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Discussion

Austin - Has anyone requested a higher salary from HR upon offer?

I've been offered a position through St. David's in Austin. Pay is base 28/hr, there are differentials but I don't have those in my offer letter. I have been an RN for 3 years. I started at 28.50 in 2014, but this was in Philadelphia, PA and I know Austin is a lower pay scale. I've scanned these boards and "high 20s" sounds about right to me, but I wanted to check.

Have any of you bargained with an HR offer and been successful in getting a higher offer? Or are all RN salaries based on a rubric where 3 yrs experience = $28/hr, and that's just how it is?

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    • Columnist

    You have some negotiation power because you have experience.

    There are rules, such as falling on a pay level, but within that level are steps that can often be awarded by a hiring manger who really wants you. Just as there are always rules, there are always exceptions to rules.

    It depends on the market need, union rules if it's a union facility, and sometimes jus asking. "Is there any room for negotiation?" "I would love to work there, but it would be difficult to take a decrease in pay"

    It's highly unlikely that a job offer will be rescinded because you respectfully ask for more. If you are re-locating, ask if relocation expenses are available. Ask if you are eligible for any differentials based on your degree or certifications. Best wishes!

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    • Author

    Thanks. I really want to take this job, but I have this mental block about starting lower than I did 3 years ago. I don't want to be resentful about. I also don't want to ask for more money if they are actually giving me an awesome offer based on the area.

    I guess if i am respectful and honest, it will be ok, the worst they can say is "that's the offer, take it or leave it." It's hard too, not being in the area and really understanding the cost of living....it seems as though I can get a nicer apartment for a little less money there, but I know Austin is where everyone wants to be, so rents are increasing. At least gas is cheap for when I'm sitting in the famous traffic! : )

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    • Columnist
    Thanks. I really want to take this job, but I have this mental block about starting lower than I did 3 years ago. I don't want to be resentful about. I also don't want to ask for more money if they are actually giving me an awesome offer based on the area.

    I guess if i am respectful and honest, it will be ok, the worst they can say is "that's the offer, take it or leave it." It's hard too, not being in the area and really understanding the cost of living....it seems as though I can get a nicer apartment for a little less money there, but I know Austin is where everyone wants to be, so rents are increasing. At least gas is cheap for when I'm sitting in the famous traffic! : )

    Gotcha. If it were me, it would reduce my potential resentment to just ask. After a long career in nursing, I realize that we are notorious for not negotiating :)

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    $28 in Austin is not bad. Austin is one of the lowest paying Metro areas in Texas (even though one of the highest cost of living).

    That said, you can always ask for more, usually will not cause the current job offer to be revoked.

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    Here is a nurse manager's input on that. You can negotiate. The recruiter will take your lowest acceptable rate to the hiring manager. She/he will look at the unit equality to make sure no one of same experience is getting significantly less. If your rate request is comparable to what other RNs on the same unit with similar experiences are making, you are good to go. If not, they will give you an option to take the first offer or decline. Happens all the time and it does not make me think any less of an applicant who negotiates. I just have to be fair to the RNs on the unit.

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    • Author

    Thanks everyone. I was honest with HR and said I was having a hard time taking a pay cut, even though I understand the SW pays less. He immediately bumped up my base pay, without even a discussion. He seemed unaware of my current salary, so I am so glad that I asked! It made taking the job feel much more positive. Thanks for your advice, ladies! Lesson - never hurts to ask!

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    • Columnist

    Happy dance!!!!

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    ... Thanks for your advice, ladies! Lesson - never hurts to ask!

    Ladies? :specs:

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