8 replies to this topic

[adexter]

Hey folks,

I have been working as a GIS Specialist for the same small company for the last 4+ years and have a sneaking suspicion that my salary is less than it could be. Is there anything out there (forum posts, surveys, guides, general knowledge etc.) that I can use to make a salary comparison? I know there are a lot of variables that determine a person's salary, but I know I bring a lot to the company in GIS technical expertise, some sales & marketing, plus project scoping & management. I've also had to teach myself to be proficient in water rights law, which was no small feat. Would anyone be willing to share their thoughts and information on this topic? Thank you!

[GISRox]

Take a look at the following:

www.salary.com

www.glassdoor.com

Salary.com used to be way off, but the data the past few years has gotten pretty darn accurate.

[Laura Miles]

What country are you working in?
I've been working in GIS for 3+ years, and find that it can vary a lot. I worked for the Federal Gov't making $50k entry level, and it seems that postings for Municipal and Provincial governments are around $50-$60k, again for entry level. (0-2 years experience) I've always heard that the private sector pays more, but that has not been my personal experience. My pay in the private sector has ranged from $31k-$38k and it's never felt quite fair.
This page seems useful:
http://www.indeed.co... Specialist&l1=
Laura

[adexter]

Thanks for the input! I am working in the U.S. and making about 36k, which falls into that private sector range. It doesn't seem like that much money for the amount of stress and work, plus limited benefits. Sounds like it's time to ask for a raise or try to move on.

[Bryan Swindell]

Here's a salary survey I found a while back. It's 4 years old now, so adjust accordingly:

http://www.gisci.org...ers/salary.aspx

[Jimbo]

Complaining about your income, hey at least your not stuck on social assistance. Folks its a a recession, calm down, incomes & job opportunities will pick up soon enough.

[spg]

Recession or not, I don't see many CEOs holding back their pay - I have successfully gotten pay rises during this recession and also negotiated benefits increase when pay rise really wasn't an option. I have never been in a job where management came to me to tell me they would pay me more just because they were now making way more money, if you don't make noise they will ignore you!

And making noise is easier when you can point to skill improvements, process improvements etc which prove your worth, so start detailing those.

[Laura Miles]

Indeed, many people are not so lucky as to have a job right now. However, I am not running a charity here. I put a lot of work into my education and experience, and if I feel that my employer is not compensating fairly compared to the rest of the market, I see nothing wrong with asking for better compensation. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Laura

[danielle]

Directions Magazine recently published a GIS consulting rate survey:
http://www.direction...-in-2011/176035