How Much Should You Be Paid?

Knowing how much you should paid is a sensitive topic. Salary should be based on a variety of factors. For most graduating college students, the two main factors in determining starting salary should be job title and location. Fortunately, resources are available to help you determine salary based on these factors.

Salary Calculator – Use city search to determine specific salary estimates. Here are a couple of examples:

Teacher – Statesboro, GA: $36,017

Teacher – New York, NY: $74,463

Registered Nurse – Statesboro, GA: $58,692

Registered Nurse – New York, NY: $84,538

Beyond knowing how much you should be paid, understanding cost of living can help you decide what jobs you will apply for and even where you apply. This cost of living calculator can provide insight into what salary is required to maintain an equal standard of living in different places.

For example, if you’re a teacher in Statesboro making $36,017, the salary required to maintain an equal standard of living in New York City would be $86,490. Considering the average teacher salary in New York is $74,463, your standard of living will most likely be higher in Statesboro than in New York. If you’re unsure of where you want to work, analyzing differences in average salaries and the cost of living can help you decide.

Landon J. Latham

Career Educator