What is the appropriate pay to ask for?

Question

I'm going to be applying at a few preschools as an infant/toddler teacher. I make $11.50 an hour currently at my job and wonder what I should ask for when applying. I will be STARS certified, which is a program they are looking for, and have done some nannying in the past. I currently also work at a Sunday school where I make $10.50 an hour.

Answer 1

Where do you live? That makes a huge difference. Your area's minimum wage will have an impact on what you get paid as well.

Where I live, preschool teachers start at $17/hour. My friend's a preschool teacher and makes $23/hour. I'm surprised anyone gets as low as $10/hour for this job... that's unfortunate. So I can't really suggest what to ask for, but generally the rule of thumb is to ask for a bit higher than you think you'll be able to get. Then they'll say "I can't give you $13 but I can give you $12" and if you'd only expected $11, then you've made an extra $1/hour! But if you low-ball yourself, when they were prepared to pay you more, they go away laughing.

Good luck!

Answer 2

i think you should ask for 12.20 an hour lease you getting paid

Answer 3

WHAT!

Answer 4

you should ask for something around the middle of those two. then it is not a total shocker of you not having any money if you offer way less.

around $11 would probably be reasonable

Answer 5

Try salary.com.  It should have your position listed and give you a median pay range.  With your experience, you could probably ask for above the median.  

Plus, you could print out your results and bring it to your interview as a visual aid/resource for your salary request.

Answer 6

Where in the world do you live? I work at a christian daycare and dont make near that.

Answer 7

Where are you located.  We have an opening at our preschool (www.hillpreschool.org) and could probably match what you are asking for.  Are you located in Washington, DC or DC metro area?