What do you do and how much do you make?&nbsp;People have been asking me the first part of that question ever since I graduated college. However, the second part of that question is still seen as taboo and even “tacky” by many in our society. Salary transparency is here to challenge that idea to create a more equitable world of work.&nbsp;Salary transparency is when a company or individual openly shares their compensation. On a company level, its transparent pay policies that include listing salaries on job listings and publishing salaries internally to employees.&nbsp;On an individual level, it’s people discussing their pay with each other&nbsp; – whether that’s sharing it with friends, family, colleagues, officially within their organization, or online to end the gatekeeping culture around compensation. Because the secrecy around what we make at work only hurts the worker, not the company who’s profiting off of underpaid employees.This is why salary transparency is so important in our ever evolving world of work as we seek to close the gender pay gap – as well as other pay gaps including the racial pay gap, disability pay gap, age pay gap, and LGBTQ+ pay gap – and increase diversity and equal opportunities at work.&nbsp;

<h2>The Rise of Salary Transparency&nbsp;</h2>In the United States, the concept of salary transparency dates back to the early 20th century, when unions began demanding greater transparency around pay and benefits. Unions have historically been strong advocates for salary transparency, as it allows workers to negotiate better wages, benefits, and helps to keep employers accountable.In <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-government-jobs">government and public sector jobs</a>, salary transparency has also been the norm for many years. Many federal and state government agencies are required to make some form of wage information publicly available under laws like the&nbsp;<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/footer/freedom-of-information-act#:~:text=The%20Freedom%20of%20Information%20Act%20(FOIA)%20gives%20any%20person%20the,information%20found%20in%20the%20FOIA.">Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)&nbsp;</a>and state open records law.The private sector however, has just started to build momentum in a growing movement towards greater salary transparency. The rise of the internet, social media, and pages like our very own Salary Transparent Street fuels this rise with growing online communities and access to more transparent salary information.&nbsp;<a href="https://nypost.com/2023/03/10/i-found-a-listing-for-my-job-at-a-much-higher-salary-so-i-reapplied/">Employees&nbsp;</a>are now finding out that they were being underpaid at their jobs, including Salary Transparent Street’s founder, Hannah Williams, who found out she was making $20,000 less than her market rate&nbsp;which <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/why-i-started-salary-transparent-street">inspired her to start STS</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>The Evolution of Pay Transparency Laws</h2>It’s perfectly legal to discuss our pay with each other as employees and employers can’t legally prohibit employees from sharing that information. Remember that the next time you read a company policy that says otherwise.Under Executive Order 11246, employees have the right to discuss their pay with other employees and applicants. It states that an employee “cannot be disciplined, harassed, demoted, terminated, denied employment, or otherwise discriminated against because you exercised this right,” according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/factsheets/FACT_PayTransparency-Sept16_ENGESQA508c.pdf">U.S. Department of Labor</a>.Congress also passed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/guidance/key-reference-materials/national-labor-relations-act">National Labor Relations Act</a>&nbsp;(NLRA) in 1935 that provides employees at private-sector companies the right to seek better working conditions and representation without the fear of retaliation. However, public-sector employees are excluded, which are any state employees, local and federal government workers, agricultural and domestic workers, independent contractors, and workers who are employed by a parent or spouse. Air and rail carrier employees are covered under the&nbsp;<a href="https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/fra_net/1647/Railway%20Labor%20Act%20Overview.pdf">Railway Labor Act</a>.Additionally, there are currently 8 states that have enacted salary transparency laws that require disclosure of wage ranges. These states include Washington, California, Nevada, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The differing laws vary in definition from state to state. For example, Colorado requires employers to include in job listings “a general description of all of the benefits and other compensation to be offered to the hired applicant,” along with the hourly or salary compensation/range for their position. California, meanwhile, only requires employers to provide the pay scale in the job posting, not information about “compensation or tangible benefits.”16 other states are now considering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a>, with legislation being introduced in Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.&nbsp;

Person explaining salary transparency benefits gif

<h2>Benefits of Salary Transparency</h2>Pay transparency has several benefits for both the employee and employer.For instance, it helps to attract and retain talent for companies while improving employees’ job satisfaction, trust, and increasing productivity. It also helps to improve the reputation of companies and builds a culture of openness with profound long-term effects.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/19/ways-hr-is-thinking-about-attracting-and-retaining-gen-z-talent.html">Gen Z candidates</a>&nbsp;now expect transparency, and companies could lose out on top talent by not providing it.&nbsp;Salary transparency encourages fair &amp; equal pay while closing several different pay gaps. The most recent significant impact of salary transparency has been its ability to&nbsp;<a href="https://qz.com/work/2118866/the-pros-and-cons-of-salary-transparency">close the gender pay gap by 45%</a>&nbsp;in transparent organizations, according to a study at the University of Utah’s business school. It's also helpful for folks to land some of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">highest-paying jobs without a college degree</a>.While there are several benefits of salary transparency, it also has its drawbacks. An&nbsp;<a href="https://hbr.org/2022/08/research-the-unintended-consequences-of-pay-transparency">unintended consequence</a>&nbsp;of transparent pay information is that it compresses pay and narrows the pay gap between employees at different levels of an organization or within a specific job category.&nbsp;Wage compression happens in two ways; salaries of lower-paid employees are raised to become more equitable with those of higher-paid employees, or when salaries of higher-paid employees are reduced to become more equitable with those of lower-paid employees. The second case is typically for higher-earning employees who have been historically cisgender white men that’ve out-earned other groups for decades 👀.

Corporate Bro gif with the words E-QUI-TY

<h2>How Companies Can Embrace Salary Transparency&nbsp;</h2>Achieving full salary transparency and pay equity will take more than the efforts of workers to break the stigma around talking about money. Three things have to come together to make this work – community, corporate, and congress. Congress and community are starting to do their part, with partial responsibility now shifting to corporate America.Even though there are no federal laws requiring private employers to disclose compensation information (yet), there are ways they can start embracing salary transparency sooner than later.A few ways corporations can start building equitable policies around pay include:<ul><li>Conducting a pay audit &amp; using data to set salary ranges:&nbsp;A pay analysis can help ensure pay equity internally for employees. This might include an audit on current compensation across organizations and referring to updated market and competitor pay data to compare to and update pay ranges.&nbsp;</li><li>Creating a pay transparency policy:&nbsp;Take into account applicable laws, company culture, and company reputation as you design a pay transparency policy that best fits. Will you need to share pay ranges on job listings and decide how to publish pay data internally to employees? How will you communicate these appropriately both externally and internally? Rolling the policy out in phases may be more beneficial to management than rolling it out all at once.&nbsp;</li><li>Preparing managers:&nbsp;Managers are going to be a big part of how a company communicates pay transparency policies to current and potential employees. This may especially change <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">how negotiations work</a> with management and they may be less able to grant personal requests in negotiations as their salaries and benefits are more standardized per each position.</li><li>Publishing the pay information internally:&nbsp;This is corporate marketing 101. The way that a corporation decides to communicate how they are publishing salary information internally will have an effect on how it’s received by their employees and potential employees.</li><li>Adjusting &amp; adapting:&nbsp;As you build and publish new pay transparency policies, it will take some time to adapt with the varying personalities and opinions on pay transparency within an organization. Keeping an open line of communication with employees and management about the changes and allowing them to feel like they are a part of decisions being made will help create the most successful outcome.</li></ul>

Gif with a person saying pay what you owe me plus 20% for the inconvenience

<h2>Salary Transparency is The Future of Work</h2>Salary transparency is good for both the employer and employee, challenging both to create environments where they can succeed and grow. Now with over half of America enacting and thinking about pay transparency laws, the movement continues to grow.&nbsp;(AD) Do you know if you’re fairly paid?&nbsp;Fill out this&nbsp;<a href="https://payscale.pxf.io/c/3976832/1542560/16772">short salary survey</a>&nbsp;from Payscale to get a free salary and benefits report, and learn how you compare in your overall market. You'll also get career path predictions, see companies hiring for your role, and find out what skills can help you get ahead.* Disclaimer * to add at the end: This is an affiliate link, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click through the link and make a purchase from one of our partners.&nbsp;Need help researching your market rate?? Download our&nbsp;<a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">free Market Research Guide</a>.Subscribe to&nbsp;<a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/629773b2f0870d83de7c7fc7">our weekly newsletter&nbsp;</a>for important recaps on the state of work culture, insightful interviews from successful professionals, and resources to help you navigate and advance in your career.Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com&nbsp;

The Importance of Salary Transparency

What’s the reason we have jobs? To get paid.&nbsp;You’d think that we should know what we’re going to get paid before we spend time and energy applying for a job, but that isn’t the case for much of the United States. With pay transparency laws being different across the country, not everyone is getting the same access to salary information.&nbsp;For years it’s been normalized for employers to hide pay on job listings, ask for salary history, promote pay secrecy, &amp; avoid reporting on pay data. This gives the employer the upper hand in salary negotiations and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">raise discussions</a>, which can cause pay gaps &amp; wage discrimination for workers.&nbsp;

Wait a second…you guys are getting paid? 🤨#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency #paysecrecy

Despite the implementation of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/civil-rights-center/internal/policies/equal-pay-for-equal-work#:~:text=The%20Equal%20Pay%20Act%20of,wage%20discrimination%20based%20on%20sex.&amp;text=The%20Equal%20Pay%20Act%20(EPA)%20protects%20individuals%20of%20all%20sexes.">Equal Pay Act of 1963</a>, a significant gender wage gap persists, with women still earning less than men for equivalent work. This wage disparity exists across both private and public sectors, and mostly affects women of color.Pay transparency laws seek to change that, giving more power back to workers' as they fight for fair pay, negotiate salaries, and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">ask for a raises</a>.Pay transparency laws can differ from state-to-state, city-to-city, and even sector-to-sector. Depending on your location, your job search may be impacted in all the best ways.Key points:<ul><li>Pay transparency laws help create policies that close marginalizing pay gaps, combat discrimination, and help workers get paid what they deserve.</li><li>In locations where pay transparency laws are not in effect yet, employers are already starting to disclose pay ranges on listings and becoming part of the movement.</li><li>With several states having 1 or more laws that require pay transparency in some way, there are now federal bills in the works.</li></ul>

<h2>What are Pay Transparency Laws?</h2>Pay transparency laws govern how employers disclose information about employee compensation, whether that’s internally or externally. They help ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and equitably for the work they do, regardless of gender, race, or other demographic factors, while also helping employees to be able to advocate for themselves with more ease when they <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiate salary in a job offer</a>.&nbsp;Disclosing pay compensation has been a practice for quite some time in state and federal job listings. Requirements for private companies are a little different depending on your location as these laws can vary by jurisdiction.It's important for both employers and employees to be aware of the pay transparency laws that apply to their jurisdiction to ensure compliance and protect their rights.

<h2>Types of Pay Transparency Laws</h2>There are 4 different types of pay transparency legislation that currently exist in the U.S. This includes laws that require disclosure of pay ranges, salary history bans, policies that prohibit pay secrecy, and requirements around pay data reporting.Required Disclosure of Pay RangePay transparency laws that require pay range disclosure exist in a variety of ways and change from location to location. Some laws require salary ranges to be posted in all job listings while other laws require disclosure upon candidate request or after the first interview.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Most of the laws say that employers must post a range that they in ‘good faith’ believe they will pay for the role,” says Lulu Seikaly, Senior Corporate Employment Attorney at PayScale. The pay range posted can be a wide range or smaller range depending on the company.Salary History BansSalary history bans are laws that prohibit employers from asking candidates about their salary history, including the question on applications, and from retaliating against job applicants for not sharing salary history information.What someone makes at a past job shouldn’t have anything to do with what they make at a new job and can often bar them from negotiating for more. Salary history bans make it possible for candidates and employees to fairly negotiate their salary, as it puts them on a more equal level playing field as the employer during those discussions.Policies Against Pay SecrecyThanks to the <a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/guidance/key-reference-materials/national-labor-relations-act?fbclid=PAAab4PmbuWL_Zt9kFS6Py2dLdDIKMls-WSwbjOzOQPz_ttj92ytYN_Iy7khI">National Labor Relations Act</a>, workers are legally protected from employer retaliation for <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">talking about their pay</a>. In order for workers to be fully protected under the act, it’s best to share salary information off company time and property.While most employees in the private sector are covered by the NLRA, the act doesn’t cover any federal, state, or local government employees.Other workers that aren’t covered by the NLRA includes:&nbsp;<ul><li>agricultural laborers</li><li>domestic service workers of any person or family in a home</li><li>Workers employed by a parent or spouse</li><li>independent contractors</li><li>supervisors</li><li>railroads and airlines workers</li></ul>For more information on who is and isn’t covered by the NLRA, visit their <a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/the-law/jurisdictional-standards">jurisdictional standards</a> page.Required Pay Data ReportingReporting on pay data helps to identify and eliminate any inequities in compensation.There are a handful of states including Illinois &amp; Minnesota that are currently required to report pay and demographic data. This data is usually required to be reported on an annual basis and to their Civil Rights Department, Department of Labor, or other state agency.For our European friends, the EU recently introduced pay transparency legislation that includes similar pay data reporting requirements. Under the directive, EU companies are required to share information about how much employers pay women and men for the same work. If it’s found from the reporting that the gender pay gap exceeds 5%, legal action will be taken in the form of penalties and fines for employers who break the rules.

<h2>Pay Transparency Laws By State &amp; Jurisdiction</h2><a href="https://my.visme.co/view/8roxdkrq-pay-transparency-law-map">Click through the interactive chart below</a> for pay transparency laws across the U.S. including what’s required in your state. To see the full explanation &amp; documentation of each law per state, refer to the full table down below.

US map of pay transparency laws per state

Where the laws get confusing is when candidates or employees are remote and located elsewhere that isn’t clarified in the law.“When Colorado’s law first came out, many companies were posting remote job postings, but the postings were explicitly excluding Colorado applicants. A lawsuit was filed, and Colorado came in and said that if employers do this, they are operating in bad faith and skirting around the law. Ultimately, if the job can be performed in 49 out of 50 states, it can be performed in all 50 states, and employers must comply by posting ranges,” Seikaly explained.&nbsp;<h2>Pay Transparency Outside The U.S.</h2>Pay transparency laws don’t only exist in the U.S.. In Canada, 4 provinces have passed pay transparency legislation. As of 2024, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia have pay transparency laws in place.Employers are required to provide wage and salary information for any public job listing they post in all 4 provinces. They have all also added salary history bans, and all except for Prince Edward Island require pay transparency reporting.&nbsp;Ontario is the most recent province to do the same in their proposed <a href="https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-149">Bill 149</a>, which will require pay information to be included in public job postings.

<h2>The Rise &amp; Evolution of The Pay Transparency Landscape</h2>The <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/the-importance-of-salary-transparency">importance of salary transparency</a> is becoming clearer and clearer with each passing day (and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/why-i-started-salary-transparent-street">interview we film</a>). Pay transparency laws weren't around 10 years ago. Now there are over 30 states that have some form of pay transparency law, with more on the way, and a movement that continues to grow.Due to the rise of pay transparency, <a href="https://www.hiringlab.org/2023/03/14/us-pay-transparency-march-2023/">Indeed reported</a> that the amount of jobs disclosing salary information more than doubled from 18.4% to 43.7% between February 2020 and February 2023.

<h2>Where to Go From Here</h2>A new Federal bill <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1599/text?s=1&amp;r=2">HR 1599</a> was proposed to include pay ranges in all job postings, provide pay ranges to applicants, and provide pay ranges to existing employees for their positions. If the bill is passed, pay ranges across the U.S. would be required on all job listings from any “employer providing an employment opportunity” – which is a pretty big deal.The federal protections being proposed don’t stop there. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/7/text?r=2">Paycheck Fairness Act</a> on March 27, 2023. If the bill ends up getting signed into law, employers nationwide would be prohibited from asking job applicants about their salary history. It would also require them to prove that pay disparities between genders are job-related.It looks like there’s no stopping pay transparency across the country. This is only the beginning.&nbsp;Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com

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Green image with a map element and overlay text that reads "is pay transparency legal in your state?" 

Pay Transparency Laws by State: What's Required & What's Not

Navigating the art of <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">salary negotiation</a> can be a difficult task, especially when you’re scared that you could lose a job offer because of it. Don’t let that fear get the best of you.&nbsp;Worrying about all the bad things that could happen will only add insecurity to your efforts. Have you thought about what good things might happen? Because there’s a higher chance of a good outcome from negotiating rather than a bad one like a rescinded job offer.&nbsp;There are people that work some of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">highest-paying jobs without a college degree</a>. They're not only in the corporate world either. There are just as many <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">high-paying trade jobs</a> out there too. One reason they increased their pay is by negotiating their salary.&nbsp;Always negotiate your salary and benefits no matter what doubts may pop in your head. How you go about that is the secret sauce to getting what you want.

&nbsp;Key points:<ul><li>Job offers aren’t normally rescinded due to negotiating.</li><li>There are ways to avoid losing a job offer, but some things may be out of your control.&nbsp;</li><li>Don’t let fear stop you from negotiating and advocating for yourself. Always negotiate no matter what.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Can You Lose a Job Offer By Negotiating Salary?</h2>Can you really lose a job offer by negotiating salary? Well, yes and no. It’s actually a rare occurrence because employers expect people to negotiate when receiving a job offer. But it still happens as not all employers are the same. &nbsp;

For instance, <a href="https://www.thecut.com/article/ask-a-boss-job-offer-rescinded-after-negotiating.html">The Cut </a>published a letter from a woman who lost a job offer after negotiating, but most likely due to something that happened on the employer’s end. They almost didn’t publish the letter in fear that it would deter other women from negotiating, but thought it was important to share since the topic isn’t something that is talked about often.&nbsp;However, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/13/85-percent-of-americans-who-negtiated-a-job-offer-were-successful.html">a survey from Fidelity</a> found 85% of Americans and 87% of professionals ages 25 to 35 were successful when negotiating salary and benefits, meaning they got at least close to what they negotiated for. Remember, those odds are in your favor. If you let the fear of negotiating overcome you, you could lose out on some serious wealth building money in the future.<h2>Why Do Employers Rescind Job Offers?</h2>Usually it has little to do with you and everything to do with the employer. Pulling offers when a candidate negotiates is outside of normal business operations and could indicate that they lack a professional culture in their hiring process. If that’s the case, you probably don’t want to be working for them anyway.

On the other hand, there may be things happening on the employer side that fairly explains why they rescinded the offer, but they rarely reveal those details. They could’ve found a stronger candidate last minute, changed organizational needs, or received pressure to hire an internal candidate from higher up management.When negotiating salary and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">benefits</a>, there will always be things outside your control. Instead, focus on what you can control.<h2>The Do’s &amp; Don’ts of Salary Negotiation</h2>There are several reasons why a job offer might be rescinded. When you can’t control much from what happens behind the scenes of the employer, you can at least control your end of the negotiation.Let’s dig into a few do’s and don’ts of salary negotiation so you can step into the discussion fully prepared.<h2>Don’t Make Unrealistic Demands When Negotiating</h2>When negotiating your compensation package or <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">asking for a raise</a>, avoid responding with excessive counteroffers or demands that are unrealistic. These could be demands that are against company policy, rebounding with a new ask each time they respond, and anyway that shows you are unwilling to meet an agreement.&nbsp;<h2>Do Provide Proof of Your Value</h2>Make sure you have a justifiable reason that has to do with your value as a candidate when negotiating. For example, when negotiating for a higher salary but using personal preference instead of presenting it as your market salary could appear as a red flag to the employer. Our <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64c03066207ff6fa282b6bac?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F">Free Negotiation Guide</a> is a great resource to assist you in how to present your value to the company.

<h2>Don’t Be Combative or Aggressive</h2>This goes hand-in-hand with unrealistic demands, which could be seen as combative and an indication that you may be difficult to work with. If you act unprofessionally or aggressive during the negotiation, including passive aggressively, that could be another reason a job offer would be withdrawn.<h2>Do Make Sure to Be a Good Communicator During The Hiring Process</h2>When receiving a job offer, make sure to stay in constant contact with the recruiter and hiring manager in the most professional way possible. This includes when negotiating over the phone and email. Don’t leave them hanging for days without prompt communication of how long to expect when they’ll hear from you next. You want to show them that you are a good communicator and are reachable. This will also show them how you’ll perform in the new role and that you’re easy to work with when coming to an agreement.

<h2>Don’t Beat Around The Bush</h2>Talking about pay and benefits earlier in the interview process will help set expectations and prevent excessive negotiations after a job offer. If you were to ask about the salary in the first few interviews, that is an expected question to bring up and sets the stage for when negotiations come around during a job offer. Due to several <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws </a>across the country, it’s illegal in some states for them to refuse that question.<h2>Do Work On Your Timing</h2>Trying to negotiate after accepting a job offer or after a round of negotiations when terms were already agreed on could be a red flag as well, but isn’t always.&nbsp; If you decide to negotiate after accepting the job offer, we have a few <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a> to help you with handling that situation.&nbsp;<h2>When Job Offers are Non-Negotiable</h2>Another reason that isn’t talked about much is when a job offer is non-negotiable. If an employer sends you a job offer and states that it’s non-negotiable but you still try to negotiate, you may receive a response along the lines of, “This offer is non-negotiable and if that doesn’t work for you, then we can’t move forward.” In that case, it’s your decision to move forward with the job offer as-is or continue your job search.Considering a few of these reasons, you should still negotiate for a fair compensation package no matter what. It’s how you go about it that you should be careful of. Keep in mind what’s most important to you in that package, what isn’t, and what you’re willing to compromise on.

<h2>How to Avoid Losing a Job Offer During Salary Negotiations</h2>There will always be doubts that come to mind when approaching negotiations. Some call it “imposter syndrome”, but in reality it’s a very real and universal insecurity many folks share. Asking for money and advocating for your needs in any setting is uncomfortable, especially with added pressure from a job offer. Those doubts are just that - doubts. They aren’t real and are grounded in all the “what-ifs” that cycle through our mind when we get scared.But employers are not all evil overlords waiting to pull the rug out from every candidate that negotiates. Companies value people who advocate for themselves. If they don’t, how could they advocate and make sound decisions for the company in their job position?So, even if it’s possible to lose a job offer, it isn’t necessarily because you decided to negotiate. Always negotiate and advocate for yourself no matter what and use our <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64c03066207ff6fa282b6bac?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F">Free Negotiation Guide</a> as your own personal blueprint.

&nbsp;That wraps it up for this week. Until then, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella, a writer, engineer, and creator of <a href="https://iliketodabble.com/">I Like to Dabble </a>and <a href="https://iliketodabble.com/remote-work-bestie/">Remote Work Bestie</a> - my blog and podcast for leveling up your money, career, and side hustles. I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub">Salary Transparent Street blog</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iliketodabbleblog/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@iliketodabble">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/iliketodabble">Twitter</a>. Chat soon!Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com &nbsp;

Featured image with green background and illustration of people negotiating with title text that reads can you lose a job offer by negotiating 

Losing a job offer just by negotiating seems pretty unfair. Does that even happen? Let's dig in and learn the do's and don'ts of negotiating (and grab our Free Salary Negotiation Guide while you're at it).

Can You Lose a Job Offer By Negotiating Salary?

Has anyone ever told you that you have to go to college to get a high-paying job? Even if they don't know what you even want to do, society still pushes college as the ultimate solution.&nbsp;With the average cost of a 4-year college being $38,496 for in-state students and $54,183 for out-of-state students, according to the <a href="https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-online-college">Education Data Initiative</a>, college degrees are becoming harder and harder to afford.

Even though college degrees are necessary for several professions such as for doctors or lawyers, they aren’t required for everything. Many companies now value experience over a college degree and are changing their policies to attract better candidates.&nbsp;Key points:<ul><li>There are jobs paying over $60,000 that don’t require a college degree.</li><li>Some of the highest-paying jobs that don't require a degree include software engineers, real estate brokers, and entrepreneurs.&nbsp;</li><li>Necessary skills and experience can be learned through online courses or on the job.</li><li>Our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> has access to more high-paying job titles.</li></ul>

&nbsp;<h2>17 Highest-Paying Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree (All Pay Over $60K)</h2>Use this list of 17 high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree to start thinking of what you want to do and what’s required.&nbsp;All salary information below was pulled from <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/">Glassdoor </a>where you can also view open roles for each position. Job growth information was pulled from the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a> by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Keep in mind that the numbers below may change depending on your location.Our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> is another great resource for salary reporting. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> and the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/the-importance-of-salary-transparency">salary transparency movement</a> has allowed for easy access to that salary information.&nbsp;

Highest Salaries We Interviewed In 2023 | Salary Transparent Street Compilation

<h2>1. Real Estate Broker</h2>A real estate broker is someone who is a licensed intermediary between buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. They're basically real estate agents with an additional license to be a broker. Their primary role is to facilitate the purchase, sale, or lease of properties.The top skills needed for this job are communication skills and market knowledge, which can also be learned on the job. If you're someone who window shops on sites like Zillow and geeks out over real estate, this job might be perfect for you.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, real estate agent license, real estate broker license, and any specific licensing requirements that vary by stateWork experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $178,287Total potential pay: $132,000 - $236,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $100,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 3%<h2>2. Software Engineer</h2>

Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications or systems. Their job includes analyzing user requirements and building software using programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, and many others.&nbsp;“Software engineer” has become a sort of catch-all position and not all companies use that title. Other job titles with the same duties include “software developer”, “front-end developer”, “back-end engineer”, and “machine learning engineer” – among many others.&nbsp;They’re usually required to work in cross-functional teams, including product managers and quality assurance, so they must possess sufficient problem-solving and communication skills.&nbsp;Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and <a href="https://spacecoders.com/sts">Space Coders</a> is a great service to learn how to code software (in addition to web development and any other job that requires coding)Work experience required: None but companies may ask for code samples or if you have a github (which you can create using mock projects of your own or through freelance projects)Median annual salary: $140,318Total potential pay: $113,000 - $425,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $425,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 25%

Software Engineers Make How Much? 🤯 Salary Transparent Street™️ Compilation 💵

<h2>3. Ethical Hacker</h2>An ethical hacker, also known as a white-hat hacker, is a cybersecurity professional who is authorized to target vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. These positions may also fall under “cybersecurity analyst” or “cybersecurity engineer” as possible job titles.&nbsp;Their primary role is to identify and assess potential security risks and weaknesses in order to strengthen a company's cybersecurity. If you're someone that's interested in hacking and learning more about cybersecurity – but doesn't want to get involved in anything illegal – look at pursuing a career in ethical hacking or cyber security.

🔒Cybersecurity Pay Compilation!#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and some companies may require cybersecurity certificates, which can be acquired through online courses and trainingWork experience required: Some I.T. experience may be requiredMedian annual salary: $134,452Total potential pay: $101,000 - $184,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $166,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 32%<h2>4. Entrepreneur</h2>

#Entrepreneur in Louisville, KY📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency #paytransparency

An entrepreneur is someone who creates their own business and is their own boss. They either work as a sole proprietor where they’re the only one who gets paid in their business after expenses (this is what freelancers do), or they could also be responsible for paying contractors or employees that work for them.Entrepreneurs are responsible for almost everything in their business, aside from what they don’t outsource. When they aren’t working on product ideas, one-on-one clients, or anything else they do within their business, they might also have to handle bookkeeping, accounting, and legal side of the business.&nbsp;Education, training, or license requirements: None but taking online courses on how to run a business can be helpfulWork experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $117,921Total potential pay: $88,000 - $180,000 (or more depending on the size of the business)Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $180,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 8%<h2>5. Sales Representative</h2>

A sales representative, also known as a sales rep, is responsible for promoting and selling products or services on behalf of a company. A sales department exists in almost every industry and every type of company you can think of. This means you can work in any sector of your choosing – whether it’s technology, healthcare, or any other sector.&nbsp;This job involves identifying potential customers and their problems so they can present solutions that align with the benefits of whatever product they’re selling.&nbsp;The number one skill they need to do this job well is relationship management so they can work to build and maintain relationships with clients – as well as address inquiries, negotiate terms, and close deals.Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalentWork experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $104,536Total potential pay: $78,000 - $143,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $105,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 4%

How much can you make in #Sales in📍Arlington, VA? #salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

<h2>6. Application Tester</h2>Application testers, also known as a software testers or quality assurance (QA) testers, evaluate software applications to ensure they meet quality standards and functional requirements before being released to the public. Their primary role involves identifying defects and bugs in software applications and provide feedback to developers for improvement.Their daily responsibilities range from test planning and execution to bug reporting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Due to their role, they must have an attention to detail, possess high analytical skills, and have a technical aptitude to be able to perform tests.Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalentWork experience required: Some hands-on application testing experienceMedian annual salary: $99,731Total potential pay: $76,000 - $170,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $170,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 25%<h2>7. Digital Marketer</h2>

A digital marketer is responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing online marketing strategies to promote products, services, and brands. Several other job titles also fall under the role of “digital marketer” including “digital marketing manager” “digital marketing analyst”, and “digital marketing specialist”. The specific title depends on the company hiring.A digital marketer is responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing online marketing strategies to promote products, services, and brands. Several other job titles also fall under the role of “digital marketer” including “digital marketing manager” “digital marketing analyst”, and “digital marketing specialist”. The specific title depends on the company hiring.Their job involves leveraging various digital channels, such as social media, email, search engines, and websites, to reach target audiences and drive engagement. Their goal is to increase brand awareness and generate leads for a business.Skills needed usually involve website design basics, creative thinking, and the ability to interpret data to execute marketing campaigns.&nbsp;Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalentWork experience required: None but companies prefer to see portfolios (which you can create one using mock projects of your own or through freelance projects)Median annual salary: $92,682Total potential pay: $72,000 - $230,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $230,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 6%<h2>8. Web Developer</h2>A web developer is someone who is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining websites or web applications. Their job involves translating a client's or organization's needs into functional and visually appealing websites, ensuring a user-friendly experience. Usually this also involves working with designers and content managers to make sure all requirements are met for the final product.Web developers use programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and may work with various frameworks and content management systems.&nbsp;Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and aspiring web developers can take online training with organizations like<a href="https://spacecoders.com/sts"> Space Coders</a>, which is a program that teaches kids and adults how to code through playing gamesWork experience required: None but companies prefer to see portfolios (which you can create one using mock projects of your own or through freelance projects)Median annual salary: $89,521Total potential pay: $70,000 - $165,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $165,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 16%<h2>9. Technical Writer</h2>Technical writers specialize in creating clear and concise documentation for complex technical information. This documentation can be anything from internal documentation and user guides to technical blogs and whitepapers. For instance, the person writing all the documentation for a development team is called a "technical writer", while the person writing technical blogs on the company's website may also be called a "technical writer".Skills required to do this job include technical proficiency, writing and editing skills, and the ability to communicate complex information in a way that is easily digestable for the target audience.Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalentWork experience required: None but companies prefer to see portfolios (which you can create one using mock projects of your own or through freelance projects)Median annual salary: $81,911Total potential pay: $67,000 - $101,000&nbsp;Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $96,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 7%<h2>10. Insurance Agent</h2>

#InsuranceAgent in Salt Lake City, UT📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency #paytransparency

Insurance agents help their clients to determine their specific insurance needs and select the appropriate coverage plans. Their responsibilities include explaining policy details, answering any questions, and providing recommendations. They also work with clients throughout the application process, for claims processing, and are available for any needed help during the coverage plan period.Since they’re expected to maintain ongoing relationships with clients to ensure their insurance coverage remains suitable over time, they must be highly skilled in communication. Insurance agents should also have a vast knowledge of insurance products so they can effectively analyze plan options and drive sales.Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalentWork experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $80,128Total potential pay: $60,000 - $138,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $138,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 8%<h2>11. Transportation, Storage, or Distribution Manager</h2>Transportation, storage, and distribution managers are responsible for overseeing the efficient movement, storage, and distribution of goods within a supply chain. Their job involves coordinating transportation services, managing storage facilities, and optimizing distribution networks to ensure timely delivery of products.A few of their job duties may include collaborating with logistics teams and implementing strategies to streamline the overall supply chain process. They must also have skills in leadership, logistics, inventory control, and anything that helps them be an effective manager.Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalentWork experience required: Some warehouse and supply chain experience may be requiredMedian annual salary: $79,417Total potential pay: $62,000 - $103,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $60,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 18%<h2>12. Executive Assistant</h2>Executive assistants perform a wide range of duties in their job. They typically serve executives of both small and large companies, answering calls, responding to emails, adjusting schedules, making travel plans, etc. They do anything the executive can’t. Their role can even advance into helping the executive put together their work, such as making presentations, writing reports, and anything else that can help their superior get more done.&nbsp;Another name for the role of an executive assistant can also be “executive coordinator, “administrative assistant”, “administrative coordinator”, “business manager”, or “virtual assistant”.Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalent. But some employers may require additional education.Work experience required: None but depending on the employer, they may require some secretarial experience.Median annual salary: $77,987Total potential pay: $61,000 - $190,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $190,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 6%<h2>13. Bartender</h2>

Do you have a side hustle? #Marketing #Bartender working multiple jobs! #salarytransparentstreet

Bartenders are an under-rated high-paying job that requires little to no schooling, even though there are bartending schools available.Bartenders do exactly what their title entails, they tend to a bar. However, that isn’t all they do. Not only are they taking your order, mixing your drinks, serving you food, and supplying you with company, they also clean the bar, take inventory, order supplies, make the schedule, and the list goes on. They’re basically managing the bar.Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, and bartending school if required.Work experience required: None (but some restaurant experience is preferred)Median annual salary: $73,075Total potential pay: $56,000 - $150,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $150,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 3%<h2>14. Language Translator</h2>A language translator is someone who is responsible for converting written or spoken content from one language to another. This involves accurately conveying the meaning, tone, and cultural nuances of the original text or speech.&nbsp;Translators work across various industries, including legal, medical, technical, and literary fields, ensuring effective communication between individuals and groups who speak different languages.Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and fluency in 2 or more languages.Work experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $70,713Total potential pay: $56,000 - $90,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: N/A but if you’re a translator, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">add your salary</a>!Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 4%<h2>15. Electrician</h2>

Full interview with #UnionElectricians in Arlington, VA📍#salarytransparentstreet #tradejobs

Working as an electrician is one of the<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs"> highest-paying trade jobs</a> out there that also doesn't require a college degree. Their job involves interpreting electrical blueprints, wiring buildings, and ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of electricity.Electricians must be able to troubleshoot electrical issues and conduct inspections with a heightened attention to detail. They may specialize in areas such as wiring for new constructions, electrical repairs, or maintenance of complex industrial systems.&nbsp;Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, and an apprenticeship where they get paid while training on the job.&nbsp;Work experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $68,727Total potential pay: $53,000 - $104,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $104,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 6%

Trade Job Salaries | Salary Transparent Street Compilation

Video editors are responsible for refining raw video footage into a polished final product. This involves cutting and sequencing clips, with transitions, effects, and sound elements to enhance storytelling. Think of your favorite YouTube and TikTok videos and the cool transitions you saw in those videos. Those were made possible by a video editor!A few of the tools they use to do their job are a computer, video editing software, photo editing software, and anything else they need to complete the project. They also must stay updated on industry trends and possess a keen eye for detail to deliver high quality work.Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalentWork experience required: None but companies prefer to see portfolios (which you can create one using mock projects of your own when you have no work experience or through freelance projects)Median annual salary: $61,468Total potential pay: $46,000 - $82,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $76,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 7%<h2>17. Plumber</h2>

#SeniorOperationsManager and #Plumber in Phoenix, AZ📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

Plumbers are responsible for making sure plumbing systems are efficient and safe in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. Their job involves working with various plumbing components to ensure the proper functioning of water supply, drainage, and heating systems.&nbsp;They must have knowledge of plumbing tools and be able to critically think and provide advice on plumbing system improvements.&nbsp;Education, training, or license requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and plumber certificationWork experience required: None&nbsp;Median annual salary: $60,311Total potential pay: $47,000 - $88,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $88,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 2%<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About High-Paying Jobs That Don't Require a Degree</h2><h2>What job without a degree pays the most?</h2>The highest-paying jobs that don't require a degree include software engineers, ethical hackers, real estate brokers, application testers, sales representatives, and entrepreneurs.<h2>What are the easiest high-paying jobs?</h2>No high-paying job is necessarily "easy" but many can be low-stress. A few of these low-stress jobs that are high-paying include technical writers and web developers.<h2>How can I make $100,000 a year without a college degree?</h2>Making a <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/100k-salary-cities">$100k salary</a> without a college degree is achievable with the right combination of skills, experience, and determination. A few $100k salary jobs include software engineering, cybersecurity, real estate, entrepreneurship, trade jobs, and commission-based roles like sales.&nbsp;Research these industries and focus on building the skills they require. Many of these skills can be learned through online courses, workshops, or self-study resources. From there, look for programs and certifications to increase your earning potential, network and build relationships with people in those sectors, and don't forget to always negotiate your pay and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">ask for a raise at work</a> when needed (and no, you won't <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/can-you-lose-a-job-offer-by-negotiating-salary">lose a job offer by negotiating</a>)!<h2>What is the highest paid job without experience?</h2>The highest-paying job without experience is working as a real estate broker.<h2>Landing The Job</h2>There are tons of high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree. Our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> lists even more salary information for you to use in your research.If you have a profession in mind that you want to learn more about, start with looking up that job title on job sites to get a clearer idea on the different responsibilities. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SalaryTransparentStreet">Our YouTube channel </a>is a hidden gem for learning more about different professions and how much they make.&nbsp;Linkedin can be another great tool for researching positions. Search for job titles under the people tab to see what education, training, and experience they have in those positions to get a behind-the-scenes look.From there, look up online courses to build your skills and improve your resume as you start applying for some of these roles. And don't forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">negotiate your salary</a> using our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a>!Don’t forget to browse our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join the movement</a>!&nbsp;That wraps it up for this week. Until then, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella, a writer, engineer, and creator of <a href="https://iliketodabble.com/">I Like to Dabble </a>and <a href="https://iliketodabble.com/remote-work-bestie/">Remote Work Bestie</a> - my blog and podcast for leveling up your money, career, and side hustles. I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub">Salary Transparent Street blog</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iliketodabbleblog/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@iliketodabble">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/iliketodabble">Twitter</a>. Chat soon!Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com

featured desktop image of people working against a green background and title text overlay that reads "highest-paying jobs no degree required)

featured image of people working against a green background and title text overlay that reads "highest-paying jobs no degree required)

17 Highest-Paying Jobs Without a College Degree (All Pay Over $60K)

You don’t have to work in a corporate office to increase your salary. High paying trade jobs are great career options that don’t require a 4-year degree, are increasing in demand, and many have the potential to earn six figures as your seniority grows.&nbsp;

However, breaking into the highest-paying trade jobs may require some schooling or work experience. Several trades have low barriers of entry where you can even get paid to learn with an apprenticeship or other on-the-job training options. Other education requirements may include trade schools, associates degrees, certifications, or licenses.&nbsp;But what actually qualifies as a trade job?Key points:<ul><li>There are trade jobs that pay over $60,000 and have low barriers of entry.</li><li>The highest-paying trade jobs are aircraft mechanics, sonographers, IT system administrators, and occupational therapy assistants.&nbsp;</li><li>Several of the highest-paying trades don't require a college degree, but may require certifications, licenses, or trade school programs.</li><li>Entry-level trade workers can gain experience through paid apprenticeships or other on-the-job training options.&nbsp;</li><li>Well-paid trades that don't require experience but provide on-the-job training include carpenters, tattoo artists, and electricians.</li><li>Trades that provide paid apprenticeships include plumbers and carpenters.</li><li>Several trade workers, such as electricians and ironworkers, are protected by unions which provide higher pay with better benefits than non-union workers.&nbsp;</li><li>Our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> has access to more high-paying trade job titles.</li></ul>

&nbsp;<h2>What are skilled trade jobs?</h2>Trade jobs are careers that require specialized training, involve working with one's hands, and typically focus on a specific skill or craft. They exist in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance. There are also lesser-known careers that qualify as trade jobs, such as medical trades, cosmetic trades, and technical trades.&nbsp;Several trade jobs are also union jobs. Union jobs are positions in which workers are represented by a labor union, which is an organized group that <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiates wages</a>, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">pay raises</a>, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of its members. Because of this, they tend to be some of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">highest-paying jobs</a>.

According to <a href="https://www.unionplus.org/page/benefits-union-membership">Union Plus</a>, Union workers make 30% more than non-union workers and 92% of union workers have job-related health coverage versus 68% of non-union workers. Many also have guaranteed pensions, which is extremely rare in today’s job market and most often seen in <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-government-jobs">high-paying government jobs</a>.

How Much Do Trade Workers Really Make? Earnings Revealed at LaborFest

<h2>18 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs With Increasing Demand (and Low Barriers of Entry)</h2>Use this list of 18 top-paying trade jobs in demand for 2024 and their requirements to start thinking about next steps to take in your career.&nbsp;This list was put together using salary information from <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/index.htm">Glassdoor</a>, our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>, and the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a> from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.&nbsp;All jobs below are listed from highest to lowest salaries. Keep in mind that the numbers below may change depending on your location. You may notice that the higher paying trades may include more education requirements such as completing accredited programs and obtaining licenses, but keep in mind that those may change depending on the company and state.Our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> is another great resource for salary reporting. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> and the salary transparency movement has allowed for easy access to that salary information.

<h2>1. Aircraft Mechanic/Technician</h2>Aircraft mechanics are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and inspecting aircraft to ensure they are safe to fly. They work with engines, landing gear, brakes, electrical systems, and other mechanisms for both airplanes and helicopters. They also perform both structural and avionics maintenance while making sure they stay compliant with regulations.Precision is extremely important in aircraft maintenance, as even the smallest of errors can have serious consequences. Aircraft mechanics must have keen attention to detail to ensure that all repairs and inspections are carried out correctly.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and certification from a <a href="https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airline_certification/amts">Part 147 FAA-approved</a> aviation maintenance technician school.Work experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $105,596Total potential pay: $79,000 - $220,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $220,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 4%<h2>2. Sonographer</h2>A sonographer is a medical trade worker who uses ultrasound technology to create images of internal organs, tissues, and blood flow patterns within the body. These images, called sonograms or ultrasounds, help physicians diagnose and monitor medical conditions in patients.Sonographers must have the ability to understand how to use ultrasound technology and equipment, as well as good communication skills to convey information clearly when discussing images with the healthcare team.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and depending on the company and state, completion of an accredited sonography program or sonography certification. License requirements vary by state.Work experience required: Some companies may require work experience but clinical hours from certificate programs normally fit requirements.Median annual salary: $98,732Total potential pay: $77,000 - $130,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $130,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 10%<h2>3. IT System Administrator</h2>

How much does a #SystemsAdministrator make?📍Detroit, MI #salarytransparentstreet

System administrators are technical trade workers that are responsible for managing and maintaining a company’s computer systems, networks, and infrastructure.This trade requires a high level of technical proficiency and some programming skills to be able to work with different types of hardware and software. They should also possess problem-solving skills for troubleshooting and reverse engineering problems. These can be learned through specific programs, online courses, or on the job.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. Some companies will hire without a degree if there is some work experience such as working in a help desk IT support role or past freelance experience. Other companies may require an associate's degree, completion of a technical trade program, or specific certifications for specialists.Work experience required: It depends on the company and role. Typically no prior experience is required when education qualifications are fulfilled.Median annual salary: $90,396Total potential pay: $71,000 - $127,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $127,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 2%<h2>4. Occupational Therapy Assistant</h2>

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to individuals with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges. Their role is to help patients live independently through developing goals and improving their ability to perform daily tasks and activities.Due to their close interaction with people, they must possess genuine empathy and compassion along with strong communication and interpersonal skills.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and completion of an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, certification, and license. Follow the steps lined out by the <a href="https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure/learn-the-steps-to-licensure">American Occupational Therapy Association</a>.Work experience required: There are some fieldwork requirements, but those are already required when applying for a license.Median annual salary: $86,455Total potential pay: $50,000 - $111,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $54,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 23%<h2>5. Radiology Technician</h2>Working as a radiology technician is another medical trade in which they perform diagnostic imaging procedures to help physicians treat their patients. They operate imaging equipment such as X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and fluoroscopy equipment to produce images of the inside of the body.They must possess radiation safety knowledge and math skills to calculate the right amount of radiation emitted in imaging procedures. Technical skills are also required to operate imaging equipment and technology.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and completion of an accredited program. The <a href="http://www.jrcert.org/">Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology</a> (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography. It depends on the state if licenses or certifications are required.&nbsp;Work experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $85,861Total potential pay: $70,000 - $105,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $79,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 6%<h2>6. Web/Graphic Designer</h2>

How much does a self-employed #GraphicDesigner make in Chicago, IL📍? #salarytransparentstreet

Web and graphic designers are creative professionals responsible for designing visual elements for websites, digital media, print materials, and other marketing collateral. They usually work within design teams that work with different departments such as product, marketing, and technical teams for projects.&nbsp;Web and graphic designers must have both creative and technical skills to be able to use different software for crafting designs. As they become more experienced in their career, they can move on to other higher-paying roles like UX design.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. Some companies may require completion of a technical trade school program. But you may not need specific education credentials if you can demonstrate prior related work experience or project work.Work experience required: None but some companies may require internships or apprenticeships (which you can learn on the job). Portfolios of past work based on personal projects, school projects, or freelance projects can also be shown in the place of work experience.Median annual salary: $82,695Total potential pay: $65,000 - $115,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $115,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 16%<h2>7. Union Plumber Pipefitter</h2>

Union plumbers and pipefitters install and repair piping systems for homes, businesses, factories, and other places. They work with various materials, including copper, PVC, steel, and cast iron, to create piping systems for water supply, drainage, heating, and cooling.Skills required are mechanical skills for using different types of tools and maneuvering them precisely. Troubleshooting skills are also required to be able to quickly find and repair problems.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and an apprenticeship where they get paid while training on the job. License requirements depend on your state.Work experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $82,313Total potential pay: $66,000 - $102,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $88,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 2%

<h2>8. Automotive Mechanic</h2>Automotive mechanics specialize in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They work in various settings, including dealerships and repair shops, and the work experience and education requirements may vary from shop-to-shop.Mechanics need to have a strong understanding of vehicle systems and components and stay updated on the latest automotive technology. They should know how to use a variety of tools and equipment to perform repairs and maintenance. Even though they may learn some of this from hands-on training during certification programs, they can continue to build their expertise through on-the-job training.&nbsp;Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. Although some mechanics may not be certified, most shops require certification from the <a href="http://www.ase.com/">National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence</a>.Work experience required: None&nbsp;Median annual salary: $81,409Total potential pay: $65,000 - $103,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $70,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 2%

#Mechanic in Portland, OR📍

<h2>9. Massage Therapist</h2>Massage therapists are healthcare professionals who use touch and manipulation techniques to provide therapeutic relief to clients. They work in a variety of settings, including spas, wellness centers, and medical offices.&nbsp;Important skills to have include the ability to evaluate the needs of their clients and recommend treatments. They must also be physically capable to apply pressure and manipulate muscles while administering massage therapy.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent and massage therapy education programs. Currently, <a href="https://www.abmp.com/practitioners/state-requirements#:~:text=Licensure%20is%20required%20in%20each,as%20a%20requirement%20for%20renewal.">45 states</a> require massage therapists to be licensed.Work experience required: None but some companies may require internships or apprenticeships (which you can learn on the job). Some companies like to see portfolios of past work based on personal projects, school projects, or freelance projects.&nbsp;Median annual salary: $75,542Total potential pay: $57,000 - $100,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $96,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 18%<h2>10. Tattoo Artist</h2>

How much does a #TattooArtist make? Eugene, OR📍#salarytransparentstreet

A tattoo artist creates permanent designs on the skin using tattooing techniques and equipment. They work in tattoo studios or shops, where they provide tattoo services to clients seeking personalized body art.Tattoo artists usually possess artistic talent, creativity and innovation, and technical tattooing skills. They must also pay close attention to detail when applying tattoos since they are permanent.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships that lead to certification or a license.&nbsp;Work experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $60,663Total potential pay: $49,000 - $76,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: N/A - If you’re a tattoo artist, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">add your salary</a>!Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 4%<h2>11. Union Electrician</h2>

#electrician in Washington, DC📍#salarytransparentstreet #paytransparency #tradejob

Union electricians are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. A few of their key duties include inspections, troubleshooting, making upgrades, reading blueprints, and following safety protocols.Good skills to have as an electrician include color vision to identify wires by color, critical thinking skills, and physical strength.&nbsp;Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and an apprenticeship where they get paid while training on the job. &nbsp;Work experience required: None&nbsp;Median annual salary: $70,000Total potential pay: $53,000 - $91,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $104,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 6%<h2>12. Nail Technician</h2>

How much does a #NailTech make? Eugene, OR📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency

Nail technicians specialize in providing nail care services to clients. Their primary focus is enhancing the appearance and health of clients' nails, hands, and feet. Their responsibilities include manicures, pedicures, nail art and design, and health and sanitation, among many others.&nbsp;Nail techs should have a high attention to detail, creative abilities, and customer service skills. Nail technicians who run their own salons must understand business principles to manage a salon and make it profitable.&nbsp;Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. State licensing requirements vary.Work experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $68,398Total potential pay: $30,000 - $94,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $33,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 9%<h2>13. Hair Colorist</h2>

#Hairstylists in Atlanta, GA📍#salarytransparentstreet #salarytransparency #hairstylistjob

Hair colorists specialize in applying hair color treatments to enhance the look of their client’s hair. They use various coloring techniques and products to achieve desired hair color results. Responsibilities include consulting clients, hair color techniques, lightening hair, color correction, and general hair care and maintenance.&nbsp;Hair colorists should have a strong understanding of color theory to create hair color combinations that complement clients' features.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a state-approved cosmetology program, and state license. License requirements vary by state.Work experience required: None&nbsp;Median annual salary: $66,137Total potential pay: $50,000 - $89,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $70,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 9%<h2>14. Construction Worker</h2>Construction workers perform various duties around a construction site. They clean and prepare sites, load and unload materials, operate power tools, and assist other trade workers, such as carpenters and electricians. They’re not only involved in building, but also disassembling, and may be responsible for taking apart structures.Once you get started in construction, there are several other roles you can either pivot to or work on moving up to. These include roles like “Construction Equipment Operator”, “Construction Manager”, “Construction Project Manager”, “Construction Foreman”, and several other position titles.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. Employers may require a safety certification that meets <a href="https://www.osha.gov/">Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)</a> guidelines.Work experience required: None. Many get paid while learning on the job. There are also apprenticeship programs available that may be sponsored by local unions or trade associations, but aren’t required.Median annual salary: $65,634Total potential pay: $49,000 - $89,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $60,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 4%

How much does a #constructionworker make in 📍Washington, DC?#salarytransparentstreet

<h2>15. Esthetician</h2>Estheticians are licensed professionals who specialize in providing skin care services to clients. They usually work in spas, salons, skincare clinics, or medical spas. Their responsibilities may include skincare analysis, facial treatments, and consultation, among many others.Skills used include skincare knowledge, hygiene and sanitation practices, and good communication skills to provide customer service.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a cosmetology or esthetician program, and state license. Licensing requirements vary by state.Work experience required: None&nbsp;Median annual salary: $64,139Total potential pay: $30,000 - $80,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $38,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 9%<h2>16. Union Carpenter</h2>

Carpenters work with wood and other materials to construct various structures and fixtures. Their work encompasses a wide range of tasks in the construction industry, from framing buildings to crafting custom furniture.Skills that are helpful as a carpenter include reading blueprints, carpentry techniques, and a high attention to detail. They should also be familiar with using hand tools and power tools.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and training is usually done on the job through paid apprenticeships.Work experience required: None&nbsp;Median annual salary: $64,000Total potential pay: $52,000 - $80,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $54,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 1%<h2>17. Commercial HVAC Technician</h2>Commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians specialize in the installation, maintenance, repair, and servicing of HVAC systems in commercial and industrial buildings.Their skills usually include technical HVAC knowledge, and mechanical and electrical skills. Commercial HVAC technicians should also have strong diagnostic skills to identify and resolve HVAC system issues.Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships and other training programs.Work experience required: None&nbsp;Median annual salary: $63,376Total potential pay: $51,000 - $79,000&nbsp;Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: $130,000Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 6%<h2>18. Union IronWorker</h2>

How much does a #unionironworker make in Indiana? #salarytransparentstreet #ironworker #ironworkers

Ironworkers fabricate and install structural iron and steel components used in construction projects. They work primarily with iron, steel, and other metal materials to build frameworks, structures, bridges, and other infrastructure.Skills needed include metalworking skills, the ability to read blueprints, and physical strength to handle heavy steel. They’ll also need to be able to work at great heights and walk on narrow beams.Entry-level education required: High school diploma, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships.Work experience required: NoneMedian annual salary: $62,456Total potential pay: $50,000 - $79,000Highest-paying salary in our Salary Database: N/A but if you’re an ironworker, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">add your salary</a>!Projected growth rate up to year 2032: 2%

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Jobs</h2><h2>How do I know what trade job is right for me?</h2>Choosing the right trade job for you involves considering various factors, including your interests, skills, personality traits, career goals, and lifestyle preferences. For example, if you’re curious about the human body and are normally interested in medical subjects, you should explore medical trades.<h2>Can you make 6 figures in a trade?</h2>Many trade workers don’t start out making 6 figures right away but can grow their salaries to six figures as their seniority grows. Union workers may hit 6 figures quicker than non-union workers due to high overtime pay by the hour.

<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">Discussing salary with coworkers</a> can also help get a good idea of how much you can expect to make as you build your experience.<h2>What is the highest-paying trade job?</h2>The highest-paying trade workers include sonographers and dental hygienists. However, dental hygienists have more education requirements and longer programs.<h2>Which is the quickest trade to learn?</h2>The "quickest" trade to learn can vary depending on factors such as your existing skills, interests, and the specific trade's requirements. Trades that tend to have shorter programs are welding and construction, although they aren’t the highest-paying trades.<h2>Do trade jobs require a college degree?</h2>Trade jobs don't require a bachelor's degree, but some may require an associate's degree, licensing, or certifications. Several trades only require a high school diploma and workers get paid to learn on the job.<h2>How to Get Into a Skilled Trade</h2>There are tons of high-paying trade jobs that require minimal schooling and paid training so you get hands-on experience as you learn your job. This is the complete opposite of paying thousands on a bachelor's degree that doesn’t provide any sort of experience.&nbsp;If you have a trade in mind, the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a> from the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great resource for looking up each trade, the requirements for it, and information on how to actually land the job.&nbsp;For trades that require program completion with a certification, the handbook has links for which ones are accredited and are better to take. This way you’re not confused about how to proceed forward. You can also search job sites for any trade position to see what current trade jobs are requiring.Our YouTube channel is another great resource for learning more about different professions and how much they make.Don’t forget to browse our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join the movement</a>!&nbsp;That wraps it up for this week. Until then, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella, a writer, engineer, and creator of <a href="https://iliketodabble.com/">I Like to Dabble </a>and <a href="https://iliketodabble.com/remote-work-bestie/">Remote Work Bestie</a> - my blog and podcast for leveling up your money, career, and side hustles. I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub">Salary Transparent Street blog</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iliketodabbleblog/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@iliketodabble">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/iliketodabble">Twitter</a>. Chat soon!Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com

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18 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs With Low Barriers to Entry

In 2023, Salary Transparent Street made over $1 million in revenue. 🤯We made $1,043,740 to be exact – more than double what we made in 2022. Best of all? Our business grew while we got to do what we love: share <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/the-importance-of-salary-transparency">the importance of salary transparency</a> with the world.&nbsp;

For some context: There are some important things to note about the ways content creators make money…<ul><li>Unlike people with salaried roles, content creators have uncapped earning potential. As business owners, the more we work, the more money we make.&nbsp;</li><li>We have business expenses, so our paychecks are not our revenue. Our take-home pay is a fraction of our gross revenue.&nbsp;</li><li>Because there are many different ways to make and spend money as a creator, creators’ earnings can vary a ton (even on the same platforms with the same audience size).</li></ul>In the spirit of transparency, we’re sharing exactly 1) how we got to $1 million, and 2) where it all goes. Let’s break it down →<h2>How We Made $1 Million</h2>

We Made $1M in 2023 From Street Interviews | Salary Transparent Street

<h2>1. Brand Partnerships</h2>Brand partnerships are sponsored content – AKA when a brand we love pays us to make content. You’ll know it when you see it. This content must be labeled as a “paid partnership” or have #ad or #partner in the caption of our videos.The deets: At a total of $1,012,329, brand partnerships made up 96% of Salary Transparent Street’s 2023 revenue. For full transparency of what we charge for partnerships, the market rate for videos on Salary Transparent Street’s channels is between $10,000 and $15,000. We prioritize long-term partnerships, which means that we work with the same partners for a set number of deliverables each month — and at our rate, that adds up quickly.<h2>2. Ad Revenue</h2>We get payouts from the platforms we publish content on including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. These platforms serve ads alongside our content, like when YouTube plays ads before and during videos, and they pay creators like us for bringing eyeballs to their ads. While each platform <a href="https://www.epidemicsound.com/blog/which-social-media-platform-pays-the-most/">pays creators differently</a>, their payouts are all correlated to views. So just by watching our content, you helped grow our business! 💚

The deets: Ad revenue made up 3% of our total revenue, which comes out to $30,265. We don’t take it for granted either. That’s more than half of the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/average-salary-by-state/">average US salary</a>.&nbsp;<h2>3. Miscellaneous</h2>Merch sales, speaking engagements, and social media consulting made up the remaining 1% of our revenue.<h2>Where the Money Goes (Our Expenses)</h2><h2>1. Our Salaries</h2>This year, I took home $125,000 as a full-time CEO, while our incredible part-time cameraman (and my husband!) James took home $65,000.&nbsp;<h2>2. Paying Contractors and Part-Time Workers</h2>We worked with a social media manager, assistant, accountant, lawyer, and blog writer this year. In total, outsourcing this work cost us $361,058. &nbsp;

<h2>3. Website Expenses</h2>We work with an awesome website development team to keep our website up and running (with amazing resources like our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">salary database</a>). That cost us $215,770.<h2>4. Marketing Expenses</h2>This year, we did a full brand redesign, built a media kit, and worked with an agency to produce our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">newsletter</a>. This cost $132,158.<h2>5. Travel Expenses</h2>In 2023, we traveled to 20 different states and Canada to spread transparency! Plane tickets, hotels, and rental cars added up to $37,039.<h2>6. General Expenses and Operations</h2>From platform subscriptions to insurance to film equipment, we spent $27,022 to keep everything operating smoothly behind the scenes.<h2>What It Means to Us</h2>Earning $1M is cool and all (okay, I admit it—it’s insane). However, at the end of the day, our biggest accomplishments in 2023 weren’t tied to a number at all.In that same year, we testified in support of Washington, DC’s <a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/d-c-to-require-pay-range-in-job-ads-ban-salary-history-queries">Pay Range Act</a> (which passed and is going into effect in June 2024!), spoke with multiple state representatives about <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> and free speech legislation, gave back to our community through cash giveaways, and so much more.

In 2024, we hope to double our revenue again (that’d be wild, right?). More importantly, we want to share more valuable content and increase our charitable pool. I have a pretty good feeling we’ll reach our goals and then some – and it’s all thanks to your support. 💚Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com &nbsp;

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How We Made $1M From Street Interviews

Imagine this: There are two coworkers who share the exact same role, experience, skills, and responsibilities. They’re both dedicated, driven, positive, and collaborative. But one makes $10,000 less than the other.&nbsp;

For many – perhaps even you – this isn’t a hypothetical situation. It’s the reality of pay discrimination (also referred to as wage discrimination). It doesn’t matter if you’re the employee or employer. Anyone can play a part in it, and many don’t even realize they’re doing it.&nbsp;To find out if you’re a victim of pay discrimination, you’ll need to first understand what pay discrimination is in its many shapes and sizes. Then join us in fighting the good fight – stopping pay discrimination once and for all.Key points:<ul><li>Pay discrimination is illegal but it still happens all the time.</li><li>You can be discriminated against based on your race, gender, ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics.</li><li>There is a long history of pay discrimination and the pay gap is shrinking, but we still have a ways to go.</li><li>You have several legal rights that can help you fight back.</li></ul>

&nbsp;<h2>What is pay discrimination?</h2>Pay discrimination happens when employees are paid less than their equal counterparts on the basis of their race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, ability, or other demographic characteristics.&nbsp;It also affects more than just the impacted individual. Pay discrimination can perpetuate social and economic inequalities for generations.Pay discrimination isn’t just unfair. It’s illegal.<a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/history/equal-pay-act-1963#:~:text=To%20prohibit%20discrimination%20on%20account,production%20of%20goods%20for%20commerce.">The Equal Pay Act of 1963</a> prohibits employers from pay discrimination on the basis of sex. A not-so-fun fact is that when the act was passed, women workers were earning <a href="https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2022/demo/p60-276.html">only 59 cents</a> to mens’ dollar.

Since then, multiple laws have targeted pay discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and age. Then in 2009, the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/181#:~:text=Lilly%20Ledbetter%20Fair%20Pay%20Act%20of%202009%20%2D%20Amends%20the%20Civil,individual%20is%20affected%20by%20application">Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act</a> clarified that all inequitable and discriminatory payments are illegal…period.A few states are taking things a step further with laws around pay transparency and wage history:<ul><li>California, New York, Colorado, Nevada, and Connecticut all prohibit employers from asking about salary history.</li><li>Want to learn if your state has any of these laws? Check out our complete list of <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws by state</a>, including progress on proposed bills on both a state and federal level.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Different Forms of Pay Discrimination</h2>There isn’t only one type of pay discrimination. There are several and some can even overlap.&nbsp;Here’s a rundown of the biggest forms of pay discrimination we’re fighting today 👇<h2>Gender Discrimination</h2>Today, women are participating in the labor market at near-record rates. The wage gap has significantly decreased but it hasn’t disappeared. And no, it isn’t because women aren’t negotiating – that’s a myth. When it comes to<a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/gender-and-negotiation"> gender and negotiation</a>, women actually negotiate more than men.&nbsp;Women now earn <a href="https://nwlc.org/resource/the-wage-gap-robs-women-working-full-time-year-round-of-hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars-over-a-lifetime/#">84 cents for every dollar</a> paid to a full-time working man. That adds up to nearly $10,000 less per year in median earnings. 🤯When women become moms, they’re either <a href="https://www2.census.gov/ces/wp/2017/CES-WP-17-68.pdf">less likely</a> to be hired and typically offered a lower salary than their male counterparts. On average, moms working full-time <a href="https://nwlc.org/resource/mothers-wage-gap/#:~:text=Among%20full%2Dtime%2C%20year%2D,month%20or%20%2418%2C000%20a%20year.">earn just 74 cents for every dollar</a> paid to a dad in the US.It only gets worse with age. In 2022, women ages 25 to 44 made 88% of what men their age made, while women 65 or older earned just <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/article/5-facts-from-the-2022-wage-gap-data/">78%</a> of men their age.

There are a few potential reasons this pay gap exists. Women are underrepresented in <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">high-paying jobs</a> like managerial and <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2021/04/01/stem-jobs-see-uneven-progress-in-increasing-gender-racial-and-ethnic-diversity/">STEM occupations</a>, but they’re overrepresented in lower-paying jobs, like education and services.

Celebrating women in STEM this #womanshistorymonth! #salarytransparentstreet #stemcareers

But even when comparing apples-to-apples (AKA comparing the salaries of men and women in the exact same job), the wage gap exists…and that’s because of bias. A <a href="https://insights.som.yale.edu/insights/women-arent-promoted-because-managers-underestimate-their-potential">Yale School of Management study</a> found that women got higher performance ratings than men, but were consistently and incorrectly judged as having less leadership potential.What’s the big picture here? The cumulative cost of the gender pay gap to women has amounted to $61 trillion since 1967, the first year of available US Census Bureau data. That’s nearly 3x our country’s GDP.<h2>Racial Discrimination</h2>Over the past five years, the racial wage gap has been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/19/briefing/juneteenth-racial-wage-gap.html">shrinking</a>. However in 2023, non-white workers in the U.S. experience large pay gaps compared to their white peers.&nbsp;For <a href="https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106041">every dollar </a>paid to white, non-Hispanic men:<ul><li>Asian women are paid 97 cents.</li><li>White women are paid 79 cents.</li><li>Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander women are paid 66 cents.</li><li>Black or African American women are paid 63 cents.</li><li>Hispanic or Latino women are paid 58 cents.</li><li>American Indian or Alaska Native women are paid 58 cents.</li></ul>

Why is this happening? Racial minorities are overrepresented in <a href="https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat39.htm">lower-paying</a> jobs. Economic theorists often blame the racial pay gap on differences in education, experience, and the fact that Black workers are more likely to live in lower-wage Southern states. Yet, even when controlling for these factors, Black workers <a href="https://www.epi.org/unequalpower/publications/understanding-black-white-disparities-in-labor-market-outcomes/">earn 14.9%</a> less than white workers. Sounds like a bad case of employer bias.<h2>Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Discrimination</h2><a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-wage-gap-among-lgbtq-workers-in-the-united-states">36%</a> of LGBTQIA+ workers say they have experienced discrimination in the workplace. Overall, LGBTQIA+ workers earn about 90 cents for every dollar that straight and cisgender workers earn and are less likely to have access to health insurance and other <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">employer benefits</a>.

<h2>Age Discrimination</h2>More than 40% of workers over the age of 40 <a href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/02/ageism-age-discrimination-statistics-america-2023-workplace#:~:text=More%20than%2040%25%20of%20workers%20over%20the%20age%20of%2040%20say%20they%27ve%20experienced%20age%20discrimination%20at%20work%20in%20the%20last%20three%20years%2C%20according%20to%20a%20recent%20AARP%20survey.">say</a> they've experienced age discrimination at work in the last three years. The role of bias is no secret here. Employers <a href="https://www.ziprecruiter.com/blog/despite-a-tight-labor-market-older-workers-cite-widespread-ageism/">admit</a> that they're looking for younger talent. 47% say they're worried about older workers' tech skills and 25% say they'd pick a 30-year-old over a 60-year-old – even if both candidates were equally qualified.<h2>Disability Discrimination</h2>Workers with disabilities earn <a href="https://disabilitycompendium.org/compendium/2020-annual-disability-statistics-compendium?page=10">84%</a> of what workers without disabilities earn. This is often about accessibility. Employers may not provide workers with disabilities the accommodations they need, like a wheelchair ramp or a screen reader.<h2>So, what can you do about it?</h2>Here are 3 simple steps you can take:&nbsp;<ol><li>Know your worth. Compare your salary to the market rate for your specific experience and position to identify discrepancies—which may be indicative of discrimination. Check out our <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">free market research guide</a> to find your market rate, then compare to our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>. Also look at what kind of policies your employer has about discrimination so you can identify any times they’ve been broken.</li><li>Ask for regular salary reviews. Salary reviews allow you to openly communicate with your employer, negotiate your salary, and make appropriate adjustments. Need help negotiating? We’ve got <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/64c03066207ff6fa282b6bac?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F">a free guide</a> for that. Also check out our free list of <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a>!</li><li>Vote! While recent legislation has improved salary transparency and pay equality, there’s still progress to be made. <a href="https://www.vote.org/">Know the candidates on your local ballot</a> and vote!</li></ol>

<h2>How do I know if I’m a victim of wage discrimination?</h2>Even after doing everything you can to advocate for yourself, you may still fall victim to pay discrimination.&nbsp;Here’s what you can do:<ol><li>Know the policies. Thanks to the <a href="https://www.worker.gov/discussion-of-pay/">National Labor Relations Act</a>, it is your legal right to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">talk about pay</a> with your employer, without fear of retaliation. Your employer may have additional policies for compensation, complaints, promotions, and/or discrimination claims. Review these too.</li><li>Gather any “proof,” including your market rate, pay stubs, info about your past experience, your coworkers’ pay and experience, and job descriptions. Make sure to take notes from any meetings, emails, or other communications related to your pay.</li><li>Seek internal support. Request a meeting with your boss or HR to present the issue and walk through your proof. Document the date you met and who was present, detail what you discussed during the meeting, explain how you found out about the pay discrepancy and the proof you presented, and communicate exactly how your boss or HR rep responded. After you meet, send a follow-up email to confirm what happened during the conversation.&nbsp;</li><li>Find a group. If you’re a member of a union, ask about filing a grievance or find out whether pay discrimination is covered in your collective bargaining agreement. This is a common occurrence in many <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">high-paying trade jobs</a>. And if you’re not part of a union? Team up with your coworkers to start a petition or organize a company-wide meeting.</li><li>File a complaint with the EEOC or your state’s enforcement agency. Call the <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination">US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission</a> hotline at 800-669-4000. If you don’t want to file a complaint, you can still speak with an EEOC counselor to learn more about your legal rights.</li><li>Speak with an attorney. Learn your legal rights before you move beyond internal complaints. <a href="https://www.equalrights.org/">Equal Rights Advocates</a> is a great resource. They offer free, confidential legal advice.</li></ol>Want to learn more about how pay discrimination shows up in everyday work-life? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">Read our weekly Salary Transparent Street newsletter</a> to stay up to date on all things compensation, money, and getting paid what you’re worth.For more Salary Transparent Street resources:<ul><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!&nbsp;</li><li>Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</li></ul>

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Pay Discrimination 101: What It Is and How to Fight Back

Hitting the six-figure salary mark is a big deal. In 2023, individuals earning $100,000 sat at the <a href="https://dqydj.com/income-percentile-calculator/">81st percentile</a> of all U.S. earners.&nbsp;But how does making $100K change your lifestyle? In a <a href="https://smartasset.com/data-studies/dd-what-100000-is-worth-2023">2023 study</a>, SmartAsset calculated take-home paychecks by removing state, federal, and local taxes from a $100,000 salary, then adjusted the remainder based on each city's relative cost of living – taking into account housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous goods and services.&nbsp;What they found was that a six-figure lifestyle can look very different…depending on where you live. Let’s get into it.

Key points:<ul><li>Each city’s cost of living depends on several factors such as taxes, housing, and transportation.</li><li>Don’t take $100,000 salaries at face value. Your salary is different from your take-home pay.</li><li>Browse the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">highest-paying jobs</a> (including <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">high-paying trade jobs</a>) on our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">salary database</a>.</li></ul>

&nbsp;<h2>Least Expensive Cities in the U.S.</h2>The city that will give you the most bang for your buck is Memphis, Tennessee. This is where a six-figure earner would have the equivalent of $86,444 left after taxes. But why? Tennessee has no state income taxes and a low <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/cost-of-living-index-by-state">cost of living</a> of 13.8% below the national average.Texas is another location with a low cost of living. It’s home to seven out of the top 10 most affordable cities in the U.S. A $100,000 salary on average nets you $77,885 after taxes across the 10 Texas cities.

NEW STATE! ⭐️ Austin, TX📍#salarytransparentstreet

<h2>Most Expensive Cities in the U.S.</h2>For the most expensive cities, New York delivers the toughest blow. It’s ranked dead last in affordability, with a $100,000 salary in the Big Apple amounting to just $35,791 when you factor in taxes and cost of living.Combined federal, state, and local taxes nab about 41% of your paycheck, and the cost of living is 83.6% higher than the national average.

California is another one that is right up there with New York. It has five of the 10 priciest cities: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, and Oakland.&nbsp;To actually take home $100K a year, you’d need to see a salary of <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/300k-100k-nyc-heres-taxes-152900522.html">over $300,000+</a> in more expensive cities like New York, Honolulu, or San Francisco. But to take home $100K in Memphis or El Paso? That salary is much lower and falls just under $120,000.<h2>What does it mean for you?&nbsp;</h2>Do your research. When comparing jobs in different cities, don’t take the salary at face value. Taxes differ state to state, which means that your take-home pay differs too. Factor in the cost of living (average cost of housing, transportation, and goods and services), and that salary can mean very different lifestyles in different cities.&nbsp;Keep in mind that jobs based in the best-bang-for-your-buck cities typically adjust salaries to their affordability. In the Memphis metro area, for instance, the median income is $55,000 per year. This is significantly lower than the national median of nearly $70,000.At the end of the day, remember that your salary is just a means to build the life you want to live. If you’re location-agnostic and dream of buying a home, you may want to consider an opportunity in Texas. But if you’ve always dreamed of living in New York City, even the sweetest take-home pay in Memphis won’t satisfy you.<h2>What if you already live in one of the least affordable cities?&nbsp;</h2>No, you don’t need to pack your bags and ship off to Tennessee. You don’t have to move away from a place you love just because it’s expensive. Especially if it’s not the type of place you’ll thrive.

There are a few things you can do to reduce your personal cost of living, no matter your location.&nbsp;Max out your retirement accounts. This one’s a double-whammy. Save more for retirement while cutting your tax bill for the current year. As of 2023, the IRS allows up to $22,500 in employee contributions to a 401(k) or a similar workplace plan and $6,500 to an IRA. When you contribute pre-tax, you reduce your taxable income — AKA pay less in taxes.Avoid lifestyle creep. Living in a more expensive city can cause “lifestyle creep.” Things that once seemed like luxuries are now part of your everyday lifestyle. You find yourself ditching your affordable gym to join your friends in the fancier one with a sauna or catching up with friends over a Michelin-star restaurant meal rather than a home-cooked one…you get it. You deserve to intentionally uplevel your life as you earn more – but you don’t want to accidentally fall into lifestyle creep.

The antidote to lifestyle creep? Budgeting. Think about what you value and where you want your money to go—then make sure it’s actually going there. Build out a budget for the biggest spending buckets in your life, like food, rent, entertainment, and transportation, then stick to that budget. Most importantly, base those numbers on your gross income (post-tax earnings) instead of your salary.<h2>How to Increase Your Salary to Accommodate High Cost-of-Living Locations</h2>When you can’t find any more ways to decrease your own cost of living, check if you’re being paid fairly to begin with. <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!If you find that you aren’t being paid fairly, look for ways to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiate a higher salary</a> or <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">ask for a raise at work</a>.

Don’t forget about negotiating for things like sign-on bonuses, more paid time off, and health benefits. When you <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiate benefits</a> for a new job along with your salary, you may have the chance to decrease your cost of living with benefits like relocation assistance, remote work, and transportation reimbursements. Need some help? Use our free list of <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a>.Want to learn more about increasing your income while building a fulfilling career? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">Read our weekly Salary Transparent Street newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!For more Salary Transparent Street resources:<ul><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!&nbsp;</li><li>Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.com</li></ul>

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What a $100K Salary is Worth in Different U.S. Cities

It’s no secret here that it’s important to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiate your salary</a> and advocate for yourself, no matter the circumstances. However, several salary negotiation myths could be holding you back from doing just that.

Harmful narratives like “negotiating salary might be seen as combative” or “I shouldn’t get greedy” come from these myths, <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-most-common-reasons-why-110051961.html">preventing employees from negotiating</a> and ultimately keeping them underpaid. I know it because I once had these same narratives running through my head.&nbsp;I didn’t negotiate at all for my first 2 jobs after college. I honestly thought I had no right to because I was so new to the field. Although I didn’t have any logical reason to think that, that fear comes from society’s general influence from the taboo of money and how talking about money can be seen as “rude”.&nbsp;Imagine if I negotiated my pay for those first 4 years of my career, what I could have done with that money, and how that would’ve affected my current salary. I feel jipped.&nbsp;It’s time to debunk these myths once and for all.

Did you negotiate your salary? New York City, NY📍#salarytransparentstreet

Key points:<ul><li>Negotiation myths keep workers overworked and underpaid, holding them back from years of additional earnings and wealth building.</li><li>Salary negotiation is a normal part of any hiring process.</li><li>Negotiating pay is a professional occurrence and demonstrates your value to the company. Especially when you come armed with your market rate.</li><li>Employers expect negotiations and are prepared for them. You should be too.</li></ul>

&nbsp;<h2>Myth #1: You’ll lose a job offer by negotiating salary.</h2>Why the myth exists:Thinking you might <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/can-you-lose-a-job-offer-by-negotiating-salary">lose a job offer because you negotiated</a> is a common occurrence. Especially when you don’t have much experience negotiating. This myth arises from not having much experience negotiating and the fear of being seen as overly demanding.&nbsp;Debunking the myth:It isn’t a part of normal business operations to pull a job offer when a candidate negotiates, and could indicate a poor company culture.&nbsp;Negotiating salary is a common and expected part of the job offer process. Employers typically anticipate some level of negotiation when thinking about their budget for the position.&nbsp;<h2>Myth #2: You shouldn’t talk about pay too early in the interview process.</h2>Why the myth exists:This myth often stems from concerns about appearing overly focused on compensation rather than the job itself. Additionally, there may be a fear of pricing oneself out of consideration or creating an awkward conversation.Debunking the myth:

Discussing pay early in an interview process can actually benefit both parties. Many employers will even ask about salary expectations as a <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/job-interview-questions-and-answers">job interview question</a>. It ensures alignment on salary expectations and avoids wasting time if there's a mismatch. It also demonstrates pay transparency and helps establish trust between the candidate and employer.Not knowing your market rate can put you at a disadvantage when interviewing for different jobs. You’ll need to do market research to make sure you’re getting paid fairly before moving forward in any hiring process. Use our <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">free Market Research Guide</a> and <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a> to help you bring up pay sooner rather than later.<h2>Myth #3: You shouldn’t ask for more money when the position already has a higher salary than your last job.</h2>Why the myth exists:Some individuals may believe that since the salary is already higher than their previous job, they shouldn’t push for more. The same thing applies when asking for a raise. They may fear that the employer would see them as entitled and greedy.&nbsp;Debunking the myth:Your worth is not solely determined by your previous salary. Asking for more is a common and reasonable practice, especially if the new role involves more responsibilities.&nbsp;It doesn’t matter how much of a <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-jobs-without-a-degree">high-paying job</a> it is. Employers understand that candidates seek fair compensation based on their skills and the market value of the position.&nbsp;<h2>Myth #4: Only your salary is negotiable.</h2>Why the myth exists:Even though salary negotiations take center stage during job offers, money isn’t the only thing on the table. Many candidates may not realize that you can also <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiate benefits</a> and perks.Debunking the myth:Employers often have flexibility in various components of the compensation package beyond just salary. Benefits like health insurance, vacation time, and professional development opportunities can all be subject to negotiation. Considering these factors holistically allows you to maximize your overall compensation and job satisfaction.

<h2>Myth #5: Negotiating is rude.</h2>Why the myth exists:There are cultural and societal norms that discourage discussions about money or perceived discomfort with assertiveness in negotiations. Some may fear that negotiating could be seen as ungrateful and hurt their chances of getting along with the employer. For instance, gender stereotypes may negatively affect negotiations. Even though research shows that <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/gender-and-negotiation">women negotiate just as much as men do</a>, they may have entirely different experiences.&nbsp;Debunking the myth:Negotiating is a part of a professional hiring process and is far from rude. It's a crucial step in ensuring a mutually beneficial employment agreement. Employers anticipate negotiation and often respect candidates who advocate for themselves professionally.<h2>Myth #6: You should accept a low salary just because you’re younger.</h2>Why the myth exists:Younger individuals may feel pressure to accept lower salaries due to limited experience or the assumption that they should be grateful for any opportunity.Debunking the myth:Your age does not dictate your worth or what you deserve in terms of compensation. It's your skills, qualifications, and the contributions that matter. Accepting a low salary solely based on age perpetuates unfair compensation practices and undermines your value in the workforce.

Plus, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-discrimination">pay discrimination</a> is illegal. Companies can’t discriminate against you based on your age, or anything else. Additionally, there are organized groups such as unions that exist for some of the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-trade-jobs">highest-paying trade jobs </a>that can help fight pay discrimination and negotiate on your behalf.<h2>Myth #7: You have to tell them your past salaries if they ask.</h2>Why the myth exists:There are historical hiring practices where employers commonly asked for past salary information as part of the hiring process. Some candidates may believe they are obligated to disclose this information to proceed with the application or negotiation process.Debunking the myth:You are not legally obligated to disclose your past salary to potential employers, and in many states, there are <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> that prohibit employers from asking for this information.&nbsp;Revealing past salaries can perpetuate wage gaps and undermine your ability to negotiate based on your qualifications and the market value of the position. Instead, focus on discussing your salary expectations and the value you bring to the role.<h2>Myth #8: You shouldn’t negotiate higher than the posted salary range.</h2>Why the myth exists:This myth may arise from concerns about overstepping boundaries or appearing unrealistic in negotiations. Some may believe that the posted salary range represents a firm limit set by the employer and that negotiating beyond it is not acceptable.Debunking the myth:The posted salary range is often a starting point for negotiation rather than a strict boundary. Employers typically have some flexibility in adjusting salary offers, and also provide salary ranges. Negotiating higher than the posted range is not uncommon, especially if you can demonstrate the value you bring.

<h2>Myth #9: Rejecting an offer will ruin future opportunities.</h2>Why the myth exists:It’s normal to be scared of burning bridges in your career. No one wants to be perceived as ungrateful or difficult to work with. Candidates may worry that turning down a job offer from a particular company could negatively impact their chances of securing future opportunities with that organization or within the same industry.Debunking the myth:Rejecting a job offer is a common occurrence and is unlikely to permanently damage your professional reputation or future prospects. While it's essential to handle the situation respectfully and professionally, employers understand that candidates may have valid reasons for declining an offer.

<h2>Approaching Negotiations With Clarity and Confidence</h2>Anytime a negotiation myth pops into your head, a great way to help debunk it is to talk about it. You aren’t the only one who has these doubts. Start <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">discussions with coworkers</a> and friends about salary, <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">how to ask for a raise</a>, and your negotiation fears.&nbsp;Being transparent about our salaries helps to face these myths head on. <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/the-importance-of-salary-transparency">Pay transparency</a> arms us with the knowledge and tools to not only increase our income, but also help us understand our overall value as job candidates.&nbsp;Remember that negotiating is another way that you’re demonstrating your value. If you don’t value yourself in your career, who will?&nbsp;Want to join the movement? Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!That wraps it up for this week. Until next time, stay awesome, stay strong, and keep advocating for yourself no matter what! I’m Daniella, a writer, engineer, and creator of <a href="https://iliketodabble.com/">I Like to Dabble </a>and <a href="https://iliketodabble.com/remote-work-bestie/">Remote Work Bestie</a> - my blog and podcast for leveling up your money, career, and side hustles. I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub">Salary Transparent Street blog</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iliketodabbleblog/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@iliketodabble">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/iliketodabble">Twitter</a>. Chat soon!If this guide helps you improve your negotiation skills, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@salarytransparentstreet.comFor more Salary Transparent Street resources:<ul><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/p/underpaid-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://view.flodesk.com/pages/626ccc8e1e8046b220253e47">Market Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/salarytransparentstreet/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salarytransparentstreet">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/salarytransparentstreet">YouTube </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/salarytransparentstreet/">LinkedIn </a>for daily pay transparency interviews and career news you can use!</li><li>Subscribe to our <a href="https://salarytransparentstreet.beehiiv.com/subscribe">weekly newsletter</a> for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more!</li></ul>

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