Business

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Mike Benbow, Business Editor benbow@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, January 2, 2008 Go online to track pay by job and location By Eve Nicholas If you've ever tried to find a job in another part of the country, or a position in a different industry here in Everett or Seattle, you know it can be pretty tough to get your hands on salary information. Right up to the minute they start negotiating salary and benefits, most businesses are tight-lipped about their compensation packages. But many job seekers need this data in advance, and can't even consider relocating or transitioning to a new field unless they know they can pay their bills once they get there. Luckily, there are several online resources that can help. Each site uses its own methods to compile data, so expect broad salary ranges, estimated numbers and assumed cost-of-living expenses. And don't be surprised that some of these Web sites charge a fee for custom wage reports. The more precise data you require, the more cash you'll have to shell out for the service. For those of you who are starting your salary research from scratch, or reviewing your current paycheck to see how it measures up, general information may be enough to meet your needs. Interested in seeing for yourself? Try these sites: SalaryBase.com. This site makes it easy to compare your salary with others in your field. Insert your position, location and current salary, and click on "My Salary Report" to see how you fit in with other people in your field or region. Keep in mind that the site only shows salary details gathered from other users (like yourself), rather than through quantifiable research studies. PayScale.com. Input your current position, salary, location, education and other data in this Web site for a wide salary range within a given field or geographic region. If you care for a personalized report that contrasts your figures with other "real salaries" across the country, expect to pay about 20 bucks. Salary.com. It costs nothing to learn the estimated base salary for a specified industry or location through the Salary Wizard on this site, and about $30 for a personalized salary report. According to the site, the service complies salary records through a variety of techniques, including research, analysis and mathematical modeling. SalaryExpert.com. This site offers free access to a broad salary range for your field or location and a free cost-of-living calculator. The parent company, PAQ Services (in Bellingham), is known for its quantitative job analysis tool in gathering information to the enhanced Dictionary of Occupational Titles for the past several decades. It'll cost about $30 for a customized salary report. The details that you collect from these and other online resources may be useful in evaluating job offers, negotiating payment packages and making decisions, as long as you don't rely on them completely. No matter how many facts and figures you compile, nothing compares with the real thing -- a real job offer, that is. Remember that every situation is unique. Each company has its own methods of measuring and calculating salary, bonuses and benefits. Don't be surprised if a company gives you a number that's higher or lower than the so-called industry or regional average. Use the information wisely -- cautiously -- as a starting point for further research and conversation. Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.

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