#UnderpaidEngineer #EarlyCareer #CareerAdvice
Am I underpaid as an early engineer?
Hello All,
I have been in IT for more than 4 years and 2years as a Systems engineer. I am the only engineer under my manager however there is a lot of work to be done. I make 55 k in Oh- I o and they refused to give me a raise. Should I move on or just remain patient?
Understanding the Problem
Feeling underpaid as an early engineer is a common concern in the tech industry. It can be frustrating to see your peers earning more or feeling undervalued for the hard work you put in. If you are in a similar situation and questioning your worth, it’s crucial to address this issue proactively.
Identify Your Worth
- Research average salaries for early engineers in your area
- Evaluate your skills, experience, and contributions to the company
Communicate Your Value
- Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your concerns
- Present data and examples of your accomplishments to support your request for a raise
Practical Solutions
When it comes to addressing the issue of being underpaid as an early engineer, there are several practical steps you can take:
1. Negotiate for a Raise
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and ask for a raise based on your contributions and market value. Highlight your achievements and the value you bring to the company.
2. Explore Other Opportunities
If your current company is unwilling to offer a fair salary, consider looking for other job opportunities that align with your skills and compensation expectations.
3. Pursue Professional Development
Invest in your skills and education to increase your market value as an early engineer. Continuous learning and growth can open up new opportunities for advancement and higher pay.
Final Thoughts
Being underpaid as an early engineer can be disheartening, but it’s essential to take proactive steps to address this issue. Evaluate your worth, communicate your value, and consider your options for negotiation or exploring new opportunities. Remember, your skills and contributions are valuable, and you deserve to be fairly compensated for your hard work.
I’ve been employed for a month and I take home 52k plus benefits. Jump ship bro
I’ve been a Systems Engineer for 8 months, 78k, MCOL. I would look for another job.
You are only worth what someone else would pay you. What are the rates for your position in the area?
> Should I move on or just remain patient ?
You look, and when you find something worth leaving for, then you leave. Always.
If you can get a job with more pay, your value is higher. Otherwise, no.
75k school district client service technician
What type of engineer? What do you do?
Test the waters and see what is out there. A title is just a title, responsibilities is the key. Okay, don’t ask anymore for a raise. Just test!
I started at 60k in 2017 as a system engineer straight out college, I’d say 55k is on the lowest end of a system engineer’s salary. It sounds like you’ve gotten some experience and now it’s time to jump ship to make 70k+.
Sounds bad
jump ship, even a basic repair tech makes more than that.
In central Ohio. Similar role 72k. 5 years
I make 50 yearly as a IT Tech II so you should be making more like at least 75K.
Find something better, then leave
What industry are you supporting? That matters too sometimes some industries like some manufacturing or education just don’t value IT as much as like the financial sector or healthcare sector that relies heavily on IT infrastructure.
I was making 57k in desktop support and now 90k as a sys admin. I have 3 years of experience. You are for sure being underpaid
You look for a job while you have this one. Don’t just quit – it’s much easier finding another job when you already have one.
4 yrs in….. Should be at 75-85
You’re not a systems engineer at 55k. That is BARELY sysadmin where I live (in one of the lowest cost of living / lowest IT salaries places in the USA.) you’re an overtitled sysadmin.
Engineers aren’t paid like Tier 2 / junior sysadmins.
This sounds extremely harsh, and is not meant to be rude – but I would be GTFO there quick as HELL.
Good luck partner!
55k in 2024? Yikes. Yes, move to another company. Any company that can’t give you at least a 3% raise and a little bonus every year is not worth working for. I call those companies “rinky dink.” Look for a new place while working of course.
tier 1 technicians are getting paid 40 to 50k here in Houston, Texas. You are getting robbed
Yes start looking now.
Yes you’re underpaid. You should look and prove us right. If you don’t, then you are where you belong
2 years of experience in current role? $62-65k for Ohio. I am a seasoned compensation professional
It doesn’t hurt to look around, if you do it smart.
I wouldn’t recommend applying on LinkedIn or ziprecruiter.
If I were you (and many of us are), I’d start looking at companies you like or believe in. Go directly to their site, check their Careers page or find someone that works for the company and is active on LinkedIn, and message them.
Now that you have experience, you’ll be doing your career some real justice by finding an organization you believe in. Than you’ll really take off…
Depends on where you’re from. But since they refuse to give you a raise move on, but make sure you’ll have another one lined up.
80k Tier 1 Service Desk Tech…. started with 0 experience in IT, I’d guess you could find something better biding your time and shopping around.
I can’t speak for Ohio salaries but 50k is help desk wages where I’m at.
I feel like a lot of IT jobs are severely underpaid…
Rule has always been move every 2-3 years if you are wanting to make more money. This is for any company, and most professions.
Dude, you should leave. That 4 years of experience could leverage you a 15-20K pay increase
What was their reasoning? If you showed them your market value and it was higher than that, why work for less than you are worth? I would also jump ship for sure.