis for a couple of weeks as the new person wasn't working out. They came to me for advice...

I asked them what were they making. They said 15.00 an hour.. I'll admit I was a bit shocked that is what they were getting paid for how much work they do, and how talented that person is. I told them tell the boss they won't back back unless it was 20.00 an hour. That person said they'll never go for it.. I said if they don't you can work for me for 20.00 an hour for the two weeks..

They went back with the #.. The boss begrudgingly agreed to it and they did the final couple weeks.

Next up the new job.. Right there on the resume / applications it has last salary.. That person went to right 15.00.. I said "Uh no... your last salary was 20.00 and you are looking for a pay increase."

The person went from 15.00 an hour to 25.00 an hour in two weeks with zero change in experience or job skills.. The only thing that changed was a little bit of confidence.

Don't believe the story? Ask your favorite Lake Havasu Real Estate agent about it next time you want to see a house off rdp.. LOL. It was Stacy when she was in her early 20's and we first got together.. She moved down to Carlsbad and quit her job.


The point of the story is don't ever doubt your worth, and don't ever apologize for it.

I haven't machined in years... but if I walk over to my phase converter and push the green button it's 85.00 an hour from the word go.. That's for friends. If it's prototyping for business? I'll quote the job.. I'll come in reasonable, but I'm quick so the back end price is usually 125-150.00 an hour. If I'm doing what I used to do and overseeing projects / programs with 100's of part numbers and delivery dates, inspections & fitments etc.. almost exclusively subbed out.. You can add comma's to that in terms of per hour pricing.

I can't hardly believe someone with a PHD makes a 145K a year.. That seems really really light to me.

RD

I think the PHD thing really depends on what field. Although $145 does seem a little low, I don't see agriculture as a top earning field. But I could wrong.

But you have to look at the size of the company. 5-300 employees is a small company.

I think one of the biggest factors you need to look at is does you like what you do and who you do it for? The grass isn't always greener on the other side.

I know people who chased the money but hatted the job, boss or company.
 

pkrrvr619

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There is a gov occupational handbook that gives out this type of info.
 

H20 Toie

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If someone with a PHD is only getting $145k with years of experience that is really sad.
 

Waterjunky

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Aren't we supposed to say, "Asking for a friend" on these posts? Still learning protocol here :]

I'm just a menial state worker. My pain threshold stopped at a masters....... :cool: However I am in a similar situation and am terribly underpaid for what I do. I am starting to look in to the private sector and abandoning 12 years of state time. This is also a problem of specialization for me. I am over-specialized. The generic classification for what I do, is also underpaid by about 35% across the state when compared to county and city personal doing similar work. Of course this is all a different subject........

I do get it though, and that is why I am asking around on here, finding comparables is challenging. They are in the process of talking with a Mexican company for something similar more as a feeling out exercise. Fairly sure its not a company that they are excited about. Nothing wrong with it, just not excited. Wonder if there will be an offer, and if so what it will come in at.
 

King295

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Your friend should find a professional recruiter in the field and have a conversation. They will be able to give them realistic salary ranges.
 

2Driver

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The current offer is is $145 + $30k potential bonuses + a few odds and ends.

That was about my comp 16 years ago running the US Field Ops for a tech company company in San Diego of 700, my staff was 60. I have a basic biz degree.

I guess it all boils down to how profitable the company is and how tight the labor market is for the work to be done.
 
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Ouderkirk

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I know if a had a PHD and 15 years experience, 150k would be in the basement, and generally shooting towards 250+


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You're about right. $150k to $250k depending on the non-cash options.
 

HubbaHubbaLife

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Many years ago I worked for a company that had about 3000 employees world wide. After I had got what I felt was a unsubstantial raise (2%) I went to talk to the boss about it and pointed out to him that I was the top guy in the dept., which he agreed with but he said that the raise I got was all he could offer. I also pointed out that we were seriously undermanned to which he told me we would be hiring someone else soon. So I sent the company my resume and applied for the position under a different name. During my first phone interview I asked what the salary range was for the position. When they quoted me the range I told them that I would need to be near the top of that scale and they said that with my experience that wouldn't be a problem at all. We set up a time for a in person interview and the boss was pretty surprised when I was the one that showed up. Anyway it seemed to work out pretty well because I got an additional 20% raise after proving to them that they couldn't replace me for less than that. 😁
Sneaky Smart
 

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About 125 + 30 bonus. The head ache, workload, and responsibility has gone up by an order of magnitude..... 20 or 25k sounds like a low ball offer.
I’d say that’s way under paid. Anyone in my field can make that with a highschool education. Maybe even some highschool drop outs. I think River Dave said it on another thread. 400k isn’t what it used to be
 

SoCalDave

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Fuckme...I'm the fukin janitor in a manufacturing plant and my base is $140k a year plus a contracted minimum 10% bonus though it is closer to the 20% range sense inception...😁

As others have commented add $100k and we'll talk benefits...
 
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Ol Man

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If your friend is really looking to find out his worth, I would recommend he hire a Head Hunter and shop around. Just like anything else, supply and demand drive price. Plus, the Head Hunter will understand his skills and worth. Most of those folk get paid by the hiring company.
 

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Only in government and teaching does education dictate pay scale. He’s gotta find his worth by his own accord and if he feels h under appreciated, look elsewhere.
 

pronstar

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People are worth what they’re paid and not a penny more.


It seems to me when a company bumps / promote an existing employee it’s usually under paid and when hiring outside the company to fill a position it’s anything goes price wise.... usually a lot more $$$$

Yup. A company will pay your replacement more than they’ll pay you to stay.

Side note:
A PhD often makes less than folks with work experience but less school/degrees.

And when you consider the opportunity cost of all those years in school versus spending time in a job gaining experience, plus the cost of school, they often come out way behind in overall career earnings.

Ask anyone with a PhD and they’ll tell you that they’re underpaid. Because the private sector doesn’t give a shit about doctoral degrees. You can be the smartest guy in the room and have zero idea how to run a business.


Side note 2:
I was watching an interview, this person worked as an admin in government and had a PhD in Organizational Leadership. They were lamenting that they were under-valued...

I don’t know about y’all, but never in my life in the private sector have I come across a leader who had a doctorate in “leadership”.

That degree is worthless.


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Paradox

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Don’t know if it’s in California but here is a web site that will give you the exact salaries of most public workers in the entire state. There is probably a like public position to the one being looked at. I bet there are similar sites for other states as well.

It’s a good starting point. Perhaps take the salary and add the value of the pension to get a good baseline.

 

Icky

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Fuckme...I'm the fukin janitor in a manufacturing plant and my base is $140k a year plus a contracted minimum 10% bonus though it is closer to the 20% range sense inception...😁

As others have commented add $100k and we'll talk benefits...
I wanted Janitor on my business cards, I figured if I was gonna clean up messes I might has well have the title to go with it.🤣
 

RiverDave

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People are worth what they’re paid and not a penny more.




Yup. A company will pay your replacement more than they’ll pay you to stay.

Side note:
A PhD often makes less than folks with work experience but less school/degrees.

And when you consider the opportunity cost of all those years in school versus spending time in a job gaining experience, plus the cost of school, they often come out way behind in overall career earnings.

Ask anyone with a PhD and they’ll tell you that they’re underpaid. Because the private sector doesn’t give a shit about doctoral degrees. You can be the smartest guy in the room and have zero idea how to run a business.


Side note 2:
I was watching an interview, this person worked as an admin in government and had a PhD in Organizational Leadership. They were lamenting that they were under-valued...

I don’t know about y’all, but never in my life in the private sector have I come across a leader who had a doctorate in “leadership”.

That degree is worthless.


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Interesting position, not sure I agree with it... unless you take the stand point if they are paid what they are worth because that is what they settled for or came to an agreement of?
 

LargeOrangeFont

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Interesting position, not sure I agree with it... unless you take the stand point if they are paid what they are worth because that is what they settled for or came to an agreement of?

That is exactly what he is saying and hes 100% right. If you agree to a salary, or hourly wage, that is what you are worth. If you want to be worth more, ask for more, or get a new job.

Worth and Value are 2 different things.
 

DLC

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That is exactly what he is saying and hes 100% right. If you agree to a salary, or hourly wage, that is what you are worth. If you want to be worth more, ask for more, or get a new job.

Worth and Value are 2 different things.

Some people can’t afford to get paid more.... meaning they can’t take the risk of being unemployed. So it’s SAFE to get paid less at least their getting paid.....
 

Bobby V

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I’d say that’s way under paid. Anyone in my field can make that with a highschool education. Maybe even some highschool drop outs. I think River Dave said it on another thread. 400k isn’t what it used to be
You must be including a lot of OT and the overall package with bennies and pensions.
 

pronstar

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Interesting position, not sure I agree with it... unless you take the stand point if they are paid what they are worth because that is what they settled for or came to an agreement of?

That is exactly what he is saying and hes 100% right. If you agree to a salary, or hourly wage, that is what you are worth. If you want to be worth more, ask for more, or get a new job.

Worth and Value are 2 different things.

Value is determined when two (or more) parties agree in a free and open market.

If you feel underpaid, then go out and find someone willing to pay you more.

If you’re unable to find anyone willing to pay you more, then you’re not worth as much as you think you are.

Water eventually finds its own level.


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LargeOrangeFont

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Some people can’t afford to get paid more.... meaning they can’t take the risk of being unemployed. So it’s SAFE to get paid less at least their getting paid.....

Truth. That is why you find your next job when your already have a job.
 

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You must be including a lot of OT and the overall package with bennies and pensions.
Ot included but not total package. Sounds like the op’s friend puts in a lot of hours too though.
 
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