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Ask HN: Salary Valuation

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Re: Ask HN: Salary Valuation

#11

Post by adyus »

rb2k_ wrote: post #10
adyus wrote: post #7

This subject is very relevant to me, as I'm in a similar position. I accepted a "full-time freelance" position in a hard time in my life for $15/hr, no benefits, no contract of any kind (contractor). I'm the only developer at an 8-month old, online-only print services provider, so I'd say I'm a pretty important cog. Since I accepted the "job" I fixed the mess that the original (cheap) web agency made of the site, red…

Just as a note: this will probably depend on where you live

Alas, nowhere near the centers of IT, but South Florida...

Re: Ask HN: Salary Valuation

#12

Post by petervandijck »

What you are your work are "worth" is of little importance.

The ONLY way you are going to get a significant salary raise (where significant is defined as more than they're planning to give you), is if you are ready to walk.

So.

1. Have a number in mind. (ie. what are others similar in the same company making?).

2. They'll offer you less than that.

3. Say: I'm truly sorry, but I can't accept that offer, it would be hurting myself, so I have to respectfully resign. (Don't bluff, mean it)

That's really the best way.

Re: Ask HN: Salary Valuation

#13

Post by petervandijck »

pbreit wrote: post #9
Houston wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks for commenting, patio11. Appreciate it! Without trying to sound like an arrogant blow-hard, I would say I'm one of the most vital employees in the company bar none. As the months pass by, I continue to take on more & more responsibilities & today my boss pretty much confided in me that other than him, I am THE creative force in the company. When I go into the meeting, I don't want to come off cocky. I want to…

Sorry, I'm going to splash some cold water on this situation. Except for senior management and engineering, pretty much everyone is replaceable. As others have suggested, your currently pay will serve as baseline and it's hard to think anoff would be mre than 20 or 30% above that. But I have two tips for you: 1) ask for a review after 6 months at which point you might be able to earn a raise. 2) if this is a tech sta…

Baseline isn't so much current pay, but what others in the same company are making (if that applies). That's what makes them think "we can hire someone to do this for X".

Re: Ask HN: Salary Valuation

#14

Post by petervandijck »

Houston wrote: post #4
dustingetz wrote: post #2

things that determine your salary: 1) perceived value of your contributions 2) how much you could make if you left, weighted by the chance that you actually leave even if boss's perceived value of you is really high, if you don't have the external credibility to actually get another job at the salary you seek, you don't have much bargaining power.

I know there's not some algorithm to determining my salary, but is there a rule of thumb for figuring it out. Would an average of 1 & 2 result in a good valuation? I can figure out the value of my contribution almost to a T with some things, but there are other things that are a little harder to put a definite value to, i.e the copy I write for our websites. I want to come into the meeting with research at the ready.…

You need to apply for jobs at other companies first.

Re: Ask HN: Salary Valuation

#15

Post by dustingetz »

Houston wrote: post #4
dustingetz wrote: post #2

things that determine your salary: 1) perceived value of your contributions 2) how much you could make if you left, weighted by the chance that you actually leave even if boss's perceived value of you is really high, if you don't have the external credibility to actually get another job at the salary you seek, you don't have much bargaining power.

I know there's not some algorithm to determining my salary, but is there a rule of thumb for figuring it out. Would an average of 1 & 2 result in a good valuation? I can figure out the value of my contribution almost to a T with some things, but there are other things that are a little harder to put a definite value to, i.e the copy I write for our websites. I want to come into the meeting with research at the ready.…

well, your self-valuation is 2, and your bosses valuation of you is 1. unfortunately, economics dictates that only your bosses valuation matters. willingness and ability to quit for another job is how you shift the economics in your favor.

if i was your boss, i'd offer you 1, with just enough padding to keep your morale up. However, as you continue to grow, your external credibility increases, which should grow your salary rapidly towards your true value.

how did it go?

Re: Ask HN: Salary Valuation

#16

Post by actionbrandon »

petervandijck wrote: post #12

What you are your work are "worth" is of little importance. The ONLY way you are going to get a significant salary raise (where significant is defined as more than they're planning to give you), is if you are ready to walk. So. 1. Have a number in mind. (ie. what are others similar in the same company making?). 2. They'll offer you less than that. 3. Say: I'm truly sorry, but I can't accept that offer, it would be hu…

I agree, and also fight for more tangible responsibilities. No offense, but its hard to sell a business owner on why your copy writing is worth X-more dollars than some other guys. Sales or code or ideas that have been implemented with a tangible profit are helpful when asking for more money.
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