How to find out what I should be paid?

Question

I currently work for a company that I have kind of created my own job title. I do a little bit of everything from Graphic Design, cleaning machinery, building computer network. I feel I am being paid very little (doesn't everyone) for my work. I have gone to the owner several times and all I get it I am a small business and can't afford anymore. If I leave I will never find the same type of job and if I stay I feel I am being taken advantage of. I have been with the same company for 8 years. Started out as a part-time job and has evolved into a pretty steady job. I get no benefits (No health, vacation, sick-days) I have even gone back-to-school and graduated. Should I stay or should I go? My wife tells me I am waaaay underpaid and I have to agree. But how do I know what is a salary I should ask for if there is no other job out there to compare it to?

Answer 1

What did you get your degree in? Did you go back to college? This could could be a good place to start.

I am a graphic artist, and I know that the competetion is incredibly tough. In order to get a leg up you have to have a degree to get a high-paying position, but more importantly a lot of specific experience dealing with prepress/printers etc.

Either way, it definitely couldn't hurt to look! Your salary is determined by your experience and the area in which you live. Designers in urban areas can ask for 40,000+ while designers in rural parts of the country often make less that 32,000. The best thing to do is to put yourself out there, apply, and when they ask you for your salary requirements, ask them where they usually start, but be honest, don't settle. Check the U.S. Gov occupational outloook for different rates.

Once again, it cannot hurt to look!

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Can I also suggest an IT position? The pay is decent, and the hours can be flexible.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

There isn't a "what I should be paid". It's very possible that the work you are doing has a value greater than what you're paid, but if the owner doesn't have it, or isn't willing to pay you more, then your pay is what he is willing to pay as long as you are willing to accept it. If you feel you are underpaid, then you need to look for another job - he has already pretty much told you that he isn't going to raise your pay much. If you can't find another job making more, then maybe you are being paid what you should be.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Go to http://www.salary.com/ and enter the data for your job.