[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

As a new grad, I'm currently our lowest engineer grade. I only expect to be bumped up to the next position (Engineer 2). The job I'm doing typically starts at Engineer 4, but I know I have to "pay my dues", despite the fact that I have the same expectations and responsibilities as the experienced PEs. I have always approached these conversations with an emphasis on appreciating the opportunity and wishing to stay with the company, and only wanting to be paid fairly. I don't think what I'm asking for is unreasonable, and my manager has agreed that a promotion is a "no brainer". I have a good grasp on what others in the local industry make, but salary.com is something tangible that I can print out and bring to the table.

That's a ***** isn't it? I have 8 people that work for me. One is in an "entry-level slot. He tells me his work is as good as the others in the professional band. He's right...problem is they aren't working to their full potential. I old him to worry about himself and not what they are doing. In the long run, it will come out for him if he sticks with it.

When I would negotiate raises and such, I would always have something like that in your back pocket. See if you can get the boss to fight for you a bit. Problem is, in many cases, their hands are tied. They have to keep some sort of "compression" or model in check. I got a raise once at a job, but only because the guy above me got a raise otherwise I'd out earn him.

When I worked for a partnership, they gave me a raise since I directly brought in revenue....it's expensive as hell to retrain a person.