UPDATED for new question! -Specific salary question, need help!

*UPDATED*
Well in an interesting turn of events the price point I called seemed to work well.

So here comes the next one for you guys: Considering all else works out what do you guys think is an acceptable potential start date?
Keeping in mind the following:
1. It is a move from one end of the country to the other.
2. I am currently employed and need to exit professionally.
3. The holiday time period is approaching fast.
4. I've got to move myself, the wife and 2 young children.
5. The position is currently open.

I would hate to disqualify myself but I am thinking about the first week of the new year...
Thanks for all the advice guys, TechExams kicks serious a$$!

_________________________________________________________________________________
Good morning all, I have run into an impasse with a potential employer who is requesting my salary requirements for a position. I am a little unsure as it is a position on the east coast and I currently reside on the west coast. I'll include some really general and basic info here and see if you guys might be able to point me in the right direction as to naming my price... (no breaking confidentiality, this is in the job posting) LAN/AD Admin Lead (DC area) -responsible for 1100 users in single facility -responsible for NIST compliance (and all the bells and whistles that come with it) -responsible for maintaining ISO 9000 cert -lead team of desktop support and help desk personnel -lead on several large projects involved in upgrade/transition processes -lead on security-related tasks Anyone have an idea of cost-of-living, etc. in the area? I am thinking low 6-figures but I am unsure as to what to take into account environmentally. Thanks for any and all help!!

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Comments

kgb

DC area is very expensive to live.

Personally, I wouldn't consider any job for under the low 100's to work in the DC area. Traffic is horrible, etc, etc.

ptilsen

There are a few things to consider. To start, pick a salary that you think would be appropriate for this job if it were where you already live. We can't do that for you.

Next, apply the number using this calculator to get a rough estimate of the cost of living change.

Finally, think about what house you would live in now, whether it is your current house or one elsewhere, were you to remain in your area and take the salary you picked above. Think about the condition of the house, the neighborhood (look at crime statistics and school performance), and the distance from work. Find some similar zip codes and search realtor.com for houses of similar size. Look through them and see the condition. Look at apartments, too, if you'll be renting, but you'd be wise to look at houses regardless. Figure out your rough housing costs for maintaining roughly the same standards for commute, size, condition, and neighborhood or zip code quality. It won't be a perfect comparison, but ballpark is fine. Mesh that with the calculator and come up with a rough range. Be sure to consider your moving costs if the employer isn't paying them.

I'm guessing the position will easily be worth six figures. My gut reaction is that I wouldn't take it for less than $100,000 base, which is more than I make now, and I'm probably not even qualified for it. I'm inclined to say the number you'll come up with will be somewhere in the range of $110,000 and $140,000.

ajd86

There are so many unknowns in this equation: Do you have any degrees? How many years of experience? Is this a Federal, Private, or Gov't Contractor position? I can tell you that low six figures sounds reasonable, based on the snippet of information you provided about the position. However, it's hard to advise without more information. Use a website like www.glassdoor.com to find out comparable salaries for your position here in DC.

cyberguypr

ptilsen wrote: »

Next, apply the number using this calculator to get a rough estimate of the cost of living change.

Awesome calculator. Love how it factors the cost of Lipitor. If they add bacon, it would be perfect.

ptilsen

It's pretty cool, but it's not perfect. The basic commodities are done well enough (sandwich is probably a good enough indicator of bacon, in fact

), but I advocate a more personalized approach of comparing home prices. Rent and mortgage generally make up the bulk of cost of living and can vary greatly based on specific factors. Averages and medians don't tell the whole story.

higherho

I live right outside Old Town Alexandria, if you want to live in places like Dupont circle or even closer then your going to be spending 1500 + for apartments. However, if you look outside of D.C and commute in with the metro or bus you can easily obtain something within the range of 1100 to 1500.

I see a lot of "lead" statements in the job description, as for 110k and let them chip you down. Honestly you can make a nice living here off 80k, just depends if you have a lot of debt or not.

broli720

Based on your certs and considering that this is a leadership type position, I would say anything from 73k-85k is a good start. That being said, I don't know what you made at your previous job or what level of experience you have so it could change depending on that.

ltgenspecific

Thanks for the great tip on the calculator!

So I called it in at $105-110k per year. The benefits package is outstanding so taking that into account I feel like I am close enough. I've also got 2 degrees, a third on the way in 6 months and the certs listed to the left. I'm fairly certain it's my experience with NIST (general) and a small bit of management experience that will get me there. Will update with how it goes.

Thanks all for the great advice!

higherho

State high and let them lower you down (or they might offer what you state). Try to get the salary range out of them prior to you stating what you want. Have fun with it, you have all the credentials / exp to back up what you want.

ptilsen

broli720 wrote: »

Based on your certs and considering that this is a leadership type position, I would say anything from 73k-85k is a good start. That being said, I don't know what you made at your previous job or what level of experience you have so it could change depending on that.

Sorry, but this is just way off the mark. I made that much as a generalist SMB systems engineer in a much cheaper metro. This job calls for some higher skills, for sure. Judging OP by his certs alone is crazy. Unless the job responsibilities are horribly exaggerated, this is a $100K job almost anywhere.

I wouldn't take this job at $90K pretty much anywhere.

broli720

ptilsen wrote: »

Sorry, but this is just way off the mark. I made that much as a generalist SMB systems engineer in a much cheaper metro. This job calls for some higher skills, for sure. Judging OP by his certs alone is crazy. Unless the job responsibilities are horribly exaggerated, this is a $100K job almost anywhere.

I wouldn't take this job at $90K pretty much anywhere.

You may be right. I guess I'm basing this on my experience level (fresh out of college).

ltgenspecific

shameless bump for update

networker050184

Are they going to pay you for relocation? When I have moved for a job I've always told them my timeline for getting there depends on help much help they are willing to give me. If they can pay for the move, temp housing etc. then I can be there a lot quicker if I'm funding it all myself.

First week of the new year doesn't sound like it's too far out to me, but I guess that would depend entirely on what their timeline is for getting the position filled. Two months seems reasonable for making a move across the country.