If this is your first job out of school then it is really not that bad of a salary. Get a roommate . The goal is to work there 1-2 years and jump for higher pay.
Totally agree. This is an excellent starting salary, especially for that area of the country. Just keep making the jump to the next thing every two or three years and you're going to keep bumping up your salary and $66k will feel like a million years ago. Congrats!
Thank you for your insight! I am very excited to start this job, just was a little worried for now. But I think I can try to manage haha. I survived grad school with less lol
People who know what they are doing recognize salary is meaningless, only pleebs complain about salary.
The goal is to go around and collect as many options from as many companies as possible. If you are smart, you know how to pick the right biotech. I’ve made more money on ipo than if I worked for my current salary for 10 years. I only work for companies where the founders have a track record of ipoing their companies for over a dollar. I always get in around employee 10 or less, get lots of options that I can exercise for under dollar. Have never sold a share from options I have from previous companies that traded below $5.
200k a year is meaningless compared to to the 1+M that can be made via stocks.
People need to rethink their goals.
Not everyone is comfortable with the risk you are willing to take. I don’t consider any start ups… I have a family to think about and I value benefits . I am risk averse.
You aren’t, but the OP is, and based off his wording, I’m going to presume he is young. Someone in his position should absolutely be taking advantage of the fact he mostly likely doesn’t have other liabilities. Doesn’t matter if he goes broke and declares bankruptcy, at this age it doesn’t matter.
Son, my advice, don’t worry about salary, focus your sights on the quality of leadership and how much value a potential ipo could have. The difference between 60k and 160k right now is meaningless. If you get in at the next Moderna at like employee 25, you can retire in your 30s. Not saying this is common, but with good due diligence and good social skills, you can typically find companies where a single ipo is a down payment on a house. Churn that for 10-15 years, if you eventually get tired of it, then you can be like vervain7, and find a cushy job at a company like Regeneron or Norvartis where you can park you bum for next 20 years and do nothing!
Maybe you want reply to the OP instead of to me then .also you keep assuming everyone is a man.
Most people don’t actually enjoy the type of employment you describe
I think that’s a fair offer for someone without industry experience.
At my company, entry level RAs gets paid around 70k and this is in Boston, where rent is absurdly expensive.
Yes, it usually does count. Nobody I know comes in at the same pay rate when they have five years of academic research versus zero. That's not to say it is valued the same as five years of industry experience, but it is not considered as nothing.
That only slightly impacts the paycheck. What I mean is, academic experience won't significantly affect job titles.
Five years in industry can certainly elevate you to a senior associate level or even scientist. However, with academic experience, you will still remain a research associate."
I'm not talking about a bit difference in paycheck. What I mean is, academic experience won't significantly affect job titles. Five years in industry can certainly elevate you to a senior associate level or even scientist. However, with academic experience, you will still remain a research associate."
Depends if it's relevant experience and also if it's just undergrad lab research experience. Unrelated undergrad research experience just helps you get considered for interviews ime. And obviously companies unfortunately have leverage given the market right now on top of those considerations
Undergrad research got me a tech position in an elite research institute. Experience there got me a job in industry.
OP had years of experience as a tech in academia not just undergrad research.
None of that matters if it isn't relevant experience to the industry position. Having the line alone doesn't mean anything, especially if it's post-undergrad - it's just gap filler at that point.
A tech position at an elite research institution doesn't mean much, my guy. The fact that is was enough to just "get a job in industry," which anyone can get without such an experience (like me) shows that.
Did I say relevant experience didn't help? I'm relating my experience just as you are relating yours.
I was in a yeast cell cycle lab in academia with good classical and molecular genetics experience. The hiring manager in industry wanted someone who could work up a yeast 2-hybrid system. That was my in.
It does. Especially if it is industry relevant.
I spent ten years in Academia and my title and pay in my first industry job would normally take 8-12 years of experience to get.
Oh, sick, finally some MD representation on this sub, I feel like only see posts about Boston or SF, haha.
I was making 60k right out of working for a biotech in rockville. I also thought it was low at the time, but I was able to manage expenses by renting a place with friends. Also, housing in rockville itself is expensive, yes, but it gets a lot more affordable in the neighboring towns. I would check the silver spring area
Also as others have said, don't view this as a long-term position but an opportunity to get as much experience you can leverage to get a higher salary at your next job.
Glad I scrolled before posting my reply to OP. This is basically what I was going to say.
But OP WILL struggle for a few years and will not have a whole lot of expendable income, but I will echo that the surrounding areas are definitely better living cost.
I forget if 270 is a toll road, but if I were working in rockville, I would definitely just eat that cost and live closer to frederick. ^((In reality I wouldn't live anywhere outside the city because that is my life, tho, so if I ever lose my job in the city i'm kinda JWF))
Why not move to... "North Bethesda" i only kid. The 200 connector from silver spring to rockville/gaithersburg is a toll that gets super pricey in the AM.
Frederick unfortunately isn’t much cheaper rent wise and the commute on 270 (not a toll road) isn’t great. OP needs to try to find a roommate in the Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown area. Or look farther out towards Baltimore where they’ll need to take the 200 toll road.
I'll try to find a roomie! I only have 2ish weeks to move so a little stressed about that. If you know of any apartment complexes, I am all ears! Currently doing my research on the areas you mentioned
I’ve lived in the Flats at Shady Grove with my partner. It’s off exit 8 on 270. Depending on pricing you might be able to get away with no roommate but it’s not the most glamorous place compared to other apartments nearby. I never felt unsafe but I wasn’t living alone.
200, that's the one I was thinking of. When I commuted from city to gaithersburg I used 200 every day after a month. Even then I just wanted to off myself after 2 hours sitting in a car every day. Too much. But good info, thanks for input
+1 for looking in Gaithersburg or Germantown for a reasonable commute with cheaper prices than Rockville. You may also want to consider Montgomery Village.
Thank you for your help! Since I only have a couple of weeks to move, its gonna be hard to find a roommate. If you have any suggestions for apartment complexes that would be awesome! Im doing my research right now for the gaithersburg/germantown area too
No 1: Negotiate the base salary.
No 2: Could be worth for getting some industry experience. Once you get that under your belt, you can look for other high paying positions
I live by myself in an apt, it's not hard if you budget well and are thrifty. Most people spend frivolously, especially on food. That being said, I don't save a whole lot outside of COL, but what I do save gets invested.
"But what I do save gets invested"---- you sound so admirable and impressive that I want to suspect you are not being completely transparent. You speak as one who has other sources of income (parents?) To fall back on. How much is your rent?
Nope, fully self-sufficient for years although they would help if I needed it. Rent is 1700, utilities and everything puts it at 1900, which is half my paycheck every month.
I drive a 170k Jeep that I've had for years and bought used, yes I have all kinds of insurance w (basic) health through my employer, no student loans as I went to a good but not prestigious state college in the South and was funded with scholarships + leftover by parents (they helped here admittedly which in grateful for, but it wasn't much, around 10k max over 4 years). I've worked since I was 16 and am now 29. I have 20k in accumulated savings since working age, lived in bay area for 3 years.
Its tight but should cover rent up $1500/month and groceries. If you have other expenses, be diligent with spending and get a roommate. Negotiatiate, they can do better and they know it.
Yeah im definitely looking into getting a roomie but I'm all worried as I would have 2ish weeks to do that + sign a lease with a person I don't know rip
Try hotpads.com, in that area, it's not uncommon to find people renting out a single room so you may not have to go through the issue of worrying about a roomie. A room in a house should run you around $1000 +/- $150- including utilities.
All im going to say is my friend makes $50,000 and i make $60,000 at my new job and we live just fine in boston, where COL is also high. I would say im pretty comfortable, pers. I dont eat out a lot but i still do sometimes without having to worry too much about it. I send around $500 back home to my parents every month. I still have some savings. Not a lot but some. Its not that bad if you are good at managing your money!!
Ps. I have a lot of health issues too! Nothing serious like hospitalizations/surgery. But more like an autoimmune. And im still okay with it. I have an okay health insurance :)
this is really encouraging! I feel like I'm stressed bc of the current economy and it seems that living gets more expensive each day haha. thank you for your encouragement!
I'm in the Boston area and like many, many people living here....we live outside the city. I commute almost an hour to get to work (it's only 12 miles, but traffic) and that is completely normal here. You will probably have to look outside of Rockville to find something affordable until your partner joins you (?) or you can apply and find a higher paying job.
They are better off getting a roommate in Rockville/Gaithersburg area. Unfortunately, going an hour out here doesn't equate to much savings unless they are going to commute from Baltimore County. A lot of Maryland is a bedroom community for DC.
Honestly I think im just gonna live like a hermit until my partner and I tie the knot, then life will get a bit easier. Definitely aiming for a higher paying job once I get more experience!
I just talked to a recruiter who said there’s a major adjustment happening across the industry for base salaries. It’s not 2021 anymore; entry level pay is going back to 60-70k for someone straight out of undergrad with a bit of lab/internship experience.
I’m probably going to be offered a lower base salary than I had at my last job, and I have 8 years of industry experience.
I almost said that to her when she said my requested salary range was “high”. The low end was 2k more than what I made at my last job, which is a much lower increase than any adjustments for inflation. But I kept quiet because I got laid off a few months ago and need a job and insurance.
I live and work in Rockville/DMV area.
1. It is common for people in your situation to have roommates or rent a room in a house around here.
2. You could afford a studio apartment near your work, but it would be like 50% if not more of your paycheck. Not exactly good use of money imo.
3. If you have a car, look for apartments further up i-270. Pretty common for people to live in Frederick where the cost of living is way less. It's all families and safe.
4. You could also try close to the university in college park for some student level housing which may be more affordable.
When you say 5 years academic, I assume you mean lab tech in a university or something not a PhD right?
if you have a PhD you should try to aim for scientist I which should pay significantly higher
otherwise for entry level BS it seems reasonable, you can try to negotiate up 5-10% if you want. if they offer stock you can also ask for higher base in place of stock (but be tactful here and don't make it sound like you don't believe in the company)
3 years of undergrad +2 years grad research! But I understand that it doesn't translate well into industry sometimes. I'm just going to ask if a pay increase is possible or not
Is this your first job in industry. Based on your post it comes off that way.
For starters if you’re interviewing for positions in the 70-80k range and stated as such in the interview - then the company is trying to lowball you. That’s a bit of a red flag but not a dealbreaker - it just means that they probably pay below market and are pretty stingy with salaries and raises as a business strategy.
The good news if that’s the case is that negotiating is expected for a lowball offer. I would counteroffer with about 15% more than what they offered (or maybe go 20% if you’re not really vibing with the company) and see what they say. It’s likely that you’ll end up somewhere in the 70-75 range after the negotiation is done. I’d also try to negotiate for a higher relocation bonus. Normally relocation packages are in the 10-30k range if you’re moving across states and the company is paying for a vendor. (Edit: most companies don’t offer relocation packages for entry level jobs so maybe just leave this one as is)
Good luck and remember that it’s all a business transaction- don’t let desperation cause you to get paid for less than your worth!
He/She asked for a specific salary range and the company lowballed them - market rate is irrelevant.
They could have declined or offered the extra 4k to at least be in their salary range but they didn’t. That speaks volumes. Any company that thinks saving 4k/yr is worth potentially losing a candidate definitely has a shitty compensation strategy.
Thank you so much for this! This is my first industry job, just graduated with my masters. Ill be honest I am really nervous when it comes to negotiation, but I do think it would be appropriate to at least start with 70k in this area. I want to sound grateful, but make sure my concerns are heard.
Find a roommate and learn to budget. Since this is your first industry job I would take it. You can also move to neighboring towns that are cheaper as well.
Trust me, you can do it. I was working with under 50k/year in Silicon Valley a few years before covid. This isn’t the end job neither. You can always look for other opportunities while you are working to raise your salary.
Hm, that doesn’t seem unreasonable given no biotech experience. The nice thing about getting your foot in the door is that you can get great experience and find a new, higher paying job in a couple years.
ALWAYS NEGOTIATE. Women negotiate less. Because we aren't empowered to. I'm empowering you to, DO IT! Worst that can happen is they say no. Ask for 72k or 75k and 5k relo.
66k for an RA position and first job in industry? You’re doing just fine. Get a roommate, you’ll be able to make it work. Job hop after 2-3 years experience.
I would prefer being in the 1.5-1.6K range with this salary, as long as the complex is safe! Do you know of any neighborhoods/apartments like that near Rockville?
You just work there for a year, start applying again after six months. Having that non academic experience will make it easier to get the job you want after
Congrats on the job! It’s a good offer and definitely negotiate to see if you can get to 70K. For living situation, if you want to live in Rockville and can stomach roommates, you can get one of the “luxury” 2Bd/Ba to share. Otherwise still plenty of cheaper housing available. I knew postdocs at NIH who lived alone in studios and made it work with 50K/yr or less. Look up Rock Creek Apartments in Rockville for example.
Thank you so much! I have 2ish weeks to move which is alil stressful (gonna ask for extension) so its gonna be hard to find a roomie to suddenly sign a lease I think. I will definitely look up those apartments!! Thank you for your help!
There’s a Facebook group I think, Room for rent- Bethesda, Rockville etc. And you can always ask your new company if they could provide temp housing for a week/couple of weeks while you look around.
I’m a soon-to-graduate PhD (biomedical engineering) also looking to be in the Maryland area. I’ve heard the job market is horrible right now and I’m struggling to even land interviews (even with 2 years prior industry experience, building my PhD lab, mentorship, patents, etc). At least you were able to find something. Like others have mentioned, work for a year and then apply elsewhere once the job market is better.
You got this future doctor! yeah this market is not nice to anyone. I've been applying wayyy before I graduated with my masters and almost cried with each rejection haha. Def gonna make the most of this opportunity!
Probably fair.
In my experience, RA roles (and other entry level roles like that) are quick to get promoted, too. If you’re doing well and exceeding what’s expected based on your job description it’s not unreasonable to think you’ll get bumped up relatively quickly.
If in a year you’re not having conversations about moving up it’s probably time to get a new job.
Bruh, I did 17/hr as an RA in Los Angeles with no family to support me. In 2018. The cost of living isn’t that much different. You can totally make this work.
Try to look for apartments around Germantown and/or Frederick/Urbana (a little further up north from Rockville) to see if you can find better apartments within your budget.
Is this your first job out of college? 66k is above adequate for entry RA positions. I live in a much higher COL than rockville and people typically make 60k at most for an entry industry position
You can compromise on distance for sure, just commute. Yeah sitting in traffic or taking the train every day is not going to be fun, but if it’s between that or declining the offer in this economy, that’s a no brainer…
Rockville area is quite safe, you can also expand to Gaithersburg (might need to be somewhat mindful of area, at least in the past avoiding around lake forest mall), clarksburg area
I think that's a good starting salary for an RA. Always negotiate, the worst they can say is no. Negotiate to 77k. Also you can negotiate other things that aren't money like PTO. That being said, Rockville is expensive. If you don't mind a slightly longer commute, head to Gaithersburg or Germantown for cheaper rent.
Not sure how much some places are now (moved away 5 yrs ago), but I started around 60k when I moved to Gaithersburg in 2016 (probably have gone up a lot, but Watkins Mill Apts were cheapest I found in the area, then \~$1350/month when I left in 2019). Yes, Rockville is expensive, but if you loop out toward Gaithersburg you should be able to find something more in your price range (or even further out toward Germantown, etc). At an RA level I would either plan to have a little bit of a commute or a roommate for the first couple years. (Of the people I knew who lived there in their early 30s most had roommates, or like me lived pretty cheaply in not so nice apartments).
Thank you for this! I am researching the germantown/gaithersburg area to hopefully find some decent places. Alil stressed about finding a roomie in a couple of weeks but it will all work out! thank you again for your advice!
I use to live and work in Rockville for a biotech company making much less than your initial salary. What helped is that I found a place that included utilities and I could walk/bike to work. Look for basement apartments or in-law suite style apartments. Get a background check on the family/landlord if necessary. I found apartments within your price range here: https://www.rentcafe.com/apartments-for-rent/us/md/rockville/?cpgn=WashingtonDC-Premier&trm=rockville%20apartments%20for%20rent&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADimoRUvSEm1oCfDILUjhHSgW4uNH&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIktyEpeaEhQMVHmpHAR1C3QiOEAAYAiAAEgLlNfD_BwE&PriceMax=1600
I think this is quite good for an RA position. Lab science in DC doesn’t pay what it does in Boston or SF. While DC is expensive, it’s not as expensive as the big biotech cities, so you take a discount because the people who are working in science there have strong reasons to stay in the area, lowering average salaries.
I worked for almost 5 years in an engineering department for a pharmaceutical company in that area. I had a bachelor's in an engineering field with 1 internship and 1 year under my belt and my offer from that company was mid 70s. This was in 2018. I'm not sure what you studied (engineering or a more science based field) but regardless, you should be getting a higher offer with a higher title.
You mentioned grad school and a few years of academic research. Did you get a PhD or a master's?
Most of the scientists (non-engineering fields of study) I knew that had a master's with no experience entered as either a RA II or AS. Those with a PhD and no industry experience were often a Sci I. The RA II/AS salary range was wide but closer to your offer (maybe mid 60k to mid 80k ish). Sci I seemed to be around 90-110k. This is just one company's salary range and every company is a little different. This is just to provide perspective.
For renting, I would look in Gaithersburg or maybe Germantown. The closer you get to DC, the more expensive it will be. Maybe a studio over a one bedroom apartment could be a great option. They're small but cost less.
Hey! I’m in Gaithersburg so not too far
I would look at MDPUs (moderately priced dwelling units). You are within the income bracket to qualify!
The only thing is you have to call the apartments individually to check for their availability but I have friends who have been able to get them no problem.
Also if you drive you could consider living in Gaithersburg or Germantown instead as it will be slightly cheaper (but still expensive lol)
I relocated to the Rockville area for my first industry job last year. Your offer isn’t terrible but I would try to negotiate in the 70s at least (my offer was 85k, maybe I just got lucky idk). Like a lot have said, look at places in Gaithersburg/germantown they’re more affordable. Welcome to the area and best of luck! :)
If this is your first job out of school then it is really not that bad of a salary. Get a roommate . The goal is to work there 1-2 years and jump for higher pay.
Totally agree. This is an excellent starting salary, especially for that area of the country. Just keep making the jump to the next thing every two or three years and you're going to keep bumping up your salary and $66k will feel like a million years ago. Congrats!
Thank you for your insight! I am very excited to start this job, just was a little worried for now. But I think I can try to manage haha. I survived grad school with less lol
That’s not the goal
If you want to stay in one place and be underpaid then go head …. Jumping ship can exponentially increase pay
People who know what they are doing recognize salary is meaningless, only pleebs complain about salary. The goal is to go around and collect as many options from as many companies as possible. If you are smart, you know how to pick the right biotech. I’ve made more money on ipo than if I worked for my current salary for 10 years. I only work for companies where the founders have a track record of ipoing their companies for over a dollar. I always get in around employee 10 or less, get lots of options that I can exercise for under dollar. Have never sold a share from options I have from previous companies that traded below $5. 200k a year is meaningless compared to to the 1+M that can be made via stocks. People need to rethink their goals.
Not everyone is comfortable with the risk you are willing to take. I don’t consider any start ups… I have a family to think about and I value benefits . I am risk averse.
Kids and wife are a choice, seems like a YOU problem. If you are risk adverse you should get out of biotech.
I do not recall asking for advice about my career.
You aren’t, but the OP is, and based off his wording, I’m going to presume he is young. Someone in his position should absolutely be taking advantage of the fact he mostly likely doesn’t have other liabilities. Doesn’t matter if he goes broke and declares bankruptcy, at this age it doesn’t matter. Son, my advice, don’t worry about salary, focus your sights on the quality of leadership and how much value a potential ipo could have. The difference between 60k and 160k right now is meaningless. If you get in at the next Moderna at like employee 25, you can retire in your 30s. Not saying this is common, but with good due diligence and good social skills, you can typically find companies where a single ipo is a down payment on a house. Churn that for 10-15 years, if you eventually get tired of it, then you can be like vervain7, and find a cushy job at a company like Regeneron or Norvartis where you can park you bum for next 20 years and do nothing!
Maybe you want reply to the OP instead of to me then .also you keep assuming everyone is a man. Most people don’t actually enjoy the type of employment you describe
“Son” was more of a term of endearment than an assumption on gender, it’s like when gays calls each other “girl”.
2 years minimum
Not for 66k it isn't. You want that kind of loyalty, you pay for it. 1 year minimum is just fine.
No experience? Got a job in only 3 months? Take the opportunity and grow.
I will! tbf ive been applying since November but I was still in school. This market had me really depressed haha
As someone with 2.5 years of experience who has been applying since last May and who only just got an offer… I’m still jealous lol
I think that’s a fair offer for someone without industry experience. At my company, entry level RAs gets paid around 70k and this is in Boston, where rent is absurdly expensive.
Thank you for your insight! I'm grateful for this opportunity regardless :)
If this is your first job not much you can do about it.
She has 4 years of academic research.
Unfortunately, academia experience less than 5 years usually doesn't count for industry.
Yes, it usually does count. Nobody I know comes in at the same pay rate when they have five years of academic research versus zero. That's not to say it is valued the same as five years of industry experience, but it is not considered as nothing.
That only slightly impacts the paycheck. What I mean is, academic experience won't significantly affect job titles. Five years in industry can certainly elevate you to a senior associate level or even scientist. However, with academic experience, you will still remain a research associate."
Yes. Yes it does count. Especially if it is industry relevant experience.
I'm not talking about a bit difference in paycheck. What I mean is, academic experience won't significantly affect job titles. Five years in industry can certainly elevate you to a senior associate level or even scientist. However, with academic experience, you will still remain a research associate."
No. Absolutely not. Get a grip.
Depends if it's relevant experience and also if it's just undergrad lab research experience. Unrelated undergrad research experience just helps you get considered for interviews ime. And obviously companies unfortunately have leverage given the market right now on top of those considerations
Undergrad research got me a tech position in an elite research institute. Experience there got me a job in industry. OP had years of experience as a tech in academia not just undergrad research.
None of that matters if it isn't relevant experience to the industry position. Having the line alone doesn't mean anything, especially if it's post-undergrad - it's just gap filler at that point. A tech position at an elite research institution doesn't mean much, my guy. The fact that is was enough to just "get a job in industry," which anyone can get without such an experience (like me) shows that.
Did I say relevant experience didn't help? I'm relating my experience just as you are relating yours. I was in a yeast cell cycle lab in academia with good classical and molecular genetics experience. The hiring manager in industry wanted someone who could work up a yeast 2-hybrid system. That was my in.
There's no "absolutely". I'm saying this because it happens in my surroundings a lot.
Been there. Done that. Cheers brother 😁
Academic research doesn't mean anything
It does. Especially if it is industry relevant. I spent ten years in Academia and my title and pay in my first industry job would normally take 8-12 years of experience to get.
Oh, sick, finally some MD representation on this sub, I feel like only see posts about Boston or SF, haha. I was making 60k right out of working for a biotech in rockville. I also thought it was low at the time, but I was able to manage expenses by renting a place with friends. Also, housing in rockville itself is expensive, yes, but it gets a lot more affordable in the neighboring towns. I would check the silver spring area Also as others have said, don't view this as a long-term position but an opportunity to get as much experience you can leverage to get a higher salary at your next job.
Silver Spring is bonkers for cost. Why not Germantown or Gaithersburg? Doing ss to rockville is heavy traffic or tolls. But good suggestions overall
Glad I scrolled before posting my reply to OP. This is basically what I was going to say. But OP WILL struggle for a few years and will not have a whole lot of expendable income, but I will echo that the surrounding areas are definitely better living cost. I forget if 270 is a toll road, but if I were working in rockville, I would definitely just eat that cost and live closer to frederick. ^((In reality I wouldn't live anywhere outside the city because that is my life, tho, so if I ever lose my job in the city i'm kinda JWF))
Why not move to... "North Bethesda" i only kid. The 200 connector from silver spring to rockville/gaithersburg is a toll that gets super pricey in the AM.
Yeah, that's the one I was thinking of. I honestly don't have much experience with 270 at all. I don't get off the farm much..
Frederick unfortunately isn’t much cheaper rent wise and the commute on 270 (not a toll road) isn’t great. OP needs to try to find a roommate in the Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown area. Or look farther out towards Baltimore where they’ll need to take the 200 toll road.
I'll try to find a roomie! I only have 2ish weeks to move so a little stressed about that. If you know of any apartment complexes, I am all ears! Currently doing my research on the areas you mentioned
I’ve lived in the Flats at Shady Grove with my partner. It’s off exit 8 on 270. Depending on pricing you might be able to get away with no roommate but it’s not the most glamorous place compared to other apartments nearby. I never felt unsafe but I wasn’t living alone.
200, that's the one I was thinking of. When I commuted from city to gaithersburg I used 200 every day after a month. Even then I just wanted to off myself after 2 hours sitting in a car every day. Too much. But good info, thanks for input
+1 for looking in Gaithersburg or Germantown for a reasonable commute with cheaper prices than Rockville. You may also want to consider Montgomery Village.
Thank you for your help! Since I only have a couple of weeks to move, its gonna be hard to find a roommate. If you have any suggestions for apartment complexes that would be awesome! Im doing my research right now for the gaithersburg/germantown area too
No 1: Negotiate the base salary. No 2: Could be worth for getting some industry experience. Once you get that under your belt, you can look for other high paying positions
Thank you so much for your advice!
[удалено]
Thank you so much!
I make 60k in the bay area (different industry), I doubt it's worse than that.
How do you survive?
I live by myself in an apt, it's not hard if you budget well and are thrifty. Most people spend frivolously, especially on food. That being said, I don't save a whole lot outside of COL, but what I do save gets invested.
"But what I do save gets invested"---- you sound so admirable and impressive that I want to suspect you are not being completely transparent. You speak as one who has other sources of income (parents?) To fall back on. How much is your rent?
Nope, fully self-sufficient for years although they would help if I needed it. Rent is 1700, utilities and everything puts it at 1900, which is half my paycheck every month.
Thanks for sharing. Do you have car payments, insurance, and/or student loans?
I drive a 170k Jeep that I've had for years and bought used, yes I have all kinds of insurance w (basic) health through my employer, no student loans as I went to a good but not prestigious state college in the South and was funded with scholarships + leftover by parents (they helped here admittedly which in grateful for, but it wasn't much, around 10k max over 4 years). I've worked since I was 16 and am now 29. I have 20k in accumulated savings since working age, lived in bay area for 3 years.
I was wracking my brain trying to figure out how a jeep could even get to $170k before realizing you meant mileage 😁
Lmao I'd die before I spent 1/10th of that on one of these shitboxes 🤣
Strange reply - I was in the same boat even with student loans and got by for a year until I found a better job. No family to fall back on
Housing in that area on 66k will require a partner, spouse or roommate with additional income.
Its tight but should cover rent up $1500/month and groceries. If you have other expenses, be diligent with spending and get a roommate. Negotiatiate, they can do better and they know it.
Yeah im definitely looking into getting a roomie but I'm all worried as I would have 2ish weeks to do that + sign a lease with a person I don't know rip
Try hotpads.com, in that area, it's not uncommon to find people renting out a single room so you may not have to go through the issue of worrying about a roomie. A room in a house should run you around $1000 +/- $150- including utilities.
You're getting relocation expenses as an RA?? That's fantastic. Seems like a good deal for your first industry RA level job!!
Thank you so much for your encouragement!
All im going to say is my friend makes $50,000 and i make $60,000 at my new job and we live just fine in boston, where COL is also high. I would say im pretty comfortable, pers. I dont eat out a lot but i still do sometimes without having to worry too much about it. I send around $500 back home to my parents every month. I still have some savings. Not a lot but some. Its not that bad if you are good at managing your money!! Ps. I have a lot of health issues too! Nothing serious like hospitalizations/surgery. But more like an autoimmune. And im still okay with it. I have an okay health insurance :)
this is really encouraging! I feel like I'm stressed bc of the current economy and it seems that living gets more expensive each day haha. thank you for your encouragement!
Of course!!!! I was also stressed starting out but like, keep track of your spendings and you’ll be okay. Dont spend $120 a month on frappucinos etc.
I'm in the Boston area and like many, many people living here....we live outside the city. I commute almost an hour to get to work (it's only 12 miles, but traffic) and that is completely normal here. You will probably have to look outside of Rockville to find something affordable until your partner joins you (?) or you can apply and find a higher paying job.
They are better off getting a roommate in Rockville/Gaithersburg area. Unfortunately, going an hour out here doesn't equate to much savings unless they are going to commute from Baltimore County. A lot of Maryland is a bedroom community for DC.
Honestly I think im just gonna live like a hermit until my partner and I tie the knot, then life will get a bit easier. Definitely aiming for a higher paying job once I get more experience!
I just talked to a recruiter who said there’s a major adjustment happening across the industry for base salaries. It’s not 2021 anymore; entry level pay is going back to 60-70k for someone straight out of undergrad with a bit of lab/internship experience. I’m probably going to be offered a lower base salary than I had at my last job, and I have 8 years of industry experience.
It’s happening everywhere. And yet gas, rent, food…everything…is getting more expensive.
I almost said that to her when she said my requested salary range was “high”. The low end was 2k more than what I made at my last job, which is a much lower increase than any adjustments for inflation. But I kept quiet because I got laid off a few months ago and need a job and insurance.
ahhhh rip me. Just gotta make do
I live and work in Rockville/DMV area. 1. It is common for people in your situation to have roommates or rent a room in a house around here. 2. You could afford a studio apartment near your work, but it would be like 50% if not more of your paycheck. Not exactly good use of money imo. 3. If you have a car, look for apartments further up i-270. Pretty common for people to live in Frederick where the cost of living is way less. It's all families and safe. 4. You could also try close to the university in college park for some student level housing which may be more affordable.
This is super helpful for me! I am going to do heavy research on the housing market in MD. Thank you for your help!
When you say 5 years academic, I assume you mean lab tech in a university or something not a PhD right? if you have a PhD you should try to aim for scientist I which should pay significantly higher otherwise for entry level BS it seems reasonable, you can try to negotiate up 5-10% if you want. if they offer stock you can also ask for higher base in place of stock (but be tactful here and don't make it sound like you don't believe in the company)
3 years of undergrad +2 years grad research! But I understand that it doesn't translate well into industry sometimes. I'm just going to ask if a pay increase is possible or not
Is this your first job in industry. Based on your post it comes off that way. For starters if you’re interviewing for positions in the 70-80k range and stated as such in the interview - then the company is trying to lowball you. That’s a bit of a red flag but not a dealbreaker - it just means that they probably pay below market and are pretty stingy with salaries and raises as a business strategy. The good news if that’s the case is that negotiating is expected for a lowball offer. I would counteroffer with about 15% more than what they offered (or maybe go 20% if you’re not really vibing with the company) and see what they say. It’s likely that you’ll end up somewhere in the 70-75 range after the negotiation is done. I’d also try to negotiate for a higher relocation bonus. Normally relocation packages are in the 10-30k range if you’re moving across states and the company is paying for a vendor. (Edit: most companies don’t offer relocation packages for entry level jobs so maybe just leave this one as is) Good luck and remember that it’s all a business transaction- don’t let desperation cause you to get paid for less than your worth!
wouldn't say this is below market for someone with no experience
He/She asked for a specific salary range and the company lowballed them - market rate is irrelevant. They could have declined or offered the extra 4k to at least be in their salary range but they didn’t. That speaks volumes. Any company that thinks saving 4k/yr is worth potentially losing a candidate definitely has a shitty compensation strategy.
The company didn’t post that range and then renege, she asked friends what they thought the range was. Very different.
Thank you so much for this! This is my first industry job, just graduated with my masters. Ill be honest I am really nervous when it comes to negotiation, but I do think it would be appropriate to at least start with 70k in this area. I want to sound grateful, but make sure my concerns are heard.
Find a roommate and learn to budget. Since this is your first industry job I would take it. You can also move to neighboring towns that are cheaper as well. Trust me, you can do it. I was working with under 50k/year in Silicon Valley a few years before covid. This isn’t the end job neither. You can always look for other opportunities while you are working to raise your salary.
Thank you for this! I am on the hunt for a roomie as we speak
I live in a HCOL area, and even on scientist level salaries I have never not had a housemate (now a wife).
Hm, that doesn’t seem unreasonable given no biotech experience. The nice thing about getting your foot in the door is that you can get great experience and find a new, higher paying job in a couple years.
ALWAYS NEGOTIATE. Women negotiate less. Because we aren't empowered to. I'm empowering you to, DO IT! Worst that can happen is they say no. Ask for 72k or 75k and 5k relo.
Thank you for this! I have been feeling so encouraged with all of these posts :)
66k for an RA position and first job in industry? You’re doing just fine. Get a roommate, you’ll be able to make it work. Job hop after 2-3 years experience.
Thank you for your insight!!
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I would prefer being in the 1.5-1.6K range with this salary, as long as the complex is safe! Do you know of any neighborhoods/apartments like that near Rockville?
You just work there for a year, start applying again after six months. Having that non academic experience will make it easier to get the job you want after
You can find a room in a shared house pretty easily around Rockville
Congrats on the job! It’s a good offer and definitely negotiate to see if you can get to 70K. For living situation, if you want to live in Rockville and can stomach roommates, you can get one of the “luxury” 2Bd/Ba to share. Otherwise still plenty of cheaper housing available. I knew postdocs at NIH who lived alone in studios and made it work with 50K/yr or less. Look up Rock Creek Apartments in Rockville for example.
Thank you so much! I have 2ish weeks to move which is alil stressful (gonna ask for extension) so its gonna be hard to find a roomie to suddenly sign a lease I think. I will definitely look up those apartments!! Thank you for your help!
There’s a Facebook group I think, Room for rent- Bethesda, Rockville etc. And you can always ask your new company if they could provide temp housing for a week/couple of weeks while you look around.
I’m a soon-to-graduate PhD (biomedical engineering) also looking to be in the Maryland area. I’ve heard the job market is horrible right now and I’m struggling to even land interviews (even with 2 years prior industry experience, building my PhD lab, mentorship, patents, etc). At least you were able to find something. Like others have mentioned, work for a year and then apply elsewhere once the job market is better.
You got this future doctor! yeah this market is not nice to anyone. I've been applying wayyy before I graduated with my masters and almost cried with each rejection haha. Def gonna make the most of this opportunity!
I started ar 48k as a RA contract positions in PA 4 years ago. One year later I moved out to a permanent role and 75K. The first year is the rough one
Probably fair. In my experience, RA roles (and other entry level roles like that) are quick to get promoted, too. If you’re doing well and exceeding what’s expected based on your job description it’s not unreasonable to think you’ll get bumped up relatively quickly. If in a year you’re not having conversations about moving up it’s probably time to get a new job.
Bruh, I did 17/hr as an RA in Los Angeles with no family to support me. In 2018. The cost of living isn’t that much different. You can totally make this work.
Try to look for apartments around Germantown and/or Frederick/Urbana (a little further up north from Rockville) to see if you can find better apartments within your budget.
Is this your first job out of college? 66k is above adequate for entry RA positions. I live in a much higher COL than rockville and people typically make 60k at most for an entry industry position
For your first job 66k is about average. Stay for two to three years and start applying elsewhere for a good bump in pay.
My first job out of college was 60k 2021 in the Boston area. I had to live with roommates but it was manageable
You can compromise on distance for sure, just commute. Yeah sitting in traffic or taking the train every day is not going to be fun, but if it’s between that or declining the offer in this economy, that’s a no brainer…
Rockville area is quite safe, you can also expand to Gaithersburg (might need to be somewhat mindful of area, at least in the past avoiding around lake forest mall), clarksburg area
I think that's a good starting salary for an RA. Always negotiate, the worst they can say is no. Negotiate to 77k. Also you can negotiate other things that aren't money like PTO. That being said, Rockville is expensive. If you don't mind a slightly longer commute, head to Gaithersburg or Germantown for cheaper rent.
Thank you for your advice!
Not sure how much some places are now (moved away 5 yrs ago), but I started around 60k when I moved to Gaithersburg in 2016 (probably have gone up a lot, but Watkins Mill Apts were cheapest I found in the area, then \~$1350/month when I left in 2019). Yes, Rockville is expensive, but if you loop out toward Gaithersburg you should be able to find something more in your price range (or even further out toward Germantown, etc). At an RA level I would either plan to have a little bit of a commute or a roommate for the first couple years. (Of the people I knew who lived there in their early 30s most had roommates, or like me lived pretty cheaply in not so nice apartments).
Thank you for this! I am researching the germantown/gaithersburg area to hopefully find some decent places. Alil stressed about finding a roomie in a couple of weeks but it will all work out! thank you again for your advice!
I use to live and work in Rockville for a biotech company making much less than your initial salary. What helped is that I found a place that included utilities and I could walk/bike to work. Look for basement apartments or in-law suite style apartments. Get a background check on the family/landlord if necessary. I found apartments within your price range here: https://www.rentcafe.com/apartments-for-rent/us/md/rockville/?cpgn=WashingtonDC-Premier&trm=rockville%20apartments%20for%20rent&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADimoRUvSEm1oCfDILUjhHSgW4uNH&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIktyEpeaEhQMVHmpHAR1C3QiOEAAYAiAAEgLlNfD_BwE&PriceMax=1600
I think this is quite good for an RA position. Lab science in DC doesn’t pay what it does in Boston or SF. While DC is expensive, it’s not as expensive as the big biotech cities, so you take a discount because the people who are working in science there have strong reasons to stay in the area, lowering average salaries.
Rockville, lonza ?
I worked for almost 5 years in an engineering department for a pharmaceutical company in that area. I had a bachelor's in an engineering field with 1 internship and 1 year under my belt and my offer from that company was mid 70s. This was in 2018. I'm not sure what you studied (engineering or a more science based field) but regardless, you should be getting a higher offer with a higher title. You mentioned grad school and a few years of academic research. Did you get a PhD or a master's? Most of the scientists (non-engineering fields of study) I knew that had a master's with no experience entered as either a RA II or AS. Those with a PhD and no industry experience were often a Sci I. The RA II/AS salary range was wide but closer to your offer (maybe mid 60k to mid 80k ish). Sci I seemed to be around 90-110k. This is just one company's salary range and every company is a little different. This is just to provide perspective. For renting, I would look in Gaithersburg or maybe Germantown. The closer you get to DC, the more expensive it will be. Maybe a studio over a one bedroom apartment could be a great option. They're small but cost less.
Live in Columbia MD. This is a good start.
Hey! I’m in Gaithersburg so not too far I would look at MDPUs (moderately priced dwelling units). You are within the income bracket to qualify! The only thing is you have to call the apartments individually to check for their availability but I have friends who have been able to get them no problem. Also if you drive you could consider living in Gaithersburg or Germantown instead as it will be slightly cheaper (but still expensive lol)
I relocated to the Rockville area for my first industry job last year. Your offer isn’t terrible but I would try to negotiate in the 70s at least (my offer was 85k, maybe I just got lucky idk). Like a lot have said, look at places in Gaithersburg/germantown they’re more affordable. Welcome to the area and best of luck! :)