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Entry level Programmer Salary **UPDATE**

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  • Sep 7th, 2005 12:01 am
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Mar 7, 2004
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Entry level Programmer Salary **UPDATE**

I'm a new graduate in computer science and I was wondering what is a fair salary for a computer programmer?

kaddy69
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Apr 10, 2002
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I would guess between $40k - $50k for a BSc grad and less for a college grad.
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Oct 21, 2004
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JustMike wrote:I would guess between $40k - $50k for a BSc grad and less for a college grad.
pretty much on the money for most Canadian companies. Microsoft, Sun, [rfdlink=/forums/autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=17]Amazon[/rfdlink] etc pay almost 1.5-2 times that but then again you have to fit their standards as well. Most of my buddies are making around high forties to low fifties mark doing some form of programming.

kaddy69, you should ask your career resource dept as well. earlier this year when we were applying for jobs, we pretty much knew the salaries or at least the range offered by most companies. so should you. if not, make an effort to find out. will make the process much smoother for you.
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Mar 7, 2004
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I do have a job offer in Calgary, but I do not know the salary that I will getting yet. I just wanted an idea. I'm hoping it's at least over $40,000!

kaddy69
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Aug 13, 2002
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If they are giving you a job OFFER, then ask them, negotiate if you have to.
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A formal job offer has to include the salary amount.
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Aug 12, 2004
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I'm currently at about 47k if I were to extrapolate my wage. I will be receiving an offer in the next week or so, so I should be able to give you a better figure. From the research I've done though, the salary spectrum is pretty broad. I know a few new grads that are pulling in only 35k or so a year, but 40-60k should be what is expected.

salary.monster.ca has some comprehensive information that might help. BTW, which company will you be at in Calgary?
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Mar 24, 2005
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It really depends on your skill level but it's about low 40's now... if you're one of the bunch that don't shine above the rest. It's really hard for a lot of people fresh out of university to find a programming job these days.

And that is correct, if it is a formal job offer, they would state what your salary is going to be and terms of employment (i.e. vacation time, probation duration, background check requirement, credit check, etc).
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Well my offer is approx 40,000. Does this seem fair?

I'm hoping to be a project manager sometime down the road!

kaddy69
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Dec 10, 2004
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depends on what kind of progamming and language.

gov pays about 42k to start. If you're very very good and specialized, you can start at 54k. It depends on the position that is open and the requirements for that position.
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May 17, 2005
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Lets see..

Some PhD in India is willing to code for say.. $2/hour..
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im thinking about going in to computer sciences....

would u recommend it?
:arrow: :arrowl:
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Aug 2, 2001
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kaddy69 wrote:Well my offer is approx 40,000. Does this seem fair?

I'm hoping to be a project manager sometime down the road!

kaddy69

40K may be low for Toronto, vancouver, etc...

But it is not low for Alberta.
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Feb 21, 2003
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kaddy69 wrote:I'm a new graduate in computer science and I was wondering what is a fair salary for a computer programmer?

kaddy69
i say around 60k....anything below 60k, you are getting short changed.....
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Nov 7, 2003
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j3fan wrote:i say around 60k....anything below 60k, you are getting short changed.....
I think everyone should look to you for inspiration. You're definitely one successful person.
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yeah, help us out and share your wealth!! :cheesygri
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kaddy69 wrote:Well my offer is approx 40,000. Does this seem fair?

I'm hoping to be a project manager sometime down the road!

kaddy69
If this is the 1st offer, you should counter-offer. Aside from salary, you need to consider if it's a good company, good people, is there room for growth, etc..
Sr. Member
Feb 2, 2003
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It seems ok if you look at the career journal link, its on the low end but you have no experience so it kinda fits, what are the other benefits, bonus etc?

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