You can also call the human resources department of particular companies you are interested in and ask for salary ranges of particular positions. Books such as The American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, The Occupational Outlook Handbook and Job Hunters Guides have salary information for various cities. Check them out at college career centers and the public library. Campbell says counties and cities often produce salary information. Talk to friends and people who work for these companies.
Some experts say it is a mistake to overemphasize the raw dollar amount.
Learn the exact job duties. Talk to local chambers of commerce and real estate agents, and look at advertisements in the local paper for comparisons. Look at the total compensation package and the advancement opportunities. While the raw dollars a particular position offers may be lower than you would like, Branham said, these things might offset the situation. Click on appropriate state to retrieve data.