There's a lot of great information already so I will try not to be too repetitive. In short, when you're starting out it's hard to know what to expect.Websites like payscale and glassdoor can be helpful. So can things like the ASCE salary survey. Similary, friends, professors, etc. can all provide data points. However, each person and each opportunity is different so it's hard to really know what to expect for yourself. Also, location and specific area of focus can have a large effect too. So, while you'd like a definite answer, there really isn't one.
Your best bet in this scenario is to identify multiple potential employers and roles that you believe could be a good fit and hope to secure more than one offer. This will do two things: (1) it will allow you to compare them and gain some insight into your specific potential worth, and (2) it will give you an opportunity to use the offers to negotiate the best deal you can. As much as you may want to account for culture, future ownership, growth potential, people, etc. you typically won't have enough information to make an informed decision until after you've worked there a while. It's the unfortunate reality in my experience. So I'd recommend you account for these the best you can and use your gut instincts to fill in the gaps. If it works out, great. If not, there's plenty of other opportunities out there and you'll be more informed as the days, months, and years go by.
So good luck and don't over think it. Find something you think you'll enjoy that will give you enough money to feel comfortable focusing on the work instead of how you can earn more, and see where it takes you.
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Cliff Jones Ph.D.,P.E.,M.ASCE
Portland OR
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-19-2019 00:03
From: Alicia Marie Gonzales
Subject: Advice on Salaries for Beginner Engineering Positions
Hello all,
I am currently a student studying Civil Engineering, and I am going to be graduating in the Spring of 2020. I am starting to think about where I may want to work after I am done with college and the type of company I want to start with. One aspect that I do not have a lot of information about while I am applying for jobs is what I should set as a baseline salary that I should not accept below.
My starting salary as a beginner project engineer is not high on my list for what will make me accept or decline an offer since there are other aspects about a company I value more (like the people at the company, how they treat their employees, and the types of projects they work on), but I would still like to have some knowledge on this before I go into interviews and make choices. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what I should look for or fight for when it comes to salaries as a beginner project engineer right out of college?
I live in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area, so I am not sure if my location also impacts what I should expect as a starting salary or not.
Thank you!
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Alicia Marie Gonzales, S.M.ASCE
Student, Civil Engineering Intern
Case Western Reserve University
<maskemail>acg92@...</maskemail>
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