r/ChemicalEngineering • u/Ok-Poem653 • Apr 26 '23

Salary Entry level salary right after university

Hi yall, I recently landed an entry level material engineering job and received a salary offer of $63k per year. I graduate with my chemical engineering degree this May. I am wondering if this salary offer is fair or if I am underselling myself.

When I attempted a salary negotiation with the recruiter in HR, they mentioned that the salary system is based on an annual evaluation and that the company has seen an average salary increase of 10% to 12% due to inflation.

I have accepted the offer, but I would appreciate any input or insights from those with more experience in the field. Thank you in advance for your help!

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u/AdorableGrocery6495 Apr 27 '23

You need to consider benefits (health insurance, 401K matching and vesting, bonus programs, PTO, etc.). If you’re comparing jobs, make a pro and con list.

I got $65K out of college as a ChemE in Houston in 2019. I turned down a job that paid $73K as a starting salary because the benefits were not very good. Now I make $130K and I’m 100% vested in my 401K, so it worked out for me.

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u/MikkaTasala Jun 01 '23

are you still working with the same company?

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u/AdorableGrocery6495 Jun 02 '23

Yes- I knew with the way the bonus and raise program was structured, I would move up the pay scale at this company fast. That’s part of why I turned down the higher paying job initially.