right now i am a surgical technology major and after doing some research ive come to find they make on average about 30grand a year. is 30 grand a reasonable amount?? i know its somewhat on the lower side, i dont expect to be incredibly wealthy nor does that even matter to me...i just want to know if 30,000 is going to be enough in terms of basic living expenses. i dont want to struggle especially if i have children.
2007-06-29 05:07:34 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
i live in indianapolis, but may move after i graduate
2007-06-29 05:29:50 · update #1
This depends on where you live. $30,000/yr equates to about $2,300/mo, which after taxes may look more like $1,630. (I make $38,000 and take home about $2,100/mo). In Connecticut, that's not nearly enough to own a home. A mortgage plus property tax and sewer bills comes to at least $1,000/mo, leaving you with only about $600/mo. That's not enough for kids, a car, food, gas, and other bills. If you're married or have someone to split the costs with, then it depends on what they make, in which case $30k might be plenty, but we'll assume you're paying all the bills. So in that case you would need an apartment.
Regarding car and apartment, you'd really have to choose between nice apartment/lousy car or nice car/lousy apartment. A decent apartment goes for $800/mo, so you wouldn't want car payments + insurance much over $200/mo in order to have over $600 left over for all of life's other needs. Or get a low-end apartment for $600 and you could afford a higher car payment.
If you're single, it'd be enough for BASIC living expenses (assuming you're not awash in debt). If you're married or partnered, it could be enough for a comfortable lifestyle and maybe even a house. And if you live in a less expensive part of the country (South, Midwest), it could be more than enough. In the northeast, though, most people don't really think about a house or kids till after $42k. But again, combined income changes that.
Good luck!
2007-06-29 05:22:47 · answer #1 · answered by Firstd1mension 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
30,000 is probably where you will start and of course move up from there. You will never be hired at the top end of the pay.
Here's a tip - when negotiting, ask for more than what you want. If you're willing to settle for 30,000 ask for 40,000 and maybe they will compromise on 35,000. Never say the minumum you willing to take, because then that's all they will offer and give you some excuse, "that's all we can pay for this position". Good Luck!
2007-06-29 05:26:59 · answer #2 · answered by Simba 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are single with no children and no car payments, you can make do on $30,000 a year but you won't live a wealthy lifestyle. If you marry a rich man, then this amount will be spending money for you.
2007-06-29 05:17:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you live (general relative cost of living), your lifestyle, any additional family income (spouse), and what the next best alternative is with respect to how you can apply your skills.
In the end, you spend most of your waking tim working, so you want to find an occupation that you can be passionate about so you are motivated to perform well and earn salary increases, while feeling valued.
30k might work in the midwest, bu not in San Fransico or NYC.
2007-06-29 05:18:37 · answer #4 · answered by Andy C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on where you live. I live in California and I make more than that and I struggle every month. I don't have any kids and I don't have a car payment either. It is good to start...
2007-06-29 05:17:06 · answer #5 · answered by madges_girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well shitz its more than what i make now..yes its ok..for starting and you can work your way up but if you can 50 60 or beyond thats great
2007-06-29 05:11:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's ok just starting out
2016-08-04 11:41:38 · answer #7 · answered by shawn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋