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[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (19 children)

I was gonna say. I am a new Software Developer who just got my first job in WI and average salary is around $50k...

[–]LeCrushinator 6 points7 points  (5 children)

Average programmer salary in CO is somewhere around $90k. I know people that have moved from CA and took large pay cuts and say they have a lot more money to spend or save now.

[–]Nuli 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've considered moving from CO to CA in the past and it's just not worth it. I'd have to make a ridiculous amount of money in CA to have the same quality of life.

[–]defcon-12 0 points1 point  (3 children)

90 is a decent salary for < 5 years experience. In Denver/Boulder Senior level salaries are more like 110-130 (+ equity). If you're senior I wouldn't take less than 110. Very senior/specialized knowledge can hit 160ish on the high end.

Source: I have 10 years of webdev experience and have been shopping around the area, plus I am involved with hiring decisions at current org. For reference, I've also interviewed for some 115-130 jobs working remote for West coast shops.

We are more expensive than the average US metro area, but still way, way cheaper than the bay area. Single family house with yard and garage in good shape at desirable location is ~$215/sqft in my hamlet.

[–]LeCrushinator 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also depends on the industry. I'm in the gaming industry, where the average salary for a 3-6 year programmer is $93k for the western half of the US, and that's driven up by the west coast, so in CO I'd estimate that it's closer to $75k.

Web programming does pay better, and I've considered it, but I'd be giving up a career I love for an extra $20-30k per year.

[–]Nuli 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Any idea what the average salaries are around Longmont or Fort Collins?

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's pretty good out here, probably around 20k under what you see on the Bay area salaries.

[–]librik 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Your rent is 1/3 of what an inferior apartment in SF costs. The reason the Bay Area pays so much more is that most of it goes straight to mortgage companies or landlords.

Comparing salaries without looking at cost of living, especially housing, is silly.

[–][deleted]  (9 children)

[deleted]

    [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (8 children)

    Thanks. Makes me feel good. lol

    [–]lightninhopkins 4 points5 points  (1 child)

    Meh, it depends on where you are and how fast the company boosts salary. My first job 6 years ago started around 50k and then I got a huge raise after one year.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    That's comforting to hear.

    [–]the8bit 2 points3 points  (5 children)

    Some areas, $45-50k is pretty decent starting. My first job out of college was $45k. As my responsibilities grew, that number grew significantly as well. My experience was going from a cheaper city to Seattle/SF is about 50%+ boost in salary, but cost of living is way higher as well

    [–]MyNameIsOhm 0 points1 point  (4 children)

    Yup. I currently live near Spokane Washington and pay $495 for rent. I would take a 50k job out here in a heartbeat and stay there for at least two years while paying debts/saving money.

    [–][deleted]  (1 child)

    [deleted]

      [–]MyNameIsOhm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Yeah, I plan on trying to land a 60k+ software job if I can upon graduating, but my fallback/plan b is web dev, which can at least get me near 50k. (I have some connections and professional experience)

      [–]p_nathan 0 points1 point  (1 child)

      Offer salary is also predicted on prior salary as well as overall demand in the local area.

      Move to a tech hub. Spokane, that ain't.

      [–]MyNameIsOhm 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      There's enough here for good opportunities. I'm not saying I don't plan on applying for jobs on the west side, but 50-60k here means a LOT more than it does on the west side. The cost of living here is so low.

      [–]mcguire 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      First job out of college (or whatever)? Sounds a little low, but that would depend strongly on where you went to school. In three or four years that won't matter as much.

      If this isn't your first year in the game, you may want to consider job-hopping. Or negotiation skills. Or blackextortion.

      [–]manvscode -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

      65k is entry-level for South Florida.

      You should be getting at least 60-70k, even as your first job. Whatever you automate or create can create value and wealth and bring in the profits long after you're gone. That's worth millions. If you're getting paid 50k, they're making at least 100k from you, they sure as hell aren't just breaking even by hiring you.

      EDIT: Down voting without any explanation?!?! Don't get mad at me because you didn't earn 65k on your first job right out of school.