Now that you understand job roles, let's tackle the money question! Salary research isn't just about finding a number - it's about understanding your total compensation package and market value.
Today we'll learn where to find reliable salary data and how to interpret it correctly.
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Why do you think salary research matters beyond just negotiating pay?
Start with reliable salary aggregation websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and Salary.com. These collect data from actual employees and HR departments across thousands of companies.
But here's the key: never trust just one source. Different sites often show different ranges for identical roles.
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What factors might cause salary sites to show different numbers?
When reading salary data, focus on the median (middle) salary, not the average. A few extremely high or low salaries can skew averages dramatically.
Also check the sample size - data from 500 responses is more reliable than data from 15 responses.
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Why is salary data from 500 people more reliable than data from 50?
Location dramatically impacts compensation. A $70,000 salary in rural Ohio provides much different purchasing power than the same amount in San Francisco.
Use cost-of-living calculators to compare salaries across different cities and regions before getting excited about opportunities.
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Can you think of one expensive city where salaries might be misleadingly high?
Total compensation includes base salary plus bonuses, stock options, health insurance, retirement contributions, vacation time, and other benefits.
A $60,000 salary with excellent benefits might exceed a $65,000 salary with minimal benefits in total value.
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Which benefit matters most to you beyond base salary?
