Using Salary Surveys in Your Job Search

Salary Survey Job Search Resources


Salary information isn't easy to find. Comprehensive and detailed salary surveys are usually collected by Companies or Commercial Services. The information is rarely available to outsiders or is available only at a prohibitive price. For the
job seeker most of the usable salary information will come from the government or trade and professional associations. Often this information is only published in summary form or available to members only.

You must understand your labor market situation to benefit from salary surveys. The salary rates for some positions are determined on a national (or even international) basis. The salaries for other positions are based solely on the local labor market conditions. For example, the salary for a CEO at a Fortune 500 firm is based on salaries paid for similar positions in the USA or Canada. The Salary paid to a Bookkeeper in Dallas, Texas is based on the Dallas labor market and the salary for a similar position in San Jose, California is not relevant

The surveys come from several kinds of sources. You'll want to evaluate the information in terms of age, currency, geographic coverage and application to your own situation.


Tips for Your Job Search

Use the Salary Survey Directory to find out how your current compensation rate compares with others in your area. The information can be critical when evaluating a job offer during a job search or deciding to change jobs or occupations. Review the collection of links to negotiation advice, tips and recommendations. See what the experts advise and apply the advice to your own situation.