In the end it didn't matter because the listing was perfunctory, they sent an email they had promoted someone already employed with that agency.

I worked in a state job for 10 years, and was told when I was offered my first position that the only option you have to negotiate salary is at the very beginning. After that you are stuck into the pay grid that is established by the contract. If the hiring manager for this position hadn't shared that fact I never would have known.

I will also add, securing these government jobs can be a headache. In my experience (communications/public relations background), they want an extremely qualified candidate whose experience aligns perfectly with the job description within that specific industry (I.e my specific government background hasn’t been able to translate into other areas of state government) . For me personally, the industries my career field exists in is endless, so not being able to have that hop around ability specifically in government has been a headache. It’s important to note there is also A LOT of inside ball. Often times, they already have someone in mind when the position is posted, so network, network, network. With all of this being said, I think it’s worth applying! If you have the experience to justify the higher end of the bracket, absolutely fight for it. The last thing to consider are these few questions: 1. Would you be willing to take the position if it paid the same? 2. If so, will this position provide you with experience that will contribute to the growth of your career? 3. Is this a position you actually want or is it more of a scapegoat? Good luck in your hunt!

I work in a city agency and the range is the range because of labor union negotiations (as well as PTO time). No one is able to start above the range and our salaries are strictly calculated using a formula based on experience. On the flipside, I would say that the hours are great and I am eligible for comp time.

I have worked in state and local government settings in various states. Here are the things to be aware of: 1. The advertised salary range is just that - the minimum to maximum pay range. In extremely rare cases, I've seen maximums raised for very high level executives (but it requires approval, usually by a Board or CEO). 2. Placement on a step is negotiable but depends highly on the rules of that jurisdiction. It can be as simple as exceeding the years of experience requirement or as cumbersome as pointing out ways you exceed other minimum requirements (e.g., having a BS when no degree is required, certifications, etc.). 3. Other perks such as vacation time are often negotiable. Don't be afraid to ask. 4. READ THIS - Most important of all, once you're in that government entity - future salary increases, vacation accruals, etc. are constrained by your current compensation, even in California where basing an offer on past salary history is illegal in the private sector! There are always rules on increases and they almost never have anything to do with your performance. Therefore, you MUST negotiate everything you can (once you secure a job offer) because you won't have another opportunity. I've actually seen people leave government jobs and come back as a "new" employee because it was more financially beneficial (although many jurisdictions have rules that discourage this). Good luck!

This depends on the state. In California, if you have never worked for the state before, there is almost zero wiggle room when coming in to the state. The hiring manager would have to choose to do a 'hiring above minimum' and match your prior pay, or match +5%, which means you were such the perfect candidate that they have to justify in writing why hiring someone else AT minimum can't accomplish the same thing. I have this issue recently when looking to do a hire. State govt has a LOT LESS wiggle room for negotiation than private sector jobs. That being said, NEVER bring it up until an offer is made that they want to hire you, because it's probably not even something the hiring manager can negotiate on your behalf. It usually falls to HR to have those discussions independent of the manager. It's possible, but unlikely, that you can negotiate for different pay. Don't hold your breath on it. But definitely ask! You never know.

I was able to negotiate a higher starting step within my grade. But that limits my available step increases in the role that I have. I made the change to the state after working for a private consulting firm. The stability is the biggest win for me, I don't have to find work or clients, the work finds me.

There is room for negotiation within the stated range (they aren't likely to be able to go above that because it might bump you over experienced employees with the same title). Be sure to give compelling reasons as to why you deserve the top of the range (it can't be about your financial situation or any personal situation you are in). Go for it!

You can negotiate, definitely. The benefits are good, and in my case, I get a 40 hour work week, and it is stable. Yes, I don't get paid top dollar but I don't worry about losing my job. You usually get a COLA every year and as long as you are a good employee, you'll get your increase until you hit the max. Even if you match your current salary, you'll have some peace of mind, which is hard to buy right now.