I don't know how I feel about this...

I just filled out an application for a slot up (In texas). It's lowest salary range is 40,000. Which is.. well above what I earn now. I have mixed feelings that the company doesn't see us in the 20k bracket :'(

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View Boot Camps

Comments

networker050184

You are concerned they want to pay you more? Why?!

ptilsen

Every job change I've done in my career has been for at least 30% of salary. In raw dollars, the lowest was around $12K. Big jumps are not only common, but I argue are the norm in this field.

I'm not saying you'll get it for sure. Just don't despair because of the gap.

cyberguypr

Concur with ptilsen. My last two jumps resulted in 31% and 56% respectively. Given my skill set keeps improving I definitely expect something similar when the next one happens. Just remember the golden rule: never let the new potential employer now your current salary.

networker050184

cyberguypr wrote: »

Just remember the golden rule: never let the new potential employer now your current salary.

I don't think that is a golden rule. I never hide my current salary. If they don't want to pay me what I'm worth I'll just find someone that does.

NetworkVeteran

I break this "golden rule". That's never prevented companies from offering me a great package.

ptilsen

Same here. The current employer gave me a 28% base raise and 300% increase in (easier-to-achieve) bonus potential, better benefits, etc. I told them exactly how much I made and gave a detailed breakdown of salary, bonus/commission, and benefits value. Perhaps I could have gotten more going the opposite direction, but I felt like they were very up-front and straightforward with me in the hiring process, and that mutual honesty and trust would lead to the best overall result. Giving that my take home is 35-40% higher than it was, I don't regret any of it.

Anyway, not trying to make this thread a debate about that. OP, just be reassured that this is normal. The first number of a five-figure IT salary should change along with every career-advancing job change. That's my golden rule. $40K is not unheard of coming from the $20Ks. Position your skills, qualifications, and growth over the last year or two in the interviewing process and it shouldn't be an issue.

RouteThisWay

I agree with ptilsen. I went from About 18k.. to 32k.. to 42k.. and now right under 70k.

Big jumps are quite the norm.

Hypntick

24 to 30 to just shy of 50. Just to give you a scale to compare to.

paulgswanson

Myself I went from 21k, 32k, 57k

N2IT

Since working in IT full time my jumps have gone up as well. 25%+ and then more modest raises with an actual pay hit at my last job.

MiikeB

This is pretty common.

I went 38k > 75k (after bonus) > 60k (by choice to follow my fiance to school) > 92k (after bonus) > 120k in less than 6 years.

dave330i

Don't fear big jumps in salary. If you find the right company & show that you're worth the money you'll get a jump in salary. I've done it as a ME & I've done it in IT.

Devilry

Everyone here is giving you good advice and I agree with them, I usually jump 35-50% with each new job or else I wait til I find one who will.