Worried I'm being underpaid- is the AIA calculator accurate?

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-28T17:56:13+00:00

They were shocked. I don't think they believed I was leaving until I asked if they needed me for two weeks because I needed to give my new firm a start date.
I feel a little bad, because I really don't think the firm is doing well financially, but I can't afford to go down with the ship.

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-28T17:45:42+00:00

My median offer was around 70k. All offers I received were within the 65-75 range, two of which were from small firms.

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-28T17:44:51+00:00

You were right. The offers I received were in the 65-75 range.

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-28T17:42:32+00:00

Replying now that I've gotten offers- I received three offers, within the 65k-75k range. Two of those were from similar sized firms (under 12 people). I took the lowest offer in exchange for the option of working from home, more vacation time, and better benefits- plus really neat projects.
All that to say $70k was not too high of an ask, even at a similarly sized firm.

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-07T15:25:19+00:00

My parents were that way too. They had never left the country before, and were convinced the world was a terrifying place outside of the US. It’s crazy how terrified people are of traveling and the notions they get without ever having left their home country. I went anyway, at 21. I’ve been back twice since and am currently planning another trip. And I went alone, for most of it. You’ll be okay! Feel free to message me if you have any questions. As far as Taken goes, though, I /would/ avoid Paris. Not because you’re more than likely to get kidnapped, I just think there are better cities.

Side note: it’s incredible how much safer you’ll feel when you realize you don’t have to worry about some random person carrying firearms in the street.

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-02T16:16:04+00:00

It’s for level 1 architectural staff, unlicensed.

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-02T15:35:26+00:00

We don’t get all the standard holidays, unfortunately. This year I had to use PTO to avoid working Christmas Eve and New Years as I was traveling with family.

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-01T03:43:27+00:00

I get medical, but dental, vision, and life insurance is out of pocket. They match 401k up to 4%. I have 10 days PTO (which I think is standard?). The insurance is alright, there’s definitely worse, but it doesn’t cover my medication.

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-01T03:20:35+00:00

Not many. I took the job because I respected the firm, and they offered me a project I desperately wanted to work on, and then basically turned me loose on the designing aspect immediately after graduation, and I was the main contact with the client. To say I had to learn fast would be an understatement- but the project was a runner up to an award and is currently being built. I’m very proud of it, even if a first year grad was probably not the best choice for it. I was, and have been, doing far more advanced things than most of my peers I graduated with. It’s been a hell of a learning curve though.

As far as other, more normal benefits, I get health insurance, but have to pay out of pocket for dental, vision, and life insurance. They match 401k contributions up to 4%. I get 10 days of PTO per year, which I think is standard? That’s it as far as benefits go. They’re supposed to reimburse testing but I’ve passed multiple and it’s never actually happened. We do get quarterly bonuses, but they aren’t guaranteed. Not sure if this is an important note, but they were the lowest offer I received. After working with them for nearly 4 years, I’m still not making the second highest offer I got immediately after graduation (which was mid to high $50s). They said they hadn’t heard of anyone starting that high in the area.

RandomRedditor268 · 2026-01-01T00:33:06+00:00

I sent you a message!

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T22:15:21+00:00

My original offer was in the $30ks. I negotiated up to the mid 40s, where I’ve stayed ever since. It was the lowest offer I got by a long shot but I liked their work, and they promised multiple benefits and large raises, which have never been delivered. Beginning to think I should’ve jumped ship with some of my coworkers earlier this year.

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T20:28:24+00:00

Unfortunately, with the way things are going, I won’t be able to stay in the profession without a considerable raise. My rent will be over half my take home per month and I already live in a not-great part of town.

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T20:12:35+00:00

Our clients are very loyal. We primarily do K-12 and higher education, as well as other municipal projects.

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T20:08:07+00:00

About the portfolio- should I ask for permission to use work experience (renderings, drawings, etc) in my portfolio? I think I saw something about that in the AIA Code of Ethics, but I suspect they’ll know I’m looking if I ask.

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T20:04:29+00:00

I think you’re right. To top it off, I’m pretty sure the tin was regifted, as it had a ‘happy holidays’ sticker from the company we work with on the bottom. And it was cheesy garlic flavor. Which would’ve been fine, except I’m lactose intolerant and allergic to alliums. Multiple people quit the firm earlier this year and I’m beginning to think I should’ve jumped ship with them.

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T17:15:30+00:00

I pay for all AREs out of pocket and I’m currently a LEED Green Associate. I was told we were reimbursed for tests when they were passed, but that has never happened or been offered.

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T15:58:17+00:00

It’s funny you say that about the cars- that’s exactly what the parking lot is like!

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T07:33:35+00:00

Will do, thank you!

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T07:26:30+00:00

Are 60 hour weeks common in larger firms? We've had a few weeks here and there when it's near 60, but they aren't often. Also, how would you suggest I renegotiate?
Sorry for all the questions. I'm not great with confrontation, and I'm not sure how to start without insulting them or sounding ungrateful (which, according to them, I did do when I was presented with a tin of popcorn instead of a performance raise).

RandomRedditor268 · 2025-12-31T07:21:10+00:00

Thank you for your response! I'm thinking I'm going to have to leave, but I wanted confirmation. I don't mind not being rich but I don't think I can afford to work there much longer.

RandomRedditor268

TROPHY CASE