Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands and products we trust or actually use ourselves. Using them doesn’t cost you a thing, but it helps support our mission.&nbsp;Working part-time can seem like something unrealistic if you’re looking for high pay, but that’s far from the truth. There are plenty of part-time jobs that pay well and come with good benefits. These are especially a bonus if you’re looking for a part-time job as a <a href="https://checksalaries.com/article.html?slug=highest-paying-side-hustles">side hustle</a>, but also pay enough if you want to only do part-time work for a <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/low-stress-jobs-that-pay-well">lower-stress job</a>.For example, <a href="https://www.costco.com/f/-/why-costco-careers">Costco </a>offers benefits to both of their full-time and part-time employees. Freelancing is another option where you can work part-time, but it comes with more flexibility rather than corporate-provided benefits. You’ll have to decide what’s more important to you when thinking about what type of part-time work you want to do.Keep in mind the highest paying part-time jobs look for specialized <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">in-demand skills</a>, and the same goes for freelance work. If a company isn’t hiring an employee, they’re hiring a freelancer or consulting agency to do that work.&nbsp;We put together a list of 10 part-time jobs that pay the best and have the most opportunity.Key points:<ul><li>Part-time doesn't mean low pay and many part-time jobs reach well into the six figures (there is a part-time project manager and executive assistant who are both making $144,000 a year in our Check Salaries Database).</li><li>The best-paying part-time jobs reward in-demand skills, whether you work as an employee, freelancer, or contractor.</li><li>Some employers like Costco and Boldly extend PTO and 401(k) matching to part-timers, while freelance routes swap benefits for flexibility.</li><li>You don’t need a college degree to get a high-paying part-time job .</li><li>Rankings are grounded in real data, combining BLS wage statistics with verified salaries from the Check Salaries Database.</li></ul>

<h2>10 High-Paying Part-Time Jobs to Look for In 2026</h2>Part-time work is defined as any work that’s less than 35 hours a week. We’ve ranked the top-paying part-time jobs based on the highest verified part-time salaries in our <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">Check Salaries Database</a> and national employment and wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ocwage.t01.htm">Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics</a> survey by occupation. Keep in mind that salaries and hourly wages can vary by location and various other factors.You can find all of these part-time jobs with their salary data by searching for any of these job titles in our Check Salaries Database. Don’t forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join </a>and add your salary too!<h2>1. Project Manager</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $49.19 Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $144,000

image of part time project manager salary details from the Check Salaries Database

Project managers can work in any industry, including construction, <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">tech</a>, non-profit, finance, and any industry where there are projects that need managing. There’s also plenty of part-time opportunities in project management. Consulting firms often hire project managers on a part-time basis due to fluctuating client demands. Online business owners may also need part-time project/operations managers to help keep them on track.There’s no specific degree that’s required for project managers, but larger companies may look for an Associate’s in Project Management or similar area.Free course to learn helpful skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/o4Jeee">Foundations of Project Management</a><h2>2. Executive Assistant / Virtual Assistant</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $36.82 Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $144,000

image of part time executive assistant salary details from the check salaries database

Executive assistants can usually find part-time work at small businesses and startups that don’t have the budget yet for full-timers. Staffing companies also hire part-time executive assistants to provide that expertise to businesses they’re contracted with. <a href="https://boldly.com/jobs/executive-assistant/">Boldly</a> is one of these (that pays well) and offers part-time executive assistants <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">work benefits</a> like PTO and a 401(k) with an employer match.This role may also go by the name of “virtual assistant”, which many online content creators hire for, but may require more social media and email marketing admin duties. There aren’t any official degree requirements for executive assistants and virtual assistants besides a high school diploma.Free course to learn helpful skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/zzv6jm">Get Started with Mail and Calendar Applications</a><h2>3. Translator</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $28.93 Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $80,000

image of part time translator salary details from the check salaries database

If you’re bilingual in another language, there are many companies hiring part-time translators. Even with AI, translators are still needed because AI translation tools don’t seem to understand the nuances in dialects and how many words don’t have direct translations.The top places to find part-time translation jobs are medical centers and government agencies. Companies that are known to hire part-time translators are <a href="https://ysginc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/search">Yorktown Systems</a>, which provides translation and linguistic services to government agencies, and <a href="https://www.libertylanguageservices.com/join-our-team/">Liberty Language Services</a>, which hires freelance translators.<h2>4. Tax Consultant / Preparer</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $28.30 Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $124,800

image of part time tax consultant salary details from the Check Salaries Database

The beauty of being a tax consultant or tax preparer is the influx of seasonal work major tax chains get during tax season. This makes it easier for them to work part-time where they can flexibly work with customers. For example, H&amp;R Block and Intuit frequently hire part-timers and seasonal tax consultants to fill demand.Tax consultants aren’t legally required to have a formal degree, but will need to obtain a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/ptin-requirements-for-tax-return-preparers">PTIN from the IRS</a> (which takes about 15 minutes). Companies like H&amp;R Block will provide any training you need.Free course to learn helpful skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Pzg2a6">U.S. Federal Taxation Specialization</a><h2>5. Real Estate Agent</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $25.40 Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $400,000

image of part time tax real estate agent salary details from the Check Salaries Database

Real estate agents are usually self-employed as independent contractors affiliated with a real estate brokerage. They decide if they want to work part-time or full-time, but their experience and client base decides most of their schedule. If you’re new, there are part-time friendly brokerages and ways to set your schedule in a way where you can make it work.Real estate agents don’t need a college degree to enter the field. A high school diploma or equivalent is all you need to start taking real estate courses and prepare for the licensing exam.&nbsp;Free course to learn helpful skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/Z6AOnk">The Principles of Real Estate</a><h2>6. Customer Service Representative&nbsp;</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $21.53Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $42,240

image of part time customer service representative salary details from the Check Salaries Database

Every store has customer service and many look for part-timers. Companies that frequently hire part-time customer service reps include Walgreens, Costco, and Home Depot, and Home Depot offers benefits to part-time employees. There’s also no formal degree required for this job besides a high school diploma or GED.Free course to learn helpful skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/L0dd6V">Introduction to Customer Service</a><h2>7. Delivery Driver</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $18.25 Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $44,160

image of part time delivery driver salary details from the Check Salaries Database

Being a delivery driver is one of the easiest part-time jobs to land. There is no shortage of delivery gig apps to sign up for, such as DoorDash, Postmates and Instacart, and work is pretty easy to find if you sign up to drive for multiple apps. You can also find higher-paying delivery work with medical courier companies like <a href="https://medzoomer.com/become-a-courier/">Medzoomer</a>.&nbsp;However, doing delivery runs can be exhausting work and you’ll have to factor in vehicle maintenance and insurance costs. If everything balances out to be worth it for you, give it a go!<h2>8. Server</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $16.94 Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $96,000

image of part time restaurant server salary details from the Check Salaries Database

Servers can make up to $300 or more a night, and if they keep that pace working part-time, they can make a decent amount of money each month. Cocktail servers are also a high-paying food service job, and can make more money working private events.&nbsp;Some jobs may require prior food service experience, but many will hire you without experience. There is usually a week or two of a training period that covers everything you need to know.<h2>9. Bartender</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $16.51 Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $88,000

image of part time bartender salary details from the Check Salaries Database

Bartenders can make six figures a year depending on the bar they work at. Part-time bartenders still make good money, especially if they work at a well-known bar that’s often busy, work events like weddings and parties, or at resorts. Some bars may require prior food service or bar experience, but many will offer any training that you need on the job.<h2>10. Nanny</h2>BLS median hourly wage: $16.82 Highest verified part-time salary in our Check Salaries Database: $76,800

image of part time nanny salary details from the Check Salaries Database

Many families are desperate for nannies and help with housework, especially those that have 2 working parents that don’t have the time to stay on top of everything. They may need help with newborn care, taking their kids to school, sports practices, dinners, and work around the house, and this work can also be part-time.You can list your nanny services on sites like <a href="http://care.com">Care.com</a> and <a href="https://www.sittercity.com/">Sittercity</a>, or check neighborhood Facebook groups for families looking for part-time nannies.<h2>How to Land a Part-Time Job That Pays Well</h2>To find part-time work, specifically look at jobs that are labeled part-time, contract, seasonal, or per-diem. You can also look on niche job boards that post flexible and part-time work, such as <a href="https://flexjobs.sjv.io/xL7Rm5">FlexJobs</a> or simple Google “part-time jobs” and your location. If you’re just getting out of school or are working toward a degree, look for part-time work on <a href="https://joinhandshake.com/">Handshake </a>or any job resources your school has available.Don’t forget to leverage your network! This can be former classmates, teachers, mentors, work colleagues, in-person meet-ups, and online communities. With the flood of AI being implemented everywhere in the hiring process, it can be hard to get in front of hiring managers’ eyes.&nbsp;Your network is now the most important thing that can help you get your foot in the door when you feel like you’re only hitting dead ends. So, start talking to people about the things you want to do. Maybe they’ll know of someone or something that can help you get there.That wraps it up for this week. I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, former member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). 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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!If this guide helps you land a top-paying part-time job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ <a href="mailto:hello@checksalaries.com">hello@checksalaries.com</a>.Browse our other resources to help you succeed:<ul><li>Want to join the pay transparency movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><li>Want to break into a certain career? Browse our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/topic/free-guides">free career guides</a>!</li><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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li></ul>

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Part-Time Jobs That Pay Well in 2026 (With Verified Salaries)

Did you know that women working full-time in the U.S. could lose more than $1 million over a 40-year career due to something called the gender pay gap?&nbsp;Just because the <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/equal-pay-act-1963">Equal Pay Act of 1963</a> prohibits <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-discrimination">pay discrimination</a>, that doesn’t mean it stopped and we’re all now equally paid across the board. According to the <a href="https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2026/demo/p60-289.html">2025 Income in The United States Report</a> put together by the U.S. Census Bureau (released September 2026), female-to-male earning ratio increased to 83.9 percent in 2025 from 80.6 percent in 2024 for full-time, year-round workers. That would mean that women earned roughly $0.84 cents for every $1 men earned in 2025.What’s interesting about this report is that while women’s earnings reportedly increased, there was no significant change for men between 2024 and 2025. This shows some slight progress in the gender pay gap after women’s earnings dipped from <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/womens-earnings/2023/home.htm">$0.84 in 2023</a> for every $1 men earned to roughly $0.81 in 2024, and then bounced back up to $0.84 in 2025.Regardless of these dips over the last few years, numbers are up from <a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/webfeatures_snapshots_20060906/">20 years ago</a>, when women earned $0.77 for every $1 men earned (and $0.59 from when the Equal Pay Act was signed in 1963).That brings us to the question: How much are women actually making in 2026?Key points:<ul><li>The gender pay gap narrowed in 2025 by 3%. Women working full-time earned $0.84 for every dollar men earned, up from $0.81 in 2024.</li><li>The gender pay gap is wider for women of color. Black women earn just $0.64 and Hispanic women $0.60 for every $1 paid to white, non-Hispanic men.</li><li>Women earn less than men in all 7 major job categories.</li><li>Women executives earn only $0.69 for every $1 their male executive counterparts earn.</li><li>Mothers working full-time earn $0.74 for every $1 paid to fathers.</li><li>The gender wage gap may take until 2071 to close, but that doesn't take into account how long it would take for women of color and other groups.</li></ul>

<h2>What is The Gender Pay Gap?</h2>The gender pay gap is the difference between how much women earn when compared to men across all jobs and industries. There are actually many pay gaps within the broader gender pay gap in the U.S., such as the gender pay gap by race and ethnicity, age, career level, education, and for mothers, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ workers.There’s also what Payscale describes as “uncontrolled” and “controlled” gender pay gaps in their <a href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/cps-pinc/pinc-05.html">2026 Gender Pay Gap Report</a> based on their crowdsourced data from more than 130,000 people in the U.S. who took Payscale's online salary survey between January 2024 and January 2026. This is an entirely separate data set from the U.S. Census, and it should be analyzed as supplemental to that data.&nbsp;The uncontrolled pay gap refers to the broader gap between all women and all men, across all jobs and industries. The controlled pay gap refers to the gap between women and men in the same job title, experience, education, and industry.<h2>Why is There a Gender Pay Gap?</h2>The gender pay gap exists for many reasons. It’s not because women choose lower-paying jobs or don’t<a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-negotiate-salary"> negotiate their salary</a> and <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">ask for raises</a>. Who would choose to make less money?&nbsp;The gender pay gap is a result of many factors that are ingrained in our culture. The antiquated idea of occupational segregation mixed with internal biases about the value of women’s work and women often being penalized for motherhood and caregiving, accumulates and stalls wage growth.&nbsp;Women are also penalized socially if they demonstrate the same assertive behavior that benefits men and can be seen as “difficult to work with”. They may get passed over for promotions or overlooked at their jobs, further interrupting their career advancement.The data doesn’t lie. Let’s dig deeper into it.<h2>What Women Are Actually Being Paid: The Gender Pay Gap by Occupation</h2>The annual median earnings for women from the most recent U.S. Census data is reported as $47,410, while men earned $61,170. For full-time, year-round workers, women earned $60,760 and men earned $72,480. This shows a gender annual earnings gap of $13,760 for all workers and $11,620 for full-time, year-round workers.&nbsp;The Women’s Bureau, under the U.S. Department of Labor released <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/wb/data/earnings/wage-gap-race-occupation">Current Population Survey data</a> in April 2026, showing what women are being paid by occupation compared to men.<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:25%;"><col style="width:25%;"><col style="width:25%;"><col style="width:25%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td>Occupation</td><td>Men's Median Earnings</td><td>Women's Median Earnings</td><td>Women Earn Per $1.00</td></tr><tr><td>All occupations</td><td>$66,793</td><td>$55,244</td><td>$0.82</td></tr><tr><td>Sales and related</td><td>$70,937</td><td>$49,215</td><td>$0.70</td></tr><tr><td>Professional and related</td><td>$97,154</td><td>$69,330</td><td>$0.71</td></tr><tr><td>Production and transportation</td><td>$51,096</td><td>$37,385</td><td>$0.73</td></tr><tr><td>Service</td><td>$45,889</td><td>$35,567</td><td>$0.78</td></tr><tr><td>Management, business, and financial</td><td>$100,582</td><td>$80,201</td><td>$0.80</td></tr><tr><td>Natural resources and construction</td><td>$54,869</td><td>$46,866</td><td>$0.85</td></tr><tr><td>Office and admin support</td><td>$55,185</td><td>$47,358</td><td>$0.86</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>The data shows a gender pay gap in all occupation categories, as reported by the Women’s Bureau. This debunks the generalization that part of the pay gap is that women take lower-paying occupations.&nbsp;

<h2>The Gender Pay Gap by Race and Ethnicity</h2>Even though women overall earn $0.84 per every $1 men earn, the gap is wider for <a href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/cps-pinc/pinc-05.html">women of color</a>. Black and Hispanic women face the largest gaps, with a widening wage gap by 1 cent for Black women from 2024 to 2025. Here's what women are actually being paid for every $1 white, non-Hispanic men make.<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:33.33%;"><col style="width:33.33%;"><col style="width:33.34%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td>Race/Ethnicity (Women)</td><td>Full-Time, Year-Round (2025 Data)</td><td>All Workers (2025 Data)</td></tr><tr><td>White, not Hispanic</td><td>$0.81</td><td>$0.73</td></tr><tr><td>Asian</td><td>$0.99</td><td>$0.90</td></tr><tr><td>Black</td><td>$0.64</td><td>$0.64</td></tr><tr><td>Hispanic/Latina</td><td>$0.60</td><td>$0.53</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>The most recent U.S. Census data released in September 2026 doesn’t include separate categories for sub-groups, such as American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women, which have historically faced large gender pay gaps.&nbsp;But if we look at <a href="https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2025/demo/p60-286.pdf">2024 US Census data</a>, we see that Indigenous women make $0.58 for every $1 white, non-Hispanic men earn and they lump in Pacific Islander women with Asian women. So, there are quite a few reporting gaps in these numbers to know their true weight.<h2>The Gender Pay Gap by State</h2>There is currently no gender pay gap data for 2025 or 2026 that shows state-by-state comparisons. The most updated gender pay gap numbers by state are from the <a href="https://nwlc.org/resource/wage-gap-state-by-state/">National Women’s Law Center</a> (NWLC) in 2024, based on <a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/">American Community Service</a> data.&nbsp;Keep in mind that every race/ethnicity column is cents per dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, which was NWLC's chosen benchmark. Any column with “-” means that NWLC had insufficient data to calculate that group in that state and “NHOPI” stand for Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:12.5%;"><col style="width:12.5%;"><col style="width:12.5%;"><col style="width:12.5%;"><col style="width:12.5%;"><col style="width:12.5%;"><col style="width:12.5%;"><col style="width:12.5%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td>State</td><td>Women overall</td><td>White (NH)</td><td>Asian</td><td>Black</td><td>Latina</td><td>Indigenous</td><td>NHOPI</td></tr><tr><td>Alabama</td><td>0.77</td><td>$0.74</td><td>0.77</td><td>0.60</td><td>0.54</td><td>0.67</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Alaska</td><td>0.85</td><td>0.85</td><td>0.63</td><td>-</td><td>0.67</td><td>0.69</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Arizona</td><td>0.84</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.62</td><td>0.57</td><td>0.57</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Arkansas</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.80</td><td>0.78</td><td>0.66</td><td>0.58</td><td>0.63</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>California</td><td>0.88</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.61</td><td>0.45</td><td>0.47</td><td>0.58</td></tr><tr><td>Colorado</td><td>0.85</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.60</td><td>0.57</td><td>0.59</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Connecticut</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.87</td><td>0.60</td><td>0.50</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Delaware</td><td>0.88</td><td>0.82</td><td>1.17</td><td>0.67</td><td>0.56</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>District of Columbia</td><td>0.88</td><td>0.86</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.53</td><td>0.65</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Florida</td><td>0.84</td><td>0.80</td><td>0.80</td><td>0.61</td><td>0.60</td><td>0.58</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Georgia</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.77</td><td>0.85</td><td>0.64</td><td>0.53</td><td>0.52</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Hawaii</td><td>0.88</td><td>0.86</td><td>0.70</td><td>0.70</td><td>0.70</td><td>-</td><td>0.59</td></tr><tr><td>Idaho</td><td>0.76</td><td>0.75</td><td>0.74</td><td>-</td><td>0.57</td><td>0.56</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Illinois</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.77</td><td>0.97</td><td>0.63</td><td>0.55</td><td>0.53</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.77</td><td>0.84</td><td>0.67</td><td>0.62</td><td>0.65</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Iowa</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.79</td><td>0.73</td><td>0.58</td><td>0.63</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Kansas</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.78</td><td>0.77</td><td>0.64</td><td>0.58</td><td>0.61</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Kentucky</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.79</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.69</td><td>0.63</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Louisiana</td><td>0.73</td><td>0.70</td><td>0.64</td><td>0.51</td><td>0.57</td><td>0.45</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Maine</td><td>0.87</td><td>0.84</td><td>0.89</td><td>-</td><td>0.81</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Maryland</td><td>0.89</td><td>0.80</td><td>0.87</td><td>0.68</td><td>0.49</td><td>0.47</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Massachusetts</td><td>0.88</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.90</td><td>0.61</td><td>0.54</td><td>0.65</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Michigan</td><td>0.79</td><td>0.78</td><td>0.98</td><td>0.66</td><td>0.61</td><td>0.64</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Minnesota</td><td>0.85</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.76</td><td>0.63</td><td>0.62</td><td>0.60</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Mississippi</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.76</td><td>0.75</td><td>0.59</td><td>0.58</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Missouri</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.79</td><td>0.90</td><td>0.69</td><td>0.65</td><td>0.64</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Montana</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.79</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>0.67</td><td>0.63</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Nebraska</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.80</td><td>0.77</td><td>0.63</td><td>0.62</td><td>0.63</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Nevada</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.79</td><td>0.72</td><td>0.58</td><td>0.53</td><td>0.55</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>New Hampshire</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.78</td><td>0.78</td><td>-</td><td>0.62</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.78</td><td>0.94</td><td>0.58</td><td>0.48</td><td>0.41</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>New Mexico</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.89</td><td>0.62</td><td>0.62</td><td>0.56</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>New York</td><td>0.91</td><td>0.84</td><td>0.87</td><td>0.66</td><td>0.60</td><td>0.52</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>North Carolina</td><td>0.84</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.95</td><td>0.66</td><td>0.55</td><td>0.57</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>North Dakota</td><td>0.79</td><td>0.78</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>0.59</td><td>0.64</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Ohio</td><td>0.79</td><td>0.80</td><td>0.89</td><td>0.66</td><td>0.64</td><td>0.56</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Oklahoma</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.76</td><td>0.75</td><td>0.67</td><td>0.57</td><td>0.67</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Oregon</td><td>0.86</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.92</td><td>0.74</td><td>0.61</td><td>0.65</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Pennsylvania</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.94</td><td>0.66</td><td>0.59</td><td>0.58</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Rhode Island</td><td>0.85</td><td>0.84</td><td>0.77</td><td>0.64</td><td>0.53</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>South Carolina</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.78</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.59</td><td>0.59</td><td>0.55</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>South Dakota</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.82</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>0.64</td><td>0.64</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Tennessee</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.79</td><td>0.95</td><td>0.69</td><td>0.61</td><td>0.61</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Texas</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.75</td><td>0.85</td><td>0.60</td><td>0.48</td><td>0.49</td><td>0.51</td></tr><tr><td>Utah</td><td>0.74</td><td>0.71</td><td>0.74</td><td>0.55</td><td>0.52</td><td>0.53</td><td>0.56</td></tr><tr><td>Vermont</td><td>0.91</td><td>0.90</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>0.90</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Virginia</td><td>0.83</td><td>0.78</td><td>0.97</td><td>0.61</td><td>0.60</td><td>0.56</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Washington</td><td>0.82</td><td>0.79</td><td>0.94</td><td>0.65</td><td>0.53</td><td>0.58</td><td>0.55</td></tr><tr><td>West Virginia</td><td>0.76</td><td>0.76</td><td>0.97</td><td>0.74</td><td>0.81</td><td>-</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Wisconsin</td><td>0.81</td><td>0.80</td><td>0.78</td><td>0.65</td><td>0.61</td><td>0.61</td><td>-</td></tr><tr><td>Wyoming</td><td>0.80</td><td>0.73</td><td>-</td><td>-</td><td>0.58</td><td>0.64</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Sources:<ul><li><a href="https://nwlc.org/resource/wage-gap-state-by-state/">Wage Gap by State Main Map</a></li><li><a href="https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Wage-Gap-Women-Overall-State-by-State-Chart-Sept.-2025.pdf">Women Overall (PDF)</a></li><li><a href="https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wage-Gap-State-by-State-White-non-Hispanic-Women-March-2026.pdf">White, non-Hispanic Women (PDF)</a></li><li><a href="https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wage-Gap-State-by-State-Asian-Women-March-2026.pdf">Asian Women (PDF)</a></li><li><a href="https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wage-Gap-State-by-State-Black-Women-March-2026.pdf">Black Women (PDF)</a></li><li><a href="https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wage-Gap-State-by-State-Latinas-March-2026.pdf">Latinas (PDF)</a></li><li><a href="https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wage-Gap-State-by-State-Indigenous-Women-March-2026.pdf">Indigenous Women (PDF)</a></li><li><a href="https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wage-Gap-State-by-State-NHOPI-Women-March-2026.pdf">Native Hawaiian &amp; Other Pacific Islander Women (PDF)</a></li></ul>

<h2>The Gender Pay Gap by Age and Career Level</h2>U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf">July 2026</a> shows women ages 16 to 24 earned 91.1% of what men their age earned. The women's-to-men's ratio dropped to 78.5% for workers ages 55 and older.&nbsp;As women get older, the gap in earnings gets larger and compounds over the course of their careers, and worsens if women have children, according to Payscale’s 2026 report that found that women executives earn only $0.69 for every $1 their male executive counterparts earn.This could be attributed to lower wages starting out, smaller raises over time, slower promotions, and career interruptions like maternity leave and having to take time off for caretaking or other family duties that often fall to women.&nbsp;<h2>The Gender Pay Gap by Education</h2>No amount of education seems to bridge the gap. Research from the <a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/the-gender-pay-gap-widened-slightly-in-2025-how-trumps-first-year-in-office-hurt-women-and-what-states-can-do-to-fix-it/">Economic Policy Institute</a> found that even with a college degree, women are paid 23.8% less than men. They actually found that women earned less across all education levels.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf">BLS </a>numbers tell the same story. Among full-time workers with a bachelor's degree or higher, women's median weekly earnings were $1,549 versus $2,013 for men in the second quarter of 2026.<h2>The Gender Pay Gap for Mothers</h2>“The Motherhood Penalty” is a saying for a reason. It refers to how women are financially penalized for having children. <a href="https://www.aauw.org/issues/economic-security/motherhood/">Research </a>has shown that employers are less likely to hire and promote mothers. According to the <a href="https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2025-Window-Into-the-Wage-Gap-Factsheet.pdf">National Women's Law Center</a>, mothers working full-time earn just $0.74 for every $1 paid to fathers, which is about $19,000 less per year.Many employers in the U.S. also don’t offer the necessary benefits that mothers need, like paid parental leave and flexible work schedules and arrangements, including affordable health insurance with good coverage. The absence of those basic needs can add to the gender pay gap for mothers and compound it.<h2>The Gender Pay Gap for Women With Disabilities</h2>Disabled women face one of the widest and least-discussed pay gaps of any group. According to the National Women's Law Center’s <a href="https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EPD-FS-2025-Disabled-3.20.25v2.pdf">Disabled Women Deserve Equal Pay and More fact sheet</a>, disabled women working full-time, year-round are only paid $0.68 for every $1 paid to nondisabled men. Even compared with disabled men, disabled women working full-time earn only about 81 cents on the dollar.&nbsp;The term “disability” spans a huge range of people and experiences. Many of the surveys, reports, and fact sheets from government sources and research centers undercount disabled workers, so no single number can really capture everyone.&nbsp;What’s important to focus on is the unique way wages are handled for disabled people. There’s a legal loophole in Section 14(c) of the <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa">Fair Labor Standards Act </a>that lets some employers pay workers with disabilities below the federal minimum wage, which they call <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/special-employment">subminimum wage</a>. As of 2026, <a href="https://www.gao.gov/blog/some-states-are-eliminating-subminimum-wages-people-disabilities-what-does-mean-workers">16 states</a> had eliminated subminimum-wage work.

<h2>The Gender Pay Gap for LGBTQ+ Workers</h2>The gender pay gap for LGBTQ+ workers is harder to measure. Most surveys don’t ask about sexual orientation or gender identity The best available data comes from the <a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/the-wage-gap-among-lgbtq-workers-in-the-united-states">Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation</a>, but unfortunately has not been updated since 2021.Compared to the BLS’s recorded “typical” U.S. worker's dollar:<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:50%;"><col style="width:50%;"></colgroup><thead><tr><th>Group</th><th>Cents per $1.00 earned by BLS “typical” U.S worker</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>LGBTQ+ workers overall</td><td>$0.90</td></tr><tr><td>LGBTQ+ women</td><td>$0.87</td></tr><tr><td>Transgender men</td><td>$0.70</td></tr><tr><td>Non-binary, genderqueer &amp; Two-Spirit workers</td><td>$0.70</td></tr><tr><td>Transgender women</td><td>$0.60</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h2>How The Gender Pay Gap Could Improve in 2027 and Forward</h2>If the gender wage gap continues on a similar path it’s been on for the last 2 decades, it would take until 2071 for it to close, and that doesn’t fully take into account how long it would be for the wage gap for women of color and other groups to close.&nbsp;One factor that could change this trajectory is the passing and enforcement of <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> across the country. States have a significant impact on closing the pay gap through requiring companies to post salaries and pay ranges in job listings, banning companies from asking about salary history, prohibiting companies from retaliation when workers <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">talk about their pay</a>, and requiring companies to submit pay data reporting.This wage transparency can potentially reduce discrimination and level the playing field by supplying workers with more information and limiting employers’ inconsistencies when paying different amounts to candidates with similar qualifications. But current laws aren’t enough to close the gap across the board.&nbsp;Only 17 states require employers to disclose pay in job listings and 6 states require pay data reporting from employers, which is key to identifying and eliminating any inequities in compensation. A few of these states include California, Colorado, and Illinois.&nbsp;There’s still a lot of work to do to require pay transparency across the country and close the pay gap. If you want to join the movement, start by adding your salary to our <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">Check Salaries Database</a> of over 26,000 verified salaries. You never know who that data might help.That wraps it up for this week. I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, former member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). 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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!For more resources to help you earn more:<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://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-much-should-i-be-making">Market Salary Research Guide</a> to learn what you should be making.</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-negotiate-salary">Salary Negotiation Guide</a> to learn how to negotiate for your market salary!</li></ul>

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The Gender Pay Gap in 2026: What Women Are Actually Being Paid 

Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands and products we trust or use ourselves. Using them doesn’t cost you a thing, but it helps support our mission.&nbsp;Entry-level jobs have always been a mixed bag. They’re your first job when you’re just getting started in your industry, yet the pay and the job outlook has lately been hit or miss, so it can be hard to find a high paying entry-level job. Especially in the realm of AI and how that’s slowed down hiring for many corporate entry-level positions, but 2026 and going into 2027 may be a turning point.According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) recent <a href="https://naceweb.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2026/publication/research-report/2026-job-outlook-report-spring-update.pdf">Job Outlook 2026 report</a>, employers project a 5.6% increase in hiring for the class of 2026 when compared to 2025. The top industries hiring include engineering, information/data, wholesale trade, construction, and miscellaneous professional services, some of which come with very well-paid and <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/most-secure-jobs">secure jobs</a>.&nbsp;NACE’s report also cited that 35% of entry-level roles now require AI skills. New grads taking advantage of the AI labor market and embracing new jobs AI has created are coming out with some of the top salaries. LinkedIn released a <a href="http://aka.ms/AiTalentDivide">study in August 2026</a> that shows AI and machine learning jobs pay more than double the pay of non-AI roles. The highest-paying entry-level job recorded in our <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/salary-databas">Salary Database </a>is a machine learning engineer at Waymo with a $234,000 salary and 0 years of experience. But that’s not the only top-paying role available.Let’s take a look into other emerging entry-level jobs that pay well for those just getting into the job market, along with tips for how to break into each one!Key points:<ul><li>Entry-level hiring is projected to grow 5.6% in 2026, according to NACE.</li><li>You don't need a four-year degree to earn six figures early on. Plumbers, physical therapist assistants, and LPNs all offer high-earning, low-debt paths through apprenticeships or associate degrees.</li><li>Skills-based hiring is replacing degree requirements, with 70% of employers now prioritizing skills over formal credentials and 89% focused on how a candidate's skills solve real problems, according to NACE's Job Outlook 2026 report.</li><li>Browse over 25,000 more publicly shared and verified salaries on our <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">Salary Database</a>.</li></ul>

<h2>What Are The Highest-Paying Entry-Level Jobs?</h2>We’ve ranked the entry-level jobs that pay the most using job data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a>, our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> of over 25,000 self-reported and verified salaries, and past interviews with new grads. The results are sorted by highest to lowest median salaries, as reported by the BLS. Keep in mind that salaries can vary by location and various other factors.You can find all of the entry-level salaries mentioned below by searching for any of these positions in our Salary Database. Don’t forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join </a>and add your salary too!<h2>1. Marketing Specialist/Strategist</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm#tab-5">$159,660</a>Highest verified salary in our database: <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">$130,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 6% increase in job growthMarketing specialists create the marketing and advertising we see in our everyday life and plan how those campaigns are served to us. The marketing space has a lot of opportunity for entry-level professionals to find high salaries as marketing and advertising is what drives a lot of a company’s sales. If they have good advertising and marketing, they’re likely to profit more.<a href="https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=marketing+strategist&amp;l=seattle%2C+wa&amp;radius=25&amp;sc=0kf%3Aexplvl%28ENTRY_LEVEL%29%3B&amp;from=searchOnDesktopSerp&amp;explvl=ENTRY_LEVEL&amp;vjk=88a39aae91c59c69">Entry-level marketing specialist/strategist jobs on Indeed</a> list starting salaries of anywhere between $60,000 and $95,000 (or more). While the highest salary for marketing specialists in the Check Salaries Database is $130,000, there is a marketing specialist verified salary of $91,300 as their first job at Cisco (0 years of experience) with a bachelor’s degree. Entry-level job seekers with <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/high-income-skills">high-income skills</a> like AI skills will stand out in this industry.Education needed: An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in marketing or similar area, but entry-level job seekers can also break into the space with online learning, certifications, and freelancing for small businesses and creators. Building a portfolio can help you stand out when applying to jobs.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/DWMQP5" rel="sponsored">Introduction to Marketing</a><h2>2. Machine Learning Engineer (ML Engineer)</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm">$140,910</a>Highest verified salary in our database: <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">$550,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 20% increase in job growthMachine learning engineers are the professionals currently building the future of AI. They’re the ones that are sourcing and processing large sets of data to build AI and ML models from scratch, like fraud detection models and recommendation models, and are continually working to improve those models.&nbsp;LinkedIn’s study found that job postings for ML engineers have increased by 50% between 2025 and 2026 and 98% of ML engineers are either Gen Z or Millennials, which shows a strong entry path for young workers in one of the <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/top-careers-for-the-future">top jobs for the future</a>. It’s also among the <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-tech-jobs">highest-paid tech jobs</a> in the report, citing a typical salary of $191,000 (taken from LinkedIn job postings). The BLS reports a median annual salary of $140,910.Education needed: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field (although not all companies require one) and strong Python skills, but many can break into lower-level engineering roles with skills and certifications while they complete their degree.&nbsp;Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/aNZ5aN" rel="sponsored">Machine Learning With Python</a><h2>3. Sales Engineer</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/sales-engineers.htm">$121,520</a>Highest verified salary in our database: <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">$210,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 5% increase in job growthSales engineers are sales representatives who need a certain level of technical expertise to sell business products or technical services so they can sufficiently support their clients. Alternative job titles include tech sales representative or other similar names. With the influx in AI products and services especially, this role isn’t going anywhere and is constantly looking for new hires (plus it helps that AI isn’t very good at selling, so we need humans for that). Our Salary Database cites a salary of $93,000 for an entry-level sales engineer with 0 years of experience.There aren’t any specific educational or work requirements to become a sales engineer, but candidates will need to demonstrate they have the technical skills to do the job. Some companies may require certifications or a degree.Education needed: No formal education required but certain certifications in the specialization you want to get into sales for may help you stand out in the hiring process.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/n4eN0V" rel="sponsored">IBM Sales Representative Professional Certificate</a>

<h2>4. Video Editor</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm">$70,570</a>Highest verified salary in our database: <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">$250,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 3% increase in job growthVideo editing is something that especially needs a human touch and is continuing to change and expand as a <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-creative-jobs">high-paying creative job</a> the more that AI advances. One area where video editing and production is growing quickly is the creator economy, which is also more accessible for entry level job seekers as many of these roles are held by Gen Z and millennials with open pathways for younger professionals.<a href="https://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=video+editor&amp;l=&amp;sc=0kf%3Aexplvl%28ENTRY_LEVEL%29%3B&amp;from=searchOnDesktopSerp&amp;explvl=ENTRY_LEVEL&amp;vjk=312599ee61213c8e">Entry-level video editing jobs on Indeed</a> lists starting <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/salary-range">salary ranges</a> between $28 an hour and $82,000 a year. Our Salary Database cites a salary of $250,000 for a video editor at Apple with 1 year of experience.Education needed: No formal education is typically required for video editors but some companies may look for certifications, associate’s, or bachelor’s degrees, but can usually be supplemented by skilling up and showing your value through your portfolio.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/7XByjY" rel="sponsored">Adobe Premiere Pro for Beginners</a><h2>5. Physical Therapist Assistant</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistants-and-aides.htm#tab-5">$65,510</a>Highest verified salary in our database: <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">$115,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 22% increase in job growthPhysical therapist assistants work under a licensed physical therapist to treat patients after an injury or surgery to manage their pain and get their mobility and strength back. They’re listed as one of the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm">fastest growing jobs by the BLS</a> with a 22% increase in job growth up to 2034 and only require an associate’s degree to start.&nbsp;Upon completion of the program, entry level professionals could enter the market with a salary of $64,000 a year, as claimed by one of the accredited colleges, <a href="https://www.olympic.edu/academics/academic-pathways/healthcare/physical-therapist-assistant">Olympic College</a>.Education needed: An associate’s degree from an <a href="https://www.capteonline.org/programs/master-list-pta">accredited physical therapist assistant program</a>.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/5kBAeb" rel="sponsored">Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise</a><h2>6. Plumber</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm#tab-1">$62,970</a>Highest verified salary in our database: <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">$103,680</a> ($500,000 for a master plumber)Job outlook up to 2034: 4% increase in job growthPlumbers work on pipe systems and don’t require any education or work experience to start working. They get paid to learn from day one through apprenticeship programs and that pay increases the longer they work and the more they move up towards journey and master plumber levels.Current starting pay for apprentice plumbers varies on location. For example, 1st-year apprentice plumbers start at <a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/apprentice-plumber/salaries/WA">$24</a> in Washington and <a href="https://www.indeed.com/career/apprentice-plumber/salaries/NY">$21</a> in New York, according to Indeed. Our Check Salaries Database reports a plumber with 1 year of experience makes $73,000 a year and a master plumber with 18 years of experience makes $500,000 a year. That’s a perfect example of the type of opportunity for how much your pay can increase over time as a plumber (while still making pretty good money starting out).Education needed: A paid apprenticeship <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-join-a-union">through a union</a> or company where you’re working and learning from day one or a technical school.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/2RBjoA" rel="sponsored">Design of Industrial Piping Systems Specialization</a><h2>7. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm">$62,340</a>Highest verified salary in our database: <a href="https://checksalaries.com/database">$105,600</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 3% increase in job growthLicensed practical nurses (LPNs) work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians to provide basic nursing care to their patients and can work in hospitals, surgery centers, home healthcare, nursing and residential care facilities, and doctor offices.The role only takes a 1-year educational program to get into and is a great starting point for people who want to become RNs and move on to other <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-nursing-jobs">higher-paying nursing jobs</a>, but want to start working sooner rather than later. <a href="https://www.indeed.com/q-lpn-nurse-new-grad-l-seattle,-wa-jobs.html?vjk=d8d806bc988f6da9">Current open jobs on Indeed</a> in Seattle, WA list entry-level jobs for LPNs with a starting pay of around $34 an hour. Our Salary Database lists a salary of $63,360 for an LPN with 0 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree.Education needed: Completion of a 1-year state-approved LPN educational program, and have a state practical nursing license and CPR certification.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/DWMQ9a" rel="sponsored">Nursing Fundamentals: Key Skills Training with 3D Simulation</a><h2>How to Get a High-Paying Entry Level Job&nbsp;</h2>Searching for entry-level jobs can sometimes be extremely painful. Why are they classified as “entry level” when the job descriptions say different and ask for 1 to 3 years of experience or have higher degree requirements that seem unattainable? It’s maddening.&nbsp;The good news is that the hiring culture is beginning to change. NACE’s <a href="https://www.naceweb.org/research/reports/job-outlook/2026/">Job Outlook 2026 report</a> found that 70% of employer respondents say they’re more focused on skills-based hiring than other requirements. 89% of those employers cited that they’re looking at how potential hires’ skills can help solve their problems. 74% of them look for graduates that have done experiential learning and/or work during college that can be easily transferable to the role they’re hiring for.&nbsp;If you lack the work experience or education to get the entry-level role you want, start with focusing on the skills you need to build for those positions. Then seek online learning or educational programs for easy access to start learning those skills. Certain accredited programs can also help you build a network with other professionals as you prepare to enter the job market.If you’re working in an industry that likes to see visual results, put them to practice with personal projects or small freelance projects (small businesses and creators are perfect to start with freelancing) and build a portfolio as you go so you can show how your skills and expertise apply to real-world scenarios. Focus on more specialized skills that are listed on higher-paying positions or in the “nice to have” requirements area of the job description.The job market is a long game, so don’t give up if you don’t hear anything back in the first few weeks of applying. Keep going!That wraps it up for this week. I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, former member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). 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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!If this guide helps you land a top-paying nursing job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ <a href="mailto:hello@checksalaries.com">hello@checksalaries.com</a>For more transparent resources:<ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore over 25,000 individually reported and verified salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><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>Want to break into a certain career? Browse our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/topic/free-guides">free career guides</a>!</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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li></ul>

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7 Highest-Paying Entry-Level Jobs That Are Also Hiring (+ Verified Salaries From Real People)

So you just found out your work bestie makes more than you. It doesn’t feel great. It’s also super confusing because now, what are you supposed to do?&nbsp;You can’t go running to your manager to demand that since you know your coworker makes more, you should <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">get a pay raise</a> immediately. Even though employees are legally able to discuss each other’s salaries, according to the <a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/rights-we-protect/your-rights/your-rights-to-discuss-wages#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20an%20employee,policies%20against%20using%20their%20equipment">National Labor Relations Act</a>, pointing fingers won’t get you anywhere.But that doesn’t mean you’re completely SOL. Now that you know <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">you’re being underpaid</a>, it’s actually the perfect time to dive into researching your own market salary and prepare to negotiate for higher pay.Key points:<ul><li>Finding out a coworker makes more than you is data you can use, but don’t focus on that coworker when negotiating your salary.</li><li>A higher salary for one coworker doesn't automatically mean you're underpaid. Compare roles, experience, and do your market salary research before you conclude anything.</li><li>Your strongest case for a raise is built on your market rate and your contributions, not on what your coworker makes.</li></ul><h2>Take a Step Back and Assess The Situation</h2>Don’t jump to any conclusions and stew in thinking you’ve become a victim to <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-discrimination">pay discrimination</a>, and don’t talk to HR. Opening a case based on this one interaction may backfire.&nbsp;Despite working the same role with the same qualifications, someone else’s salary being higher than yours doesn’t require the company to do anything about it. It could simply be because that person negotiated for a higher salary than you did, had certain aspects of their experience, or has been with the company longer that prompted their pay to be higher.&nbsp;There’s also no guarantee that your colleague is being fairly paid either, even if their salary is higher. They might’ve never researched what they should be paid and took the highest the company was able to give, which is why you absolutely shouldn’t drag them into this (nor their salary data) when preparing to talk to your manager.Yes, there are several <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> in the U.S. that require companies to disclose salary ranges in job listings, prohibit companies from asking about salary history, and protect employees from retaliation when <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">talking about their pay</a>. However, there are no laws that require companies to pay their employees equally (lame, we know).&nbsp;But you could certainly consult an employment lawyer through the <a href="https://www.nela.org/">National Employment Lawyers Association</a> while you research how you can negotiate for higher pay (if you want to continue working at this same company).&nbsp;<h2>Research Your Market Salary</h2>If you know you’re not making what you should be for your role (<a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">take our quiz here to check</a>), it’s time to do some market salary research. This consists of cross referencing several data sources, like our <a href="https://checksalaries.com/salary-database">Check Salaries Database</a>, and talking with other professionals in your field to determine what the going market rate or salary range is for your job title, experience, skills, location, and company size and industry.Start your research by following our <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-much-should-i-be-making">Free Market Salary Research Guide</a>, which also has a list of other data sources to use. For each platform, identify the highest and lowest salaries for your job title (that also matches your experience and other factors) to see where you might fall. This will also be your salary range. Then add the high and low range numbers together and divide them by 2 to calculate your market salary.Example: (highest + lowest) ÷ 2 = average salaryRepeat this process across a few different salary data sources, salary calculators, and conversations with others to produce a set of numbers to determine your final market salary range. You can even use the company’s own ‘Careers’ section of their website to pull the salary ranges on similar roles if they’re disclosed. Also take into account the benefits package at your job and how that goes into your total compensation (you can also <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiate your benefits</a> if your manager can’t budge on salary).&nbsp;<h2>Prepare to Renegotiate Your Salary</h2>There are multiple ways you can go about renegotiating your salary for a raise, but there are a few things to keep in mind that will inform how or when to have this conversation. &nbsp;First things first, do you have any friends in high places? By that we mean, are there any friends you have at your job that are in management, in another higher-level role than yours, or a mentor at the company (either through a mentorship program at the company or through your own internal network)? Because those are the people you can tap to ask what their own experiences have been like negotiating and if there is any advice they can give, especially if they’ve ever been on the other side of the conversation as a manager or someone that makes pay compensation decisions.&nbsp;Your next step is to assess the best timing for the conversation with your manager. If annual <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-prepare-for-a-performance-review">employee reviews </a>are coming up, that’s the perfect opportunity to negotiate. This discussion focuses on your contributions and your manager is already prepared for the possibility that you will ask for a raise. Many might’ve already been given a budget for it. &nbsp;If it’s not coming up on employee review season, you can still set up a meeting with your manager on your own to discuss your work, the results you’ve driven, and state your case using what you’ve found in your market salary research. It’s important that you base your negotiation on your unique success in your role and the going rate for your expertise in the market, not on a he-said-she-said case.&nbsp;Take into account the biggest wins in your role this past year, additional responsibilities you’ve taken on, the impact they had, and write them down, including past ones at past jobs that your manager may not know about. Practice talking about these so you can comfortably frame how you deserve to be paid your fair market rate.&nbsp;Use our <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-negotiate-salary">Free Salary Negotiation Guide</a> and our <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a> to prepare how you’ll start the negotiation and advocate for yourself.&nbsp;<h2>Schedule Time With Your Manager (NOT HR)</h2>Once you’ve prepared how you’re going to present your case and renegotiate your salary, set up a meeting with your manager. They’re the ones who can advocate for your raise if they agree with your case and are the ones that have the responsibility to get approval for that raise, not HR. &nbsp;Think about how your boss makes decisions and what they’ll need to be swayed, and work that into the conversation. They’ll need proof themselves to back up your request when getting approval. So, give them all of that beautiful market research data you’ve gathered and the exact bullet points that describe how you specifically impacted the business value of the company, like increasing sales, leads, improved processes, led projects, increased productivity, and other big moves.This can be as simple as an email that states something like the template below:&nbsp;“Hello [Manager’s Name],&nbsp;As I continue to grow in my role and take on more projects, I’d like to schedule some time to discuss my performance and request a salary review.Considering the recent [big project that you’ve completed and yielded results that were above expectations] and [any new responsibilities you’ve taken on, or extra responsibilities or unique skills that warrant higher pay that the standard role you’re in], I believe my work has had a huge impact on helping the team and company reach their business objectives this year.&nbsp;I’ve looked into the industry standards for my position, and based on what I’ve found, I would like a salary adjustment to align with the going market rate for my position and unique skills, experience, responsibilities, and achievements. For further reference, here are a few key points that support my request:&nbsp;<ul><li>[Highlight 1 to 2 key accomplishments and their impact] Example: “Successfully increased sales by 50% through leading a project to improve sales funnels and helping to complete that project early.”</li><li>[Highlight additional responsibilities or unique skills you’re using in your job that the rest of the team may lack] Example: “I’m the only person that owns our funnel analytics end to end and the reporting dashboards. The process changes I’ve made is the core of what our sales team runs on. I’ve also been tasked with training new reps on updated funnel processes, which sits outside my role but keeps our sales conversions consistent (and without any gaps that could negatively impact our sales).”</li><li>[Market research results] Example: “According to recent data from industry reports and job postings, the average salary for a Sales Operations Analyst with similar experience and qualifications is $120,000.”</li></ul>Could we schedule a meeting within the next few weeks to discuss? I understand things are hectic and your time is limited, so let me know which day and time works best, or I can schedule according to your open times on your calendar. I’m also willing to provide any other documentation or data you need before the meeting!&nbsp;Thank you for your time and I look forward to our meeting.Sincerely,[Your Name]&nbsp;The email template may seem like too much information but it’s actually a good thing to have a paper trail of the proof that shows you’re currently underpaid before you even walk into the negotiation. It also gives your manager all the information they need in writing so they don’t miss anything in the meeting and when they try to get approval from the “powers that be” for your salary increase.&nbsp;<h2>What If The Company Simply Doesn’t Want to Pay You More?</h2>You could do all the research in the world and state the perfect case for a higher salary, but that doesn’t guarantee that your manager understands it or agrees with it. Even if your manager reacts positively in the negotiation and wants to grant your request, it doesn’t guarantee that the company will approve that request.&nbsp;If you get shot down, maybe it’s time to look for a different job. For every company that doesn’t appreciate its employees' contributions, there is one that will and is eagerly waiting for your application!That wraps it up for this week. I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, former member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). 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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!If this guide helps you renegotiate a higher salary, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ <a href="mailto:hello@checksalaries.com">hello@checksalaries.com</a>For more transparent resources:<ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore over 25,000 individually reported (and verified) salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><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>Think you’re being lowballed in a salary offer? Read what the <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/lowball-job-offer">signs of a lowball salary offer</a> are!</li><li>Don’t have much experience negotiating? Read some of the <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-myths">biggest salary negotiation myths</a> to help boost your confidence!</li></ul>

Found out a coworker earns more than you? Don't run to HR. Here's how to research your market salary and negotiate the raise you deserve.

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What to Do If You Find Out a Coworker Makes More Than You 

Negotiating your salary can sometimes be the difference between a $80,000 salary and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/100k-salary-cities">$100,000 salary</a>. That’s a HUGE difference that can potentially have a big impact on how you live your life.Companies have profited for years off of job candidates and employees being scared to talk about pay or failing to negotiate their salary. However, 74% of hiring managers in 2026 are worried about how they’ll keep up with candidates’ salary and benefits expectations, according to <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights/salary-guide">Robert Half research</a>.They’re definitely thinking about and planning for those negotiation conversations. All that’s left for you to do is come prepared with your <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-much-should-I-be-making">market salary research</a> and the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a> and strategies to pull it off. That’s where this Salary Negotiation Guide comes in!This guide is meant to serve as your roadmap, getting you from where you are now to the ultimate destination: your ideal compensation package that rewards you fairly for the hard work you do.We'll give you the 411 on all things salary negotiation, total compensation, and more, plus simple templates and scripts that will help you communicate effectively.Key points:<ul><li>Negotiations are partnerships, not a fight that you have to win. Focus on ways you can meet in the middle to come to an agreement.</li><li>Researching your market rate and building a “brag sheet” can help build confidence when walking into negotiations.</li><li>There are pay transparency laws in each state that may affect your salary discussions.</li><li>You don’t have to accept a job offer right away. Ask for some time to review the offer so you can appropriately respond.</li><li>Search over 20,000 publicly shared salaries in your field on our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>.</li></ul>

<h2>What is Salary Negotiation?</h2>Salary negotiation is the conversation where you and an employer negotiate and agree on your compensation before you accept a job offer, or during your time in a role when you're asking for a raise. This conversation also goes beyond just your base salary. It should take into account your total compensation package, including any bonuses, equity, benefits, paid time off, and other perks.<h2>Why Should You Negotiate Your Salary?</h2>You should negotiate your salary because you deserve to be compensated fairly for what you bring to the table—which is a ton! But often, employers do their best to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/lowball-job-offer">lowball you on salary</a>. They don't want to spend more than they have to, even when there's room in the budget for a dreamy compensation package.Making negotiating the norm, no matter who you are, what you do, or where you’re from, can not only get you more money on the table (with better benefits), it can also do the world a favor.&nbsp;Salary negotiation is one of the ways we can <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-discrimination">break down barriers</a> around compensation, ultimately helping to shrink pay gaps. In fact, 42% of women say they don't feel comfortable asking for higher pay vs. only 33% of men, according to <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/04/05/when-negotiating-starting-salaries-most-us-women-and-men-dont-ask-for-higher-pay/">a survey</a> done by Pew Research Center.We know it's easier said than done. You know you should negotiate. But for a lot of us, money conversations feel awkward, and that awkwardness is expensive. Knowing what you're worth and asking the right questions early in the process can ensure that you snag the best possible chance at getting the compensation you want and deserve.We asked a few folks if they negotiated their salary in the video below and this is what they had to say:

Did you negotiate your salary? New York City, NY📍Salary Transparent Street™️

<h2>When Should You Negotiate Your Salary?</h2>You should start negotiating your pay as early as possible and before you sign anything.Where you are in the process determines how you’ll approach these conversations:<ul><li>If you're job hunting and just browsing: Filter for roles that already list a salary range at or above your market rate. In <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">states with pay transparency laws</a>, that range is legally required to be a good-faith estimate. You can use this as a screening tool and save yourself from doing pointless interviews for jobs that don’t pay well.&nbsp;</li><li>If you're in the first interview: If the posting didn't list a range, you can bring it up during this initial conversation, but save it for the part where they ask, “What questions do you have?” That’s when you can say something along the lines of, “What's the salary range for this position?"</li><li>If you have an offer: First, congratulations! This is the perfect time to negotiate because they’ve already decided they want you and are willing to make compromises to get you. Refer to the scripts below to start the negotiation.</li><li>If you're in your current job: Start with your market research and our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">Are You Underpaid? Quiz</a>. Then book time with your manager to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">ask for a raise</a>. The best timing for these conversations are when they’re planning to do employee reviews.</li></ul><h2>How to Prepare to Negotiate Your Salary</h2>The worst way to walk into a salary negotiation is being unprepared. Not all negotiations are cut and dry. It isn’t as simple as just asking for more money. You’ll need to show evidence and data to back up your request and show your value, as well as be able to communicate effectively why you should be compensated as such.&nbsp;So let's say you've found a job you really like and the interviews went well (we knew they would!). You feel an offer coming, and you're planning to negotiate.Here's what to do:<ol><li>Pick a number: Figure out what the going market rate is for someone in your field with your job title, experience, skills, education, and location so you have some reference points for your target salary (and salary range). Use data sources like our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> of over 20,000 publicly shared salaries, <a href="https://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htm">BLS wage data</a>, and <a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/salary-calculator">Indeed</a>. Check out our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-much-should-I-be-making">Market Salary Research Guide</a> to learn how to do just that!</li><li>Write it down: Make a list of your skills, specialties, and accomplishments that might enable you to go above and beyond in your future role. You want a clear, detailed list of what makes you special and demonstrates your unique value. And get specific! Tailor your list to the specific points in the description of the job you want to make your case even stronger.&nbsp;</li><li>Set some boundaries: It's a smart idea to go into a negotiation knowing the lowest salary you're willing to accept.That'll give you a clear idea of when it might be time to walk away. You could also jot down some "must-haves" in salary, benefits, responsibilities, etc.</li><li>Practice makes perfect: Once you know what you want to say (keep reading for scripts and templates!) practice saying it to yourself in the mirror. You'll be a pro once it comes time to talk the talk!</li></ol><h2>How to Negotiate Salary In a Job Offer</h2>You got the offer. Congratulations! Now it’s time to put your preparation to work.First, ask for time. You don't have to accept on the spot, whether they present the offer over the phone or over email. Ask for 24 to 48 hours to review (ideally in writing) and prepare your response.. Hiring managers should be understanding about this.Worth noting: Asking for time can be a negotiation play all on its own. If a company is pressed to fill the role, they'll sometimes sweeten the offer to get a faster “yes”. (It happened to our very own Hannah.)Next, choose your medium of communication: Choose to communicate via email, phone call, or an IRL meeting to let the hiring manager know in advance that you'd like to talk about compensation (you did your homework, it's best to let them do the same!).Whichever medium you choose, the format is the same: thank them for the offer, tell them how excited you are, and share that your only concern is the proposed salary. Then name your number and back it up with your research and brag sheet.<h2>Email Template for Negotiating a Job Offer</h2>Hi [insert name here],Thank you so much for your willingness to speak with me about compensation. I'm very excited to join the team and I'm looking forward to thriving in this role.Based on my market research of this role in my area and with my experience, my expected salary is $[insert your goal salary here and maybe bump it up just a hair since the employer might negotiate down].Given my specialties [include a few relevant, brief examples of skills and accomplishments here], I hope you and the team are willing to consider how we can collaborate on a mutually agreeable compensation package.I'm happy to speak more about this at your convenience. Again, thank you for your consideration and I'm looking forward to working together.—[insert your name here]<h2>Script for Negotiating Salary Over The Phone or In an IRL Conversation</h2>"Thank you so much for meeting with me to talk about compensation! I'm very excited to join the team and feel grateful for the opportunity.Based on my market research of this role in my area and with my experience, my expected salary is $[insert your goal salary here—and maybe bump it up just a hair since the employer might negotiate down].Given my specialties [include a few relevant, brief examples of skills and accomplishments here], I'd like to be paid a competitive rate compared to my peers.I'd be thrilled to work for your company, and hope we can collaborate on a mutually agreeable compensation package."Then stop talking and wait for their response.<h2>Script for Negotiating Salary When You Have a Competing Offer</h2>Maybe you've received another offer from a different employer and you're hoping to use that as leverage in your salary negotiations. If that's the case, we recommend bringing it up only if you're not making traction otherwise. Consider it a tool to employ if the other tools aren't doing the job. And if you do bring up another offer, be sure to practice discretion. There’s no need to name names or overshare.You could say something like this:"I'm considering another offer with a different company that will pay me a competitive rate compared to my peers. I'm still very interested in working with you and your team, but I'd only be able to consider accepting your offer instead of theirs when we land on a mutually agreeable compensation package."<h2>How to Negotiate Salary at Your Current Job</h2>Many of the same rules apply when negotiating your salary at your current job. Start with finding your market rate and asking for a meeting with your manager to discuss compensation.&nbsp;Here's a step-by-step guide to doing that:<ol><li>Perform market salary research to figure out what you should be asking for in terms of compensation.</li><li>Put together a short document (max of 2 to 3 pages) that includes a list of all of your relevant accomplishments and special skills, any words of positive affirmation from your team or clients, a description of major successes you've been instrumental in, and your market research.</li><li>Schedule a call with your manager to talk about compensation, and include that document when you send the invite so your boss can do their homework ahead of time (and so there's a paper trail for HR!). You could write something like this in the email: "Hi there! I'd like to meet at your earliest convenience to talk about my compensation. Please see the attached document for reference, and let me know if [suggest a time] works for you. Thank you."</li><li>Bring a copy of that document you created to your meeting to review with your manager. Provide additional details and context as needed, and be prepared to vocalize what it is you're hoping to get.</li></ol>Use this to naturally start the conversation:Your manager: "What's on your mind? I understand you wanted to talk about compensation."You: "Yes and thank you for making time to meet with me. Based on my market research for this role in our area and at my experience level, my expected salary is $X. I'd like to talk about how we can work together to get there."Then bring in your two or three strongest talking points and focus on how your unique skills connect to measurable impact, like increasing sales, leads, profit, users, visibility, improved processes, etc.If you’re trying to negotiate during your <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-prepare-for-a-performance-review">annual performance review</a> conversation, even better. The meeting will already be scheduled and focused on your progress and future plans in your role at the company. Come prepared with your market rate and state your case.<h2>What To Do If They Say No</h2>The conversation will go one of three ways.You get what you asked for. The hiring manager will meet you at or near your goal salary and you'll sign the offer letter with a better compensation package in hand. Say thank you and proceed, business as usual.They can’t budge. The hiring manager says they can't budge on salary. Based on those boundaries you set earlier, you can either walk away and find another job, or you can ask the hiring manager what other elements of compensation might be negotiable if salary is not. Maybe you can get more PTO, a heartier incentive-based bonus, or a WFH stipend.You have to counter. The hiring manager comes back with an offer, but it's not quite the number you were expecting. If it's close, you can counter the hiring manager's offer with a slightly higher salary number, or you can ask for other incentives (see above!). But be careful not to drag this out too long splitting hairs over the $$$. Most experts suggest two times as the max for countering an employer's offer.If you're staying in the conversation, ask what is flexible and try to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiate for more benefits</a>:A signing bonus (often easier to approve than a permanent salary increase)<ul><li>Additional PTO</li><li>Remote or hybrid days</li><li>A heartier incentive-based bonus</li><li>Professional development, education, or WFH stipends</li><li>A title change, which raises your market rate for the next negotiation</li><li>A written six-month review with a specific number attached</li></ul>No matter the outcome, you've done the right thing in fighting to get paid fairly for all the work you'll be doing in a new role.&nbsp;<h2>Know Your Rights Before You Negotiate</h2>Look up your location on our<a href="https://my.visme.co/view/8roxdkrq-pay-transparency-law-map"> Interactive Map</a> to see if your state, city, or county has any pay transparency laws that protect you in negotiations. For instance, if you’re in the state of Washington and a hiring manager asks you in an interview what you made at your last job, you don’t have to answer that question because Washington has a salary history ban along with 20 other states.However, if they ask you to provide your expected salary, you can provide them a range or simply say something like, “the market rate for my role”.<h2>Final Thoughts Before You Go</h2>You can negotiate and advocate for yourself as much as you can in these conversations, but it won’t protect you from employers saying no or passing on you as a candidate.&nbsp;Employers can also pass on candidates because they’re going for the cheapest talent possible. In that case, you probably don’t want that job anyway.Stand firm, hold your ground, and keep going. We're rooting for you! Let us know how it goes at <a href="mailto:hello@checksalaries.com">hello@checksalaries.com</a>.<h2>Salary Negotiation FAQs</h2><h2>How much should I ask for?&nbsp;</h2>Ask for the top of your researched market range. Your market rate is determined by your job title, years of experience, location, education and skills, and your company's size and industry. Pull data from 3 to 5 sources, land on a range, and ask for the upper end because employers frequently negotiate down. Use our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">Market Salary Research Guide</a> to help find your market salary range to use in negotiations.&nbsp;<h2>How do I negotiate salary as a beginner with no experience?&nbsp;</h2>Start with researching what your market rate and salary range is for your title and city, skills, education, and any relevant experience. Even if this is an entry-level job, you have experience from other jobs that may apply. Lean on any internships, coursework, any certifications you have, and any projects you’ve completed (personal projects too) as evidence. If they still won’t budge on the pay, try to negotiate for benefits.<h2>How much can I negotiate over the initial salary offer?&nbsp;</h2>A counteroffer of 10% to 20% is common when you can back it up with your market research. Don’t focus on the percentage though. Focus on the data and why you deserve to be paid your fair market rate.&nbsp;<h2>What do I say when they ask for my salary expectations?&nbsp;</h2>Give a range from what you’ve found when researching your market rate and salary range. Then position it so your target sits near the bottom of it. You can say something like this: "Based on my research for this role in this market, I'm targeting $95,000 to $110,000." If they push for a single number, name the top of your range.<h2>What are the salary negotiation mistakes I should avoid?&nbsp;</h2>Avoid skimping on the preparation, not researching your market rate, and being unclear about what you want and what your value is.For more transparent resources:<ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Check Salaries Database</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? Take our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">Are You Underpaid? Quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Get our free Market Salary Research Guide!</li><li>Need better work benefits? Read our guide for <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiating benefits</a>!</li></ul>

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How to Negotiate Salary: A Beginner’s Guide with Strategies and Tips

How much should you be making? Knowing that amount, i.e. your market rate or market salary, is essential to getting paid what you deserve. This is NOT what your company happens to pay you. Your market rate or salary is set by the labor market, not by your employer’s budget or your last <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-prepare-for-a-performance-review">performance review</a>.The only way to find out what your market rate should be is by researching it. Without that, you could end up severely underpaid.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/hannahwilliamsllc/">Hannah Williams</a>, the founder of Salary Transparent Street and Check Salaries, was a data analyst in Washington, D.C., making a salary she thought was fine until she found out it wasn't. She used the exact tips laid out in this guide to find a new role paying her a fair market rate of $115,000. Let's get you there too.Key points:&nbsp;<ul><li>Your market rate (or market salary) depends on your job title, years of experience, location, skills and education, and company size and industry.</li><li>Use public salary data sources like our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> of over 20,000 individually reported salaries when performing your market salary research.</li><li>Most people can finish this research in under 30 minutes.</li><li>Once you have your market rate, use it to ask for a raise and in salary negotiations.</li></ul><h2>What is a Market Rate or Salary?</h2>Your market rate or salary (also referred to as your market <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/salary-range">salary range)</a> is what employers in your industry are currently paying people with your job title, experience, skills, and location.&nbsp;For example, two people with the same job title can have very different market salaries. A software engineer with 3 years of experience in Des Moines, Iowa and one in San Francisco, California are not competing in the same market, even if the role is classified as a <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-remote-jobs">remote job</a>. Neither are two marketing managers where one has a bachelor’s degree and one doesn't.You'll also hear market rate and market salary being called salary benchmarking or compensation benchmarking. Employers already have this analysis on you and have compensation analysts dedicated to it. This guide just gives you the same information they already have.<h2>How Much Should I Be Making?</h2>There’s no single correct number. How much you should be making depends on:<ul><li>Job title: Your job title, any variations (because job titles can be inconsistent across companies and industries), and the work you actually do.</li><li>Years of experience (YOE): How many years of relevant experience you have in the field.</li><li>Location: The location you’re based out of. Higher cost-of-living areas tend to have higher-paying jobs than lower cost-of-living areas.</li><li>Education, skills, and certifications: This is your expertise and everything you have that a hiring manager would pay extra for. The more in-demand skills you have, the better.&nbsp;</li><li>Company size and industry: What you should be making based on a company’s size and industry for a specific role. Startups may have lower salaries while larger companies like Fortune 500 companies may pay more with better benefits.</li></ul>Once you lock those down, you can look up your number and be able to confidently defend it in <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">salary negotiations</a> (and see when you’re <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/lowball-job-offer">being lowballed</a>).<h2>How to Research Your Market Rate and Salary Range in 5 Steps</h2>Market research will help you calculate your salary range by pulling salary data for your role, recording your findings, and validating with real conversations. Once complete, your expected rate and salary range will look something like this (numbers will be different, of course):

market salary image with data analyst details, skills, and market rate range

Your best bet is to consult several sources to figure out what the norm is for someone like you in your industry. That means 3 to 5 different online sources and talking with other professionals in your field.Here are the steps to conduct standard market salary research:<ul><li>Go to your search platform of choice and look for something like “Find salaries” or “Salary calculator.”</li><li>Search for your job title with your experience in the city your role is based in.</li><li>Check out the low, high, and average salaries for that job to get an idea of what your expectations should be. Look for salaries and jobs that are as close to your experience as possible. For example, when I search in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DData+analyst&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=highestEducation%3D64811af3061f88ce2a2ce1d7%3Aindustry%3DHospital%2C+Health+Care%2C+Social+Services%3AjobType%3DFull-time%3AworkLocation%3D">Salary Database for ‘data analyst’</a> and select ‘full-time’ for the job type, ‘bachelor’s degree’ for the highest education level, and ‘hospital, health care, social services’ for the industry, I see the lowest salary of $55,000 and the highest salary of $117,000.</li><li>Jot down the lowest and highest salaries in your research (these are your range) and calculate the average (highest + lowest) ÷ 2 to get your average salary rate.</li><li>Lather, rinse, and repeat across other platforms and resources to come up with a handful of numbers. Also take note of the benefits packages that you see tied to the salaries in your research to take into account for total compensation.</li></ul><h2>Best Free Salary Research Tools to Use</h2>Use these free salary data sources in your market research for comparison.<figure class="table"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:33.33%;"><col style="width:33.33%;"><col style="width:33.34%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td>Salary Tool</td><td>Data source</td><td>Best for</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Check Salaries Database</a></td><td>Self-reported and validated with full context (YOE, company, etc.)</td><td>Seeing real salaries and the story behind them</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htm">BLS Wage Data</a></td><td>Government survey of employers</td><td>The most rigorous baseline with broad job categories</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/salary-calculator">Indeed Salary Calculator</a></td><td>Job postings and self-reported&nbsp;</td><td>Fast reads on common titles</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.payscale.com/survey/">Payscale Salary Survey</a></td><td>Self-reported survey</td><td>Adjusting for specific skills and certifications</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.levels.fyi/verified/">Levels.fyi Verified Salary Stream</a></td><td>Verified offer letters</td><td>Tech salaries and anyone with equity in the mix</td></tr><tr><td>Live job postings in states with <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a></td><td>Employers’ legally required compensation data&nbsp;</td><td>The most current data available anywhere</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><h2>Validate Your Market Salary Research With Real Conversations</h2>While databases and resources like the above are super helpful, they don’t always tell the whole story. That’s why it’s best to bolster those quantitative findings with some qualitative conversations.Start by tapping into your professional network and asking others with similar jobs and fields if they’re comfortable sharing their salary. The best way to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">talk about salary transparency</a> is to be transparent yourself. By kickstarting it with your own willingness to share, you can show that this is a safe space for your colleague or professional connection. Who cares <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/what-to-do-if-you-find-out-a-coworker-makes-more-than-you">if you find out a coworker makes more than you</a>? Use that information as a part of your market salary research.Feel free to use social media as an excuse:"Hey, do you watch Salary Transparent Street? I saw an interview recently with someone who has our same job title and similar experience, and they make a lot more than I do. I make $60,000 a year and I'm wondering if I might be underpaid. Would you feel comfortable sharing what you think our market rate should be?"This works because you aren’t demanding their exact salary. You’re opening up a conversation about what the market rate might be. People are much more comfortable sharing ranges rather than exact numbers, especially since you’ve started the conversation with your numbers.&nbsp;Then follow up with:<ul><li>How did you grow in your career to get to that salary?</li><li>What certifications, experiences, or special skills have you leveraged to earn more?</li><li>Is there anyone else with a similar background you'd recommend I talk to?</li></ul>One legal note worth knowing: In the U.S., the <a href="https://www.nlrb.gov/guidance/key-reference-materials/national-labor-relations-act">National Labor Relations Act </a>protects most non-supervisory employees' right to discuss pay with coworkers. A company policy telling you not to is, in most cases, unenforceable.<h2>How to Use Your Market Salary Research to Negotiate or Ask for a Raise</h2>Now you’re armed with tons of information about what you *should* be making for the work you’re doing. What now?If you think your compensation isn’t quite right given your market research, it’s time to talk to your boss.Schedule a time to talk about your total compensation package and let them know that’s what you’d like to discuss. You don’t want to take your manager by surprise here. You’ve done your homework and the time will be best spent if they get a chance to do theirs as well!If you’re<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise"> requesting a raise</a>, put your market salary research findings in an official letter and bring this letter (supported with your sources) to the meeting for your manager to review. It's important to have a paper trail for these kinds of conversations.Use this script in a conversation with your boss (after the small talk about the weather and whatever else):&nbsp;Your boss: “What’s on your mind? I understand you want to talk about your compensation.”You: “Yes! Thanks for agreeing to meet with me to have this discussion. Based on my market research of this role in my area and with my experience, my expected salary is $X. I’d like to talk about how we can work together to get to that point."Helpful tip: This would be a great place to mention your unique skills and experiences to validate your findings. Prepare 2 to 3 strong talking points and focus on how your qualitative skills support the quantitative impact you've had on projects.Good luck and let us know how it goes by emailing us at<a href="mailto:hello@checksalaries.com"> hello@checksalaries.com</a>!<h2>Market Salary Research FAQs</h2><h2>What's the difference between market rate and market salary?&nbsp;</h2>Nothing. Both terms are interchangeably used to refer to the same thing: what employers currently pay for a given role, not what your current employer is paying you.<h2>How do I find my market salary if I work remotely?&nbsp;</h2>Benchmark against three locations: your location, the location of the company's headquarters, and the national median. Then find out the company's remote pay policy and if they pay the national rate or a location-adjusted rate based on cost-of-living. Whatever their policy is will be what determines which number you're going to negotiate against.<h2>How often should I do market salary research?&nbsp;</h2>At minimum, once a year, and always before a performance review, a promotion conversation, or a job interview.&nbsp;<h2>Do I have to tell an employer my current salary?&nbsp;</h2>No. You aren’t legally required to tell an employer your current salary and over 20 states actually prohibit employers from asking about it. Check your state’s pay transparency laws for more information.&nbsp;For more transparent resources:<ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore over 20,000 individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Check Salaries Database</a>!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? Take our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">Are You Underpaid? Quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li><li>Need better work benefits? Read our guide for <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiating benefits</a>!</li></ul>

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How Much Should I Be Making? A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Market Salary 

Heads up: This article may include affiliate links or sponsored content from brands and products we trust or actually use ourselves. Using them doesn’t cost you a thing, but it helps support our mission.&nbsp;If you want to be a nurse, you’re probably curious about what the highest-paying nursing jobs are. You know, because life is expensive…and unpredictable.Despite the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/will-ai-take-my-job">AI panic</a> that’s distorted the job market in recent years, nursing remains a <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/most-secure-jobs">stable and high-paying career</a> for folks to break into. Nursing currently has a demand that’s higher than its supply, with more than 189,100 new job openings for registered nurses (RNs) being projected each year through 2034, <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6">according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a>.&nbsp;On top of that, higher paying roles like advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are projected to grow by 32,700 job openings each year at that same time. If you want to make a living taking care of and healing others, the money and opportunity is there. Let’s take a look at the roles that pay the most.Key points:<ul><li>Some of the highest-paying nursing jobs are nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners.</li><li>Nursing jobs have faster than average job growth over the next decade, according to the BLS.</li><li>You don’t have to get a bachelor’s degree to get into nursing but will need it to move on to advanced degrees and programs for higher-paying roles.</li><li>Browse thousands of individually reported high-paying nursing salaries on our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>.</li></ul>

<h2>8 Highest Paying Nursing Jobs With Increasing Demand 2026</h2>We’ve ranked the highest-paid nursing jobs using job data from the BLS <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/">Occupational Outlook Handbook</a>, our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> of thousands of self-reported and validated salaries, and interviews with real nurses. The results are sorted by highest to lowest median salaries, as reported by the BLS.To get a sneak peak of a few nursing jobs that pay well, the video below features a few of our recent interviews with nurses about what they make and how they got started: &nbsp;

How Much Do Nurses Make? Nurse Salary Compilation 💚 Salary Transparent Street

You can find all of the nursing salaries we recorded by searching for any of the below positions in our Salary Database. Don’t forget to <a href="https://www.salarytransparentstreet.com/onboarding">join </a>and add your salary too!<h2>1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5">$223,210</a>Highest self-reported salary in our database: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3Dnurse+Anesthetist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$400,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 9% increase in job growthNurse anesthetists make the most amount of money out of any other nursing job title on this list and is ranked 5th on our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs">highest-paying healthcare jobs</a> report because their work goes a little beyond normal nursing responsibilities. They’re advanced practice registered nurses that can administer anesthesia to patients for procedures and are often the only anesthesia providers in underserved areas. We interviewed a CRNA that makes <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rK5mUiglMM">$280,000 a year</a> with 2 years of experience!They typically work in operating rooms, surgery centers, pain clinics, hospitals, and dental offices.&nbsp;Education needed: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing while becoming an RN with 1 year of experience working in an intensive care unit (ICU). As of 2025, CRNAs also need a doctorate in nurse anesthesia (DNP) from an <a href="https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation/find-accredited-programs">accredited program</a> and to pass the <a href="https://www.nbcrna.com/students/nbcrna-certification">National Certification Examination</a> administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/6kX1ar" rel="sponsored">Integrative Health and Medicine Specialization Course</a><h2>2. Nurse Practitioner (NP)</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5">$129,210</a>Highest self-reported salary in our database: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DNurse+Practitioner&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$225,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 40% increase in job growthNurse practitioners are another role under APRNs whose work is very similar to physicians within their scope of practice and is ranked 3rd on our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/top-careers-for-the-future">top-paying careers of the future</a> report. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and perform procedures, but the scope of what they’re permitted to do varies by state.NPs work in clinics, hospitals, urgent care, specialty practices, and telehealth, and specialize in a variety of areas, such as family, adult-gerontology, psychiatric, pediatric, women’s health, and neonatal care.Education needed: A bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing, an active RN license in their state, pass the <a href="https://www.aanpcert.org/">national NP certification board exam</a>, and obtain an NP license.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/X4oRPa" rel="sponsored">Healthcare Career Explorer Nurse Practitioner Course</a><h2>3. Nurse Midwife (CNM)</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5">$128,790</a>Highest self-reported salary in our database: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DNurse+Midwife&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$142,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 11% increase in job growthNurse midwives are another subset of APRNs, but they distinctly specialize in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. They provide prenatal and postpartum care, manage births, and can prescribe medication to patients. You’ll normally see them working in hospitals, OB/GYN or midwifery practices, health clinics, and home birth settings in states where it’s supported.&nbsp;Education needed: A bachelor’s degree in nursing, a master’s degree from a nursing-midwifery program accredited by the <a href="https://theacme.org/">Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education</a>, and pass the national <a href="https://www.amcbmidwife.org/amcb-certification">AMCB certification exam</a>.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/MKoVZK" rel="sponsored">Global Quality Maternal and Newborn Care</a><h2>4. Nurse Manager</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-1">$117,960</a>Highest self-reported salary in our database: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DNurse+manager&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$155,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 23% increase in job growthNurse managers supervise over a nursing departments and combine their clinical nursing background with administrative responsibilities. They’re in charge of staffing and scheduling, budgets, compliance, and implement policies within the nursing staff. They also liaison and have some clinical involvement, typically working in hospitals, surgery centers, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies.Education needed: A bachelor’s degree in nursing and an active RN license in their state with 2 years of clinical experience, but some healthcare providers may prefer a master’s degree with some focus on management and leadership.&nbsp;Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/xJXvx5" rel="sponsored">Nursing Leadership Course</a><h2>5. Registered Nurse (RN)</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm">$93,600</a>Highest self-reported salary in our database: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DRegistered+Nurse&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$205,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 5% increase in job growthRNs are the backbone of the healthcare industry. They provide patient care across every specialty and care setting, assessing patients, advocating for them, administering treatments, and coordinating their care.&nbsp;RNs have several areas they can choose to specialize in, including (but not limited to) ICU/critical care, emergency room (ER), oncology, psychiatric, labor and delivery, and case management. They have the option to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgery centers, nursing homes, schools, public health departments, and home health, among many others.We interviewed a registered nurse who makes $43 an hour and a nursing student who is still working towards her degree in the video below to give you a good idea of what you can expect to make as a nurse and what to expect while still in school.

How much does a #RegisteredNurse and #NursingStudent make? The Big E in MA📍#salarytransparentstreet

Education needed: An associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the <a href="https://www.nclex.com/">National Council Licensure Examination</a> (NCLEX-RN) to obtain an active RN license in their state. (You can start out as a licensed practical nurse after completing the 1-year program and use that <a href="https://checksalaries.com/resource-hub/highest-paying-entry-level-jobs">high-paying entry-level role</a> and you work towards becoming an RN.)Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/o4amDY" rel="sponsored">The Nurse’s Toolkit</a><h2>6. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm">$93,600</a>Highest self-reported salary in our database: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DClinical+Nurse+Specialist&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$137,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 5% increase in job growthClinical nurse specialists are APRNs who use their clinical expertise in a specific speciality, such as pediatric, critical care, diabetes, oncology, etc, in roles that focus on improving care quality and education through direct patient care, nursing staff development, and systems leadership.They typically work in hospitals, academic medical centers, outpatient specialty clinics, long-term care facilities, and healthcare consulting.&nbsp;Education needed: A bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing, an active RN license in their state, and 1 or more years of work experience as an RN.&nbsp;Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/o4amDY" rel="sponsored">Getting Started with Clinical Skills: A Focus on the Patient</a><h2>7. Clinical Research Nurse</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm">$93,600</a>Highest self-reported salary in our database: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DClinical+Research+Nurse&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$150,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 5% increase in job growthA clinical research nurse specializes in coordinating clinical trials and research studies and is a role that’s growing in demand with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. They support their research by recruiting and screening patients for trials, implementing protocols, collecting data, collecting specimens, and monitoring patients, perfectly combining their clinical experience with their love for research.They have the option to work in academic medical centers, research departments in hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, contract research organizations (CROs), government research institutions (like the NIH), and specialized research clinics.Education needed: A bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing, an active RN license in their state, and 1 to 2 years of clinical work experience as an RN.&nbsp;Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/jRD4P5" rel="sponsored">Clinical Trials Operations Specialization Course</a><h2>8. Nursing Instructor</h2>BLS median annual salary: <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-5">$79,940</a>Highest self-reported salary in our database: <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database?query=job_title%3DNurse+Educator&amp;page=1&amp;sortByField=calculated_annual_salary&amp;sortOrder=-1&amp;filters=">$140,000</a>Job outlook up to 2034: 17% increase in job growthNursing instructors or educators are RNs who teach nurses in academic or clinical training programs, and are highly needed. Nursing schools have had <a href="https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Faculty-Shortage">trouble in recent years</a> accepting all qualified applicants because they lack the staff to handle them.Nursing educators have many options for where they can teach, including universities and colleges, like nursing schools, community colleges, vocational/technical nursing programs, and hospitals. Private colleges and universities tend to pay the highest salaries, according to the BLS.&nbsp;Education needed: A bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing with a focus on education, an active RN license in their stature, and 2 years of experience working in a clinical setting.Start learning skills for this job: <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/KB2Gnn" rel="sponsored">Teaching and Assessing Clinical Skills</a><h2>How to Get Into Nursing&nbsp;</h2>The best place to start if you want to get into nursing is with an <a href="https://www.aacnnursing.org/about-aacn/member-schools">accredited </a>associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in nursing to work toward passing the NCLEX-RN exam.&nbsp;You also have the option to enroll in a licensed practical nurse (LPN) program approved by your state’s Board of Nursing that lasts anywhere from 12 to 18 months to qualify for the <a href="https://www.nclex.com/files/2026_PN_Test%20Plan-F.pdf">NCLEX-PN licensing exam</a>. This shorter route can help you break into working in clinical settings quicker as you work towards advanced degrees and specialties.&nbsp;You can also look at <a href="https://imp.i384100.net/dy3v1M">online course work </a>and entry-level work in surgery centers, hospitals, and clinics to get more experience while still in school, which also gets you access to licensed nurses that you can shadow while you figure out what specialty you want to focus on.&nbsp;Whatever program and route you decide on, don’t get too ahead of yourself. It takes years to become a nurse with intensive training, so take your time to figure out what you really want to do in the field and what’s the best fit for you versus *not so much*. If you’re looking for more guidance, our free<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/healthcare-career-quiz"> Healthcare Career Quiz</a> can also help you decide if nursing is the right place for you in healthcare with additional resources.That wraps it up for this week. I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, former member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). 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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!If this guide helps you land a top-paying nursing job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@checksalaries.comFor more transparent resources:<ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><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>Want to break into healthcare? Read the full <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/healthcare-careers-guide">Healthcare Career Guide</a>!</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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li></ul>

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8 Highest Paying Nursing Jobs in 2026 (With Real Salaries)

It's perfectly normal to ask for a pay bump, especially if you've taken on more duties, gained more experience, or if your salary needs to be adjusted to match the market. But many don't know how to ask for a raise to begin with.BambooHR reported in its <a href="https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/data-at-work/data-stories/2026-compensation-trends">2026 Compensation Trends Report</a> that out of 1,500 full-time salaried employees, a third of them (33%) didn’t get a raise in the last year. Those that did, received an average increase of 4.8%, barely topping the current inflation of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/cpi/">4.2%</a>. You NEED to ask for more. &nbsp;

Don’t let your fear of asking for a raise hold you back from earning more. It isn’t like you’re asking for a favor. Raises are how employers show recognition and make sure their employees are paid fairly as their responsibilities increase. They want to retain good talent and talent usually sticks around with a <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/most-secure-jobs">secure high-paying job</a>.Asking for a raise isn’t overly complicated and is similar to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">negotiating your salary</a>, but there are a few things to consider. In this article, we’ll dig into how to ask for a raise, when to do it, and what to say.Key Points:<ul><li>It’s normal to ask for a raise. You won’t get fired for it.</li><li>Know when to ask for a raise and time it wisely. The best time tends to be before employee review cycles.</li><li>Be polite when asking for a raise. Negotiations aren’t fights, they’re discussions with compromises.&nbsp;</li><li>Do market research to know how much to ask for using our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">Market Salary Research Guide</a>.</li><li>Build a “brag sheet” of your responsibilities and accomplishments to back up your raise request.</li><li>Know what to say (and what to not say) when discussing a raise with your manager.</li><li>Draft a rough script of what to say during the meeting and practice it with another person.</li></ul>

&nbsp;<h2>How to Ask Your Manager for a Raise</h2><h2>1. Know when to ask for a raise.</h2>The timing of when you ask for a raise matters. Companies’ budgets fluctuate throughout the year and some may have raise schedules in place. If you're new, it's best to wait at least six months before bringing up a raise.

Before asking, think about the current financial health of the company and what the the best times of the year are to ask. Employers usually hold annual or quarterly <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-prepare-for-a-performance-review">performance reviews </a>with their employees, and if you have one approaching then your employer may already be preparing for a raise discussion.Employee reviews may have set raises the company gives out depending on if the employee gets “meets expectations” or “above expectations” such as 3%, 4%, 5%, and so on depending on your company’s budget. According to a <a href="https://www.payscale.com/featured-content/2026-salary-increases-preview">2026 Pay Increase Preview Report by Payscale</a>, employers are planning base pay increases of 3.5%, which can be more depending on your industry, role, and company.&nbsp;Payscale’s report also stated that the biggest reason for pay increases is merit and performance. The most important thing in negotiating a higher raise is how you position yourself. For instance, if you receive a satisfactory review that only comes with a 3% raise, use your accomplishments and any recent increases of responsibility to push for more. If available, refer to the company's and team's business objectives for the year and show your manager a few ways you've met or exceeded expectations for those objectives.Another good time of the year to ask for a raise is the end of the fiscal year, which is a 12-month accounting period in which budgets are set, including salary adjustments such as raises. It may or may not align with the calendar year, so you will have to check what those dates are at your job.However, you don’t have to wait for employee reviews or a specific time of the year to ask for a raise. You should mention it frequently and check in on your goals to meet the expectations of a raise on a quarterly basis.<h2>2. How much of a raise should I ask for?</h2>When determining how much to ask for, consider your performance, achievements, and market value. It's often recommended to request a raise in the range of 5% to 15% of your current salary, but the specific amount will depend on your individual circumstances, your market rate, and the overall context of the request.&nbsp;If you don’t know your market rate, use our free<a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide"> Market Salary Research Guide</a> to calculate what that is. This involves researching typical <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/salary-range">salary ranges</a> for your position, level of experience, location, and other factors. Our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> can help you with that part! The video below also has some helpful tips.

Underpaid? Here’s how to find your market rate using pay transparency laws! #salarytransparentstreet

Other tools to use for salary research include Glassdoor and Payscale. Once you find your market rate, adjust for your experience, role, and responsibilities and be prepared to present that data as you negotiate your raise. This can be as simple as stating that according to the current market pay for your role and the accomplishments you’ve presented, you’re looking for a raise within a certain range.You can also <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">discuss salary with coworkers</a> about their experience with negotiating raises at the company so you know what to expect. Thanks to <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> across the United States, this is totally legal and your employer can’t retaliate against you for doing so.<h2>3. How to Set Up The Meeting With Your Manager</h2>It's important to be polite and professional in your approach when setting up a meeting with your manager to discuss a potential raise. You don’t want to come off as arrogant or that you take them lightly. Start by sending an email to schedule the meeting, clearly stating the purpose and desired outcome.&nbsp;Express your appreciation for their time and offer flexibility in scheduling. Provide a brief overview of the topics you'd like to discuss, including your performance, achievements, and reasons for requesting a raise. Don’t forget to schedule the meeting at a time when your manager is likely to be available and when you can have a focused and uninterrupted conversation.&nbsp;<h2>4. How to Ask For a Raise via Email: Template &amp; Example</h2>See below for an email template to use for your raise request, along with an example email using a real-life scenario with the position title of Digital Marketing Analyst.

Email Template:Subject: Request for Salary ReviewDear [Manager's Name],I hope you’re doing well! I’m extremely thankful for having the opportunity to learn and grow in my role as a [Position Title] at [Company Name]. I’m proud of the work I’ve been able to contribute as a part of the team. As I continue to grow in my role and take on new responsibilities, I would like to take the time to discuss my performance and contributions and request a salary review.Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and projects, such as [name 1 big responsibility] and [name 1 big project]. I believe that my efforts have contributed positively to the team and our company's goals.I’ve taken the initiative to research industry standards for my position, and based on my findings, I would like to request a salary adjustment to align with market rates. I’m confident that my skills, experience, and achievements warrant this adjustment.I’ve outlined some key points below to support my request:<ul><li>Accomplishments: Highlight specific achievements and projects you have successfully completed, including their impact&nbsp;</li><li>Additional Responsibilities: Describe any additional tasks or duties you’ve taken on since your last salary review</li><li>Market Research: Provide data or references to support your claim that your current salary is below market standards for your role.&nbsp;</li></ul>Could we schedule a meeting within the next few weeks to discuss this further? I understand your time is limited, so let me know which week works the best for you and I can find a time on the calendar that works best for the both of us. I’m also willing to provide any additional information or documentation you need.&nbsp;Thank you for considering my request and I look forward to our meeting.Sincerely,[Your Name]

Real-Life Email Example:Subject: Request for Salary ReviewDear Linda,I hope you’re doing well! I’m extremely thankful for having the opportunity to learn and grow in my role as a Digital Marketing Analyst at ABC Company. I am proud of the work I’ve been able to contribute, along with the team. As I continue to grow in my role and take on new responsibilities, I would like to take the time to discuss my performance and contributions, and request a salary review.Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and projects, such as implementing a new social media advertising strategy and leading the development of our content marketing calendar. I believe that my efforts have contributed positively to the team and our company's goals.I’ve taken the initiative to research industry standards for my position, and based on my findings, I would like to request a salary adjustment to align with market rates. I am confident that my skills, experience, and achievements warrant this adjustment.I’ve outlined some key points below to support my request:<ul><li>Accomplishments: Successfully increased website traffic by 30% through SEO optimization and content marketing initiatives.</li><li>Additional Responsibilities: Took on an additional role of managing our influencer marketing partnerships, resulting in a 25% increase in engagement and sales.</li><li>Market Research: According to recent data from industry reports and job postings, the average salary for Digital Marketing Analysts with similar experience and qualifications is $80,000.</li></ul>Could we schedule a meeting within the next few weeks to discuss this further? I understand your time is limited, so let me know which week works the best for you and I can find a time on the calendar that works best for the both of us. I am also willing to provide any additional information or documentation you need.Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to our meeting.Sincerely,Stephanie<h2>5. Prepare for the meeting.</h2>

Before your meeting with your manager, refer to the email you sent them . and expand on it with any other accomplishments that weren’t mentioned.&nbsp;A great way to do this is to create a brag sheet that includes all your “wins”. It’s best to note these throughout the year on a spreadsheet (like Google Sheets) or in your notes app on your phone. But if you haven’t been doing that, go through your old emails and past projects (and their results) to gather what you’ve done.&nbsp;It’s also helpful to look for emails with testimonials from colleagues and management praising you. Save any emails with praise to a specific folder in Outlook (or whatever email provider you use for your job) for easy retrieval.From there, think about what you’ll say in the meeting and how to say it.<h2>6. Draft a rough script and practice, practice, practice.</h2>Another way to prepare for the meeting with your manager is to create a conversational script of what you want to say and how you’ll say it.&nbsp;The script may go something like this:Employee: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, [Manager's Name]. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my performance and potential salary adjustments.Manager: Of course, [Your Name]. What specifically did you want to discuss regarding your performance and compensation?Employee: Over the past year, I've taken on additional responsibilities and projects, such as [mention specific examples]. I believe these contributions have positively impacted our team and the company's goals. Considering industry standards, similar positions recently posted on the company’s website, my experience, skills, &amp; market rate, I believe a salary of [$X] makes the most sense moving forward.Manager: I see. You’ve definitely proven your value to the team and company. Let me look into the salary data you've provided and consider how it aligns with our budget and company policies.Employee: I understand and look forward to your response.Manager: Thank you for your understanding. Let me review the information you've provided and follow up with you soon.Employee: Thank you, [Manager's Name]. I appreciate your time and support.This conversation may differ depending on your unique situation and why you’re asking for a raise. To build confidence as you prepare, rehearse with another person to get acclimated to how the conversation may flow. Recording yourself to note your body language and speech patterns can also be a helpful way to prepare.For more scripts to use when negotiating salary, raises, and benefits, use our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/salary-negotiation-scripts">salary negotiation scripts</a>.<h2>7. Crush the meeting.</h2>

Come into the meeting with an open mind. You’ll have better luck negotiating if you’re clear and direct without being defensive. Negotiations aren’t fights, they’re compromises.Think of why your manager would want to give you a raise. How long have you been there? How have your responsibilities increased or changed since you were hired? When your job description changes, your pay should reflect that. All of these factors should be considered during this conversation.This is where you present your accomplishments and explain their business value, which is&nbsp; anything you’ve contributed that you can show how it positively affected the business (use that brag sheet!).&nbsp;For example, one of your accomplishments could be: “I’ve been leading several projects to correct website defects and push new features, which resulted in an increase in website traffic that eventually led to more product purchases. In these projects, I’m taking on additional responsibilities that would normally be under a more senior position.” This shows how your contributions directly affected their profits.<h2>8. What happens if the answer is “no”?</h2>The worst thing they can say is no. Right? But, what do you do when your request is rejected? If you don’t get the raise you hoped for, you might be able to compromise with your employer and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-benefits">negotiate for additional benefits</a> like flex work and more vacation time.If the answer is something along the lines of a “maybe”, be patient because it’s likely that your manager has to revisit the team’s budget or get approval for your request.&nbsp;<h2>9. Send a follow up email after the meeting thanking your manager for their time.</h2>Managers love it when their team makes their job easier in some way. They’re busy and stuck in meetings, so their time is limited and there are many things they might forget throughout the work day. Sending a followup email after the meeting that thanks them for their time and recaps key points will put your request at the top of their mind. Include a quick recap of the conversation and your accomplishments in key points to make it easier for your manager if they have to get approval from higher up.

<h2>What Not to Say When Asking for a Pay Raise</h2>Now that we’ve covered all the things that you should say when asking for a raise, let’s cover what NOT to say.Avoid any of these statements if you want your raise request to be taken seriously:<ul><li>"I've been here longer than most people, so I should get a raise."</li><li>“I deserve a raise.”</li><li>"I heard [colleague's name] got a raise, so I should too."</li><li>"I'm struggling financially and need more money."</li><li>"I'll quit if I don't get a raise."</li><li>"I know the company is doing well financially, so why haven't I received a raise yet?"</li></ul><h2>Why You Should Always Negotiate</h2>Asking for a raise can sometimes mean the difference between a $85k and <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/100k-salary-cities">$100k salary</a>. That’s a huge difference. Imagine what you could do with that money!&nbsp;Negotiations are nothing to be scared of. These are standard procedures with employers, so make good use of them.

This is why <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/the-importance-of-salary-transparency">salary transparency is so important</a>. It gives you both the data and confidence to navigate negotiations, and get paid what you deserve.&nbsp;<h2>Are you underpaid? Find out with our free quiz 👇</h2>&nbsp;

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Author note: I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer and <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a> member who writes about tech, money, and careers. 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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a>. Chat soon!If this guide helps you to get a raise, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@checksalaries.comFor more transparent resources:<ul><li>Explore thousands of individually reported salaries across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a> (and add your own)!</li><li>Do you know if you're being underpaid? <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/are-you-underpaid-free-quiz">Take our free quiz</a> to find out!</li><li>Need help determining your market rate? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li></ul>

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How to Ask for a Raise (With Examples and Scripts)

If you’ve ever seen a salary range like $60,000 to $500,000 posted in a job listing, congratulations: you’re as irritated as the rest of us. Shortly after <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency laws</a> started sweeping across the country, those wide salary ranges in job listings became more common.&nbsp;This is partly because many pay transparency laws require employers to post a range they expect to pay in “good faith” without specifying how narrow the range must be, which also *unfortunately* allows them to continue to hold back on being fully transparent. But the majority of job listings aren’t like that, and some laws in certain states are more clear than others to prevent them from doing so.&nbsp;For example, <a href="https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB215">Virginia’s new pay transparency laws</a>, effective July 1st, 2026, prohibit employers from failing to set a wage or salary range in true good faith by including the wording, “Any analysis of whether the wage or salary range has been set in good faith shall consider, among other things, the breadth of such wage or salary range.” Breadth is the key word there.&nbsp;Either way, if the company is serious about its hiring plans, you’ll be able to see that in the salary ranges they post. But what exactly do those ranges mean?Key points:<ul><li>A salary range is a set of the lowest and highest salary that’s set for a job.</li><li>You’ll only be able to effectively read salary ranges in job listings if you also know your own market salary range.&nbsp;</li><li>How a company discloses (or doesn’t disclose) pay for a certain job says a lot about them before you ever apply.</li><li>When there is no salary listed, ask as many questions about pay upfront before you get too deep into the hiring process (only to find out that the pay is much lower than you expected).</li></ul><h2>What is a Salary Range?</h2>A salary range is the set of numbers that indicates the lowest and highest market salary amounts for a job, and there are typically two types. The first is your market salary range of the lowest to highest annual salary you want to be paid for at a job. The second is the salary range that appears on job listings, set by the company to show where the new hire could possibly fall (which also tells you if they’re willing to pay you your market rate and gives you a good starting point for <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/negotiate-salary-offer">salary negotiation talks</a>).To find what your market salary range is for what you do, download the FREE Market Research Guide!

&nbsp;<h2>How Do Employers Set Salary Ranges in Job Listings?</h2>There are a few reasons why employers list salary ranges in job listings aside from having to comply with pay transparency laws in their state. They may also want to attract more applicants while filtering out people that have mismatched salary expectations.&nbsp;There’s also quite a bit of research that goes into setting those ranges. Employers will typically benchmark against current market data, which is what similar roles pay for the same title, industry, and location, and is similar to the market research you can do with our free guide. They’ll also factor in the budget they've allocated for the role, what current employees are getting paid for similar work, and what specialized skillset or amount of experience they need for the role.The final range shows how much room they’re leaving for candidates at different levels, whether they’re entry-level or junior, mid-level, or senior level. A tighter range means they’re looking for a specific hire (at a specific level) and a broader range means they’re leaving space to pay more for someone who exceeds expectations.<h2>How to Tell If a Salary Range Is Fair: Do Your Market Research</h2>The only way to tell if a listed salary range is fair is to first know what your own market salary range is and if it fits into that.&nbsp;Your market salary range comes down to five factors:<ul><li>Job title (and alternate titles)</li><li>Years of experience</li><li>Location (or if you’re remote)</li><li>Relevant education and skills</li><li>Company size and industry</li></ul>This is where your market research shines! Download our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-market-research-guide">FREE Market Research guide</a> to help determine what your market salary range would be. The guide will talk you through the process by first picking a salary source, like the <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>, Payscale, or <a href="https://www.bls.gov/oes/">BLS wage data</a>. You’ll look at your job title, experience, and location and note the lowest, average, and highest salaries for that role. The lowest and highest will be your range, and your rough rate will be the average, which is the sum of the highest and lowest, divided by 2.&nbsp;Repeat this process across 3 to 5 sources so you’re not relying on a siloed data set that may not accurately represent the broader market. Don’t forget to talk to real people too. <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/discussing-salary-with-coworkers">Talk to your coworkers</a> about what they make and other professionals in similar roles and what they’d consider a fair market rate for their work. Start by being transparent about your own pay first to encourage them to open up.Once you have your range, see where it sits in relation to the range in the job listing. If it’s below your market rate, it’s a low-paying listing for you. If it’s within it, it’s fair and worth applying with a target near the higher end of the range. And if it’s above your market rate? That’s a strong offer worth pursuing!<h2>Where Will You Actually Land in the Range?</h2>When looking at a salary range like $90,000 to $120,000 in a job listing, you’ll find where you fall by taking into account your qualifications, how new you are to the role, and how many of the requirements you meet.For example, you’ll hit toward the lower end of the range if you’re newer to the role, the middle of the range if you hit most of the requirements and have directly relevant experience, and the higher end of the range if you exceed the requirements, have more specialized or in-demand skills (like the part of the job description that’s labeled “nice to have”), or a track record that maps directly to their needs in a way that makes them want to do whatever they can to get you onboard.<h2>Red Flags to Watch For in a Posted Salary Range</h2>The thing about salary ranges is while you’re scanning open jobs and what they pay, the companies are telling you exactly who they are before you ever apply.This is what to watch out for:<ul><li>Absurdly wide ranges: They’re complying with pay transparency laws without actually revealing anything.&nbsp;</li><li>A range that sits surprisingly below the market pay for the title and location: They're hoping someone won't check or to get an entry-level hire that’s willing to work for less.</li><li>"Competitive salary" or "DOE" with no numbers: A possible compliance dodge or a way to look transparent without actually being transparent.&nbsp;</li><li>A very narrow range paired with heavy senior requirements: A sign that the budget isn’t very flexible no matter how strong of a match you are.</li><li>The recruiter dodges the number even after you ask directly: They’re probably waiting for you to give a number first, which is worth noting this may be how the company negotiates before you're even in.</li></ul>However, none of these are a done deal. They’re all signs to dig into more research and ask questions early, so you don't waste days (or even weeks) in a hiring process with a company that was never going to meet your number to begin with.<h2>What to Do When There's No Salary Range Listed</h2>If you're job hunting in one of the states without pay disclosure requirements, you'll still find plenty of listings with no range at all. Still do your market research to find your market salary range and ask questions about the pay early in the process. Something along the lines of, “Are you able to share the compensation band budgeted for this role?” is a simple way to set expectations upfront to save everyone’s time.&nbsp;Also, know your rights! Some employers will try and pull a fast one on you and ask about what your salary was at past jobs. This is actually illegal in 20 states, including Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, and several others (as outlined in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-laws">pay transparency law report</a>).<h2>Turn Your Findings Into a Negotiation</h2>Evaluating a range isn't just about deciding whether or not you should apply to a job. It also perfectly sets you up for the offer and negotiation stage.&nbsp;When you've got a data-backed number, you can negotiate a salary offer (or <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/how-to-ask-for-a-raise">ask for a raise</a> are your current job) with confidence instead of showing up unprepared and guessing your way through it. Be sure to have 2 to 3 sources ready for the meeting, show where you fall in the range and why, and tie your side of the negotiation to the specific skills and impact you bring (use past examples showing the impact you’ve made for previous employers or projects).&nbsp;Just knowing your market range makes the entire job search process so much easier. You’re willing to read job listings more clearly, manage your expectations, and be able to articulate your needs more effectively in negotiations. You’ll never look at a salary range in a job listing the same way again.&nbsp;That wraps it up for this week. I’m Daniella Flores, a former engineer who writes about tech, money, and careers, a former member of the <a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/financial-review-board/">CNET Money Expert Review Board</a>, and career researcher that’s appeared in TIME, CNBC, and Investopedia (among many others). 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.checksalaries.com/resource-hub">Resource Hub</a> (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) You can also follow me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamarquez/">Linkedin</a> and <a href="https://www.threads.com/@daniellawritesthings">Threads</a>. Chat soon!If this guide helps you land a higher-paying job, let us know! Send us an email ➡️ hello@checksalaries.comFor more transparent resources:<ul><li>Want to join the movement? Explore thousands of individually reported salaries nationwide across all industries in our <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/salary-database">Salary Database</a>!</li><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 negotiating your salary? Download our free <a href="https://www.checksalaries.com/resource-hub/free-salary-negotiation-guide">Salary Negotiation Guide</a>!</li></ul>

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