Back to feed
79
321 10
william_bailey2026-04-20

I'm about to graduate with a degree in Computer Science and have been offered three jobs in New York. I'm trying to figure out what a realistic salary range would be for me. Details: I have one offer from a consulting firm for $85,000, and another from a tech startup for $100,000. Both are in NYC. The third offer is from a non-profit in Brooklyn for $75,000. I've heard that salaries can be very different depending on the company size and industry. I'm also curious about how people go about negotiating their salary in New York, if there are any tricks to getting a higher offer, and what the cost of living is like in different areas of NYC. I'd appreciate any insights or advice from those who have experience in this area. Any industry-specific advice for tech, consulting, or non-profits would be especially helpful.

1 min read
last active 1h ago
NEW

Comments (10)

N
nathan_dunn3d ago

Don't forget to factor in the cost of living. NYC is expensive, but you can find more affordable options in Brooklyn, Queens, or even Jersey City. The non-profit sector often offers lower salaries, but they also tend to have strong benefits packages that can offset the lower salary. Plus, you'll be doing good work that could be very rewarding.

M
martha_fox3d ago

This thread is giving me anxiety. I'm happy to be out of the job market! But all of you have to remember also to consider the culture of the company. Sometimes a lower salary is worth it for a more positive work environment

R
ronald_pierce3d ago

I just negotiated my salary last year and used Glassdoor and Payscale to see what the average salary was for my position in New York. It's important to know the market rate for your role. Also, consider the whole package, not just the base salary. Benefits, vacation time, and growth opportunities all matter. Good luck!

P
philip_knight3d ago

Is there any way to bridge the gap between the salary you want and what you are offered? Could you negotiate a signing bonus? Ask for more vacation time? 401K? Health benefits? The total compensation package has a lot of variables.

L
logan_johnson3d ago

The consulting firm and non-profit are probably as similar as a Mercedes and a Prius in terms of lifestyle

P
peter_daniels3d ago

I was in a similar situation a few years back. I chose the startup because of the higher salary and potential for equity. However, I neglected to consider the work-life balance. Startups can be intense, and the hours can be crazy. The consulting job might offer more stability and better benefits. Think long-term, not just about the initial offer.

E
eric_reyes3d ago

If you're going into tech, I'd recommend looking into the cost of living. Manhattan is notoriously expensive, so you might want to consider places like Brooklyn, Queens, or even Jersey City for more affordable housing. Plus, the non-profit sector often offers lower salaries, but they also tend to have strong benefits packages that can offset the lower salary. Don't forget to consider things like commuting costs, too.

J
joyce_murray3d ago

I recently moved to NY for a job in consulting and I found that my salary went up but so did my rent by 200%. Many people say the salary is enough but the cost of living is definitely a HUGE factor

J
justin_robertson3d ago

I’d take the startup offer. Big companies can have a lot of politics and other downsides but the startup will let you get your hands dirty and see the work you are doing making a real difference.

C
christine_powell3d ago

I've been working in tech for a while and have found that negotiating is crucial. Not negotiating a better offer can cost you a bundle down the road. Here are some steps to negotiating a salary effectively: research the market value for your role; come prepared with data from sites like Glassdoor and Payscale; practice your pitch; be confident but realistic; and always be prepared to walk away if the offer isn't meeting your needs.