broli720 wrote: » My company is global engineering and our salaries across the board are 55k-60k for entry level help desk with a 4 year degree. Heck, I was making $21 per hour as a co-op 4 years ago. There are many mid level IT people here on getting in the mid 80's and yes, they are just resetting passwords. You just have to negotiate and get in the right industry.
anoeljr wrote: » It's all about who you know. If you know the right people there's a limitless possibility of what you could be making.
hurricane1091 wrote: » This just is not true. If you walk into a job and they are only willing to pay 30-40k, I don't care if you negotiated the return of hostages from pirates, you're not getting 60k. Prior to my current job, I had 2 IT jobs and interviewed for a dozen or more. None paid more than $40k and this was for desktop support/jr admin type roles, not help desk. They weren't willing to pay more, that's it. You could be the next prodigy, but if a company has set a budget for a position, then good luck. Average college grad isn't making $60k coming out of a 4 year program, so I don't know how someone could expect help desk to make that much in most areas. It's an easy job that requires minimal skill. Yes, if you get in on the right company/industry/whatever you can get paid more than most do - and I know someone getting paid $60k for entry level desktop support (his relative worked there though). I wouldn't say that's the norm though. I have a good sample size and know a few people as well and what they make.
N2IT wrote: » I'm not the only one who agrees with this. Others in this post stated similar salaries. I'm not saying there aren't jobs that pay 40 for help desk, what I am saying is there are help desk jobs and OTHER jobs that pay 50 - 60. This is fact and how you sell yourself and negotiate your skills plays a HUGE role in how much you make. This is a FACT.
hurricane1091 wrote: » Company tells you the max they are paying is $35-$40k. Please elaborate on how you get $15-$20k more than they are willing to pay? If you're new to the game and these are the positions you get called in for, you can't just turn them down.
xenodamus wrote: » You can't argue with the budget for a particular position, but you don't have to stay there long. Take that position for $35k and spend the next year learning, studying and looking for your next job @ $50k+. Rinse and repeat until desired salary level has been achieved. Worked for me - I started in desktop support 5 years ago and as of last month have tripled my base pay.
broli720 wrote: » Pedigree of your school matters a lot. I know this forum is heavy on WGU, but for the most part you won't get the same ROI vs. going to Penn or Brown. Those schools offer connections and programs to get their students internships and positions after graduation. For example, my company looks a Michigan, Virginia Tech, Stanford, and MIT for their MBA's and engineering grads because of the return they've received from students from those schools. It's something to keep in mind if you're going back for a college degree.
Polymorphic28 wrote: » I completely agree with you! I haven't graduated college yet (6 months left) and only have basic CompTIA certifications. I was able to get a job that starts out with 55K. I will also be promoted towards the end of the year with a 5K raise. The only reason why I got this position was because I knew the manager. BTW I work at a tier 2 help desk.
Polymorphic28 wrote: » You've made an excellent point. My friend received her Bachelor's degree from Strayer University and ended up with a pretty good IT job starting out at 80K. She did have previous experience before she applied for the position. She also has excellent communication skills so I think that was a plus during her interview. While I agree it's important to get your degree from a well respected university, I don't think a degree from WGU will prevent you from getting a high paying/respected job. I believe it's all about how well you represent yourself and the educational background that supports it.
anoeljr wrote: » I would say if someone goes to the schools you mentioned, especially IVY league, they'd be aspiring for much different jobs than what many people here have. I know I probably would.
dragonsden wrote: » I definitely think Cyber is the way to go salarywise. Also, much more interesting to me than Sysadmin. But wondering, to get from where I'm at now ($80's), to double in 4 - 5 years...does anyone have insight on this? I have around 15 years experience already, and now headed into a Cyber role. This year should have me with an MCSA, CEH, CISSP, and I'll begin a Masters in Fall. In 5 years I'd like to have a dual Masters in Cyber, with an MBA in Infosecurity / Policy. Also, more certs along the way. But who knows if this will get me to $160k. I know those jobs are out there in the cyber field...but alas...I have much work to do.
cyberguypr wrote: » ^ Sounds like you are doing something very wrong. I'm guessing government work, correct?
aspiringsoul wrote: » CEH mean is 95k?
Doyen wrote: » The irony of working for the company, yet not making what they claim the certifications are worth
