I'm currently working in help desk positions (level I & II) at a managed service provider in a medium-sized Midwestern city and I'm interviewing for a sysadmin role. Based on my research, similar jobs in my area typically pay around $55-60k. I have about 1.5 years of help desk experience, previously worked as a teaching assistant for online IT courses, and hold a college degree in a non-IT field along with my A+ certification. This new job would have me handling level I and II tickets as well as some sysadmin and project work. I'm unsure whether to seek the typical pay based on my experience or aim higher, given that the job title is "sysadmin." I want to ensure I get a fair salary while still being seen as a valuable candidate for the company.
5 Answers
Titles don't really matter that much. I hold the title of "IT Manager," but I don't manage anyone; I'm just a one-person show handling everything from help desk tasks to budgeting. You should focus on the responsibilities you'll actually have rather than what your title suggests.
Stick with what you know best—your experience. They're looking to bring you on for that experience, which means they might plan to train you further. Keep your expectations aligned with your background.
It might be helpful to ask them what their budget looks like or if they have a ballpark figure in mind. I usually try to bring this up early in the conversation to avoid wasting time if their offer is way off. Some people say it’s rude, but it gives you clarity on whether your expectations align with theirs.
I'd recommend figuring out what you think is a competitive salary based on the actual duties you'll perform. You can say something like, "Given that my responsibilities will be A, B, and C, which align with roles that typically earn around $X, I'd like to discuss compensation that reflects that."
Honestly, just ask for what you think is fair. The current job market can be unpredictable, so be bold in your request. It can vary from company to company.
Absolutely! Just make sure you're prepared for the conversation and know your worth.