I think my job doesn't pay enough

Question

I really love my job but I'm afraid that I think the amount of work/specialization do not equal the amount I get paid. I'd like to do some research to present in my case to request a higher pay but I don't know where to find the information.

My job is "Purchasing Specialist" and I am in charge of buying all the product that our retail company sells. I've been in the position for about a year and my pay is $11/hour. Any assistance in finding relevant information would be helpful.

Answer 1

I'm not sure why so many people have given you stupid or sarcastic answers ... I am an employment specialist and I know for a fact that this is one of the hardest things to figure out.

The best way to do it is to look at job advertisements to find jobs similar to yours, and see if they have a salary listed.  Bear in mind that salaries vary by geographic area so they need to be located close to you.  Of course, lots of jobs are advertised without the salary on them.

You can also call employment agencies in your area to ask what the going rate is.  I would pretend like you're really interested in having them find you a job, rather than you just enquiring about salaries.

If you have friends who work in a similar type of job, then ask them what they get.  But, don't ask your colleagues - managers don't like to think that employees dicuss rates of pay amongst each other, and won't be impressed if you say, "I should get $15 per hour because that's what Cari gets".

Remember to account for benefits - a good benefits package can be worth thousands, which is why many top employers can get away with paying lower salaries.  If you work for a company that doesn't have any benefits, you should be earning more.

I would NEVER use an online salary calculator - I find them to be hugely inaccurate.

When you think you've figured out how much you should be earning, remember to take the following into account before you approach your manager:

- Be prepared with a list of your recent achievements - you might be being paid under the market rate, but why should you get an increase if you're not doing a great job?

- Is it a realistic increase?  You might find out that the market rate is $22 per hour, but no employer ever gives 50% payrises.  Most will look at around 7-10%.  You may need to ask for a lower figure just so that they take you seriously

Answer 2

Well as you work there longer your pay should increase.  You haven't worked there very long so that is why you are only getting $11/hour.  You can try bridges.com and pick the career and it will give you an average pay for the job and an overall average yearly salary.

Answer 3

11/hour is not so great.  What about being a legal secretary?

Answer 4

Go to salary.com and fill in the required information.  You should be able to get an idea of what your position pays in your area on a scale of lowest, median and highest wage.

I negotiated a higher salary at my last position with the information from that website.  When you have something on paper, companies are more likely to take you seriously.  You can't just walk in and say "I'm worth more".  Be prepared to have a dissertation on why you deserve more.

Answer 5

Honestly, I know the purchasing manager usually make much more than you are making.  It all depends on the size of the store though, if you work for a small store I have no idea I am talking for companies with millions dollar budgets.

I see the purchasing managers making anywhere from 50k+ a year and up.

From what I have seen the pay is tied to the dollar amount of purchasing.

Answer 6

Sometimes it takes a while to prove yourself to others and a raise maybe ahead. Then again you can always keep that one and keep your eyes open for another.

Answer 7

maybe that's why you aren't getting more money...you can't take innitiative to figure things out for yourself!

Answer 8

Wages are dependant on the industry you are in, the company you work for, education requirements, etc.  If you are a purchasing manager, I would say you are underpaid, otherwise, you make a fair wage for a pretty cushy job.

Answer 9

every one thinks that