A company I'm interested in has a starting salary that is 20k lower than what I'm interested in.

20 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 26,2023 at 7:09PM UTC

   You can ask (if pursuing the job and being interviewed, after they show interest in you), if the salary is the lowest or a salary range and also if there’s potential for bonuses or increases after (for example) a year. If so, study negotiation skills.

2. AnonymousDecember 26,2023 at 7:32PM UTC

   You can always ask. Sometimes they can sweeten an offer for a great candidate. I'm not sure $20K is possible but ask if there is room to negotiate salary.

3. AnonymousDecember 26,2023 at 7:49PM UTC

   Too subjective and everyone's circumstances are different. If it works for you then apply if not don't.

4. AnonymousDecember 26,2023 at 9:55PM UTC

   If the job is posting for less than $60K, it is much less likely to get them to go up much, and indeed not $20K, unless you can convince them that you are the only true rock star in a room full of them. Until you get to $100K, the likelihood is more like getting them to toss in another $10K. It is all in perspective. Are you asking them to double the salary or provide a more minor percentage increase?

5. AnonymousDecember 27,2023 at 1:18PM UTC

   Salary is only one part of compensation. If they pay the full premium on family health insurance, have a generous 401(k) match, give 6 weeks PTO the first year, and/or allow for remote and flexible work, all that is worth money. But it’s unlikely that you can negotiate up that much.

   I will add that you say it’s less than “what you’re interested in.” Make sure your interest is aligned with the market and with reality. If this salary is 20K under market that’s different from it just not being your number.

6. Lisa MarieDecember 27,2023 at 1:20PM UTC

   $20k equates to approx. $1200 to $1300 net per month (depending on local taxes and the benefits you elect to pay for).

   Are you able to comfortably take care of your financial obligations without that amount coming in per month? If the answer is no, then do not entetain that opportunity.

7. AnonymousDecember 27,2023 at 1:33PM UTC

   Do they offer a better bonus?

   Another thing to consider is how often they promote from within.

   You can apply and then have the conversation as it's possible they can budge a little.

   You really cannot decide if it's worth it until you know the total package and get to know the people you will be working with and for.

8. AnonymousDecember 28,2023 at 1:45PM UTC

   Consider the entire package. Bonus? What do they pay for health/dental/vision coverage? Short term/Long term Disability? Life Insurance? Vacation? Sick days? Holidays?

   Until you compare all these things to the salary vs what you're looking for, you really can't eliminate this company from consideration. If they like you, that stated starting salary will have little impact. Go for it.

9. AnonymousDecember 28,2023 at 2:42PM UTC

   Personally I wouldn’t bother applying but I’m also single and barely making it on my current salary. The world has gotten expensive in the last three years. It would take a lot of 3% annual merit increases to even get close to what you want to make. You could try applying but keep your options open for something better.

10. AnonymousDecember 28,2023 at 2:51PM UTC

    Starting salaries should be different for each position or level. If the same job is paying more elsewhere, go elsewhere. If the position you are qualified for isn't really paying what you want, you need to adjust your expectations.

11. Zeecil KimmelDecember 28,2023 at 3:07PM UTC

    I have been there and done that. I wanted to work at a prestigious company and took a pay cut and I never caught up in the 8 long years I was there. Benefits and bonuses are all great but salary is essential. I would look elsewhere honestly.

12. AnonymousDecember 28,2023 at 3:55PM UTC

    See what kind of benefits package the company offers. It might be worth a second look if they have benefits like good health insurance, matching 401K, hybrid schedule options, etc. That said, if you cannot make it financially with that salary, keep looking for other positions.

13. AnonymousDecember 28,2023 at 5:01PM UTC

    I recently interviewed for a position where the high end of their listed salary was the lowest end of mine.

    We talked about it in the second interview and when I said that, they said that they would be willing to come up over their limit because my experience was worth it. You never know!

14. Kris WolframDecember 28,2023 at 5:38PM UTC

    I took a job for less. I was much happier with the company and work and eventually got paid more than I was making when they saw the value add.

15. AnonymousDecember 28,2023 at 6:25PM UTC

    If that is what the role pays and you want it apply.

16. Joann S. LublinDecember 28,2023 at 9:04PM UTC

    If you decide to take the job at a lower salary than what you're interested in, make sure you also negotiate a pay review faster than the normal schedule. In other words, get a written promise that you'll be eligible for a raise after six months if you meet agreed-upon goals upfront. I encourage you to also check out "The Pain of the Pay Pinch" chapter in my book, "Earning It." Good luck!

17. GirlBossanova934974December 29,2023 at 1:43PM UTC

    Realistically the only way this makes sense is if the new job offers large bonuses and incentive pay while the old job does not. UNLESSS you are talking about an executive position where $20K is not that much compared to the annual pay, you are just way too far apart to continue or even start. $5K you can get. $10K you can really push for! $20K is way too far apart. Of course if there are bonuses of $10K or up plus big 401K money, then you can look over this company.

18. AnonymousDecember 29,2023 at 2:25PM UTC

    If you already have a job, then probably not worth applying for. If you're out of work and need a job it's worth applying and having a conversation with the recruiter and hiring manager.

19. AnonymousDecember 30,2023 at 3:04PM UTC

    With limited information, I can’t say “if it’s worth it”.

    At my employer, some start at the “starting” salary but most negotiate above base. However, we run into problems if a potential new hire asks for so much above base that they’ll start at a higher salary than an existing, experienced employee.

    I would say “never” start $20k lower than you need bc some jobs will have you working 60hrs/wk to just to pry a 1.5% annual increase from their stingy fingers... In those positions it is basically impossible to correct a too-low starting salary.

    On the other hand, if you’re financially comfortable and it’s a job with better work-life balance and a more collegial atmosphere…basically if you think you’ll be happier…then go for it!

20. AnonymousDecember 31,2023 at 10:59PM UTC

    Apply and negotiate. Everything is negotiable - up to a point.

    During the pandemic, when I wasn't working full-time and therefore had somewhat relaxed (i.e., I was super anxious) standards, I got contacted about a position that sounded perfect for me, but even at the high end of the range paid significantly lower than I'd been making at my last full-time position.

    I went for it anyway.

    Was offered the job at the highest point in the range. Because I wasn't working at the time, I didn't feel that I had any negotiating power, so I accepted. The job is 10 minutes from my house on a slow day (I was remote for a year before I went in), I manage a team, and I am doing work I love. I got a raise before I was supposed to, and I got promoted in a year. All told, my salary now, after 3 years, is 25% higher than when I started - and it's still less than I was making.

    I regret not negotiating. Get the offer, and see where you can go with it. If you're currently employed, you have much more leverage to negotiate.