SHould I ask for raise?

Chrisbari14

Good morning Tech Fam!

I feel like I'm underpaid for my helpdesk position and all that I do. I manage around 70 users and report to my IT director. I handle all request from creating Active directory OU's, installing printers, running Ethernet Wire and IP cameras, and a ton of other things. This was my first IT job and I love it here. I have my associates degree ,A+,Network+, and Project+. They are paying for me to receive my Bachelor's Degree at WGU as well. My job is paying for me around $16.00 in the Memphis,TN area. Is this fair? I checked glassdoor and it said I should be around 40-50K salary range? I need advice? Kind of frustrating hearing my friends make more than I do and they have no Degree or experience.

Chrisbari14

Also I just reached my second year of experience.

mjnk77

I'm not from Memphis, but just a simple Google search shows: The median annual Help Desk Support salary in Memphis, TN is $46,601, as of March 31, 2017, with a range usually between $41,634-$52,724 not including bonus and benefit information and other factors that impact base pay.

When I worked in the HD in the Philadelphia region, I started off at $32k, but that was 16 years ago. It was about $36k after bonuses. 2nd year I was at about $39k after bonuses. 3rd year $42k after bonuses. I didn't have the responsibilities that you did, so I'm going to say you are probably underpaid. Now, since they are paying for your schooling, that puts you in a tough spot. If you decide to leave, you could be on the hook for the money they put out. Glassdoor may even show you what your company is paying for the HD positions, but some of the stuff you do isn't really HD.

NetworkNewb

I'd use that experience and look for another job. Honestly, I think you could ask for a raise and might get a little bit, but think would get a lot more getting another job.

If you added a MCSA onto your resume you would be a good candidate for sys admin position. Your position right now still kinda sounds a little bit low level, reason why I don't think you would get a huge raise in your current role.

MontagueVandervort

They're paying you $16.00/hr. but are also paying for you to get a Bachelor's Degree. I would take that into consideration. First, there is the consideration that they're spending money above the $16.00/hr on tuition, so you add that in. Second, there is the "future earnings" prospect you take into consideration that they're giving you for free.

I would say this isn't the time to ask for a raise. This is your first IT job. You're getting $16.00/hr which isn't bad for entry-level and a Bachelor's Degree. That's sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

Maybe after you get the degree you could ask, but I think it's more customary to just change positions and go somewhere else at that point. Not that I would do that! I would probably still stay there for a while out of gratitude. But I think it would be more acceptable to leave the position once you had the Bachelor's degree than it would be to ask an employer who is already giving you so much for even more.

Danielh22185

$16/hr is pretty accurate I would say for a front line entry level help desk job. Sounds like you are doing a bit more than I did as my 1st help desk job though and I was getting paid the same. As mentioned you might want to check into exactly everything they are helping you with regarding getting your degree. Some company programs require you to pay back financials if you end up leaving, etc. I would get the explicit details on that and what you might be looking at if you end up leaving.

However on the raise part...

In 2 years I am sure you are doing more now than what you were originally hired to do (at least it sounds that way). So it wouldn't hurt to ask. However unless you are completely changing organizational departments (e.g. going to sys admin role / networking role) I wouldn't expect a huge jump in pay if they do end up giving you a raise (3-5% I think you can expect to be your max).

You will just need to weigh: is it better to stay while they pay for your education (what ever the exact financials of that is). Not going into debt to get an education is massive!!! Or if they are only providing a small financial benefit and will going out looking for an outside job net you the additional pay + having to take on the added educational costs.

shimasensei

They are good in that they are paying you tuition for a bachelor's. Though, after you graduate (in addition to your skills and certs) they should adjust your pay accordingly. Do they have a contractual agreement for you to stay 'x' number of years after you get your bachelor's?

dhay13

I am in a similar situation. When I was hired I had my B.S. and A+ and Network+. After getting hired I got my Sec+, CISSP. and a few smaller ones. I asked for a raise and was basically told I was hired for my accomplishments at that time and paid accordingly. My manager is trying hard for me but upper management is holding firm. My old manager told me that there were 3 ways to get a raise, 1) CISSP 2) 10 years of experience 3) Masters degree. I had the experience but didn't have the one job on my resume because it was part-time and I didn't feel it was that important. I added that then got my CISSP. That manager moved on and a new one came in. He told me that the first manager had given me wrong information and none of that was true or accurate. He is still fighting for me but the whole process has been over a year and I have given up fighting for it. I have two choices 1) suck it up and continue on 2) update my resume and move on. I really like my job and have a great team but and severely underpaid so I have updated my resume and started looking. The way I see it you have the same choice to make. Good luck!

merc.man87

Just some advice from experience:

-Be humble.
-Don't demand.
-Have some solid wins.
-Hold your head high regardless.
-Look for other opportunities.