kflee0

Could someone please tell me if the salary I'm offered at the new job is about right or if it's too low? It's for a Pump/Mechanical Engineer position in Toowoomba QLD. They're offering me $70k + 9% super + 5% bonus. I have a Bachelor's degree and 6 years of experience.

Thanks a lot,
Mike

Geelong Gent

I'd pump them for more

Issie

Bloody good mate

laidbackfreak

salary sounds pretty good to me though I dont work in your industry....

but the bottom line really comes down to do YOU think its too low ? can you live on it etc.......

Grayling

You can only compare with what is being paid for a similar job in another area.

It is probably a good wage for Toowoomba but does not sound a lot for an engineer.

Apart from that....have you ever been to Toowoomba?

Do you really want to live there?

It is just a big country town miles from the coast etc.......suits some people but may not suit others.

G

kflee0

Hi all,

Thanks for the quick reply. I asked for $75-$80k but $70 is their final offer... they are very firm on that. From my research, I should be getting at least $80k. That's why I wanted your opinions. Also, this is a Pump/Hydraulic Design position, not just a Mechanical Engineer position. I heard this is a very valuable skill.

You know, each day I spend unemployed is tough on the family, financially. But as a new migrant, I don't like it when they try to take advantage of my situation


Thanks,
Mike

Grayling

It is a bit low for a design engineer.

You may do a lot better in West Australia.

G

Amazulu

It's too low for a design engineer. Even in Queensland it's too low. Are you aware of how lucrative engineering is in Queensland?

They are taking the piss. Find another job.

laidbackfreak

i think as a migrant and in need of work... id be looking at taking it... give it 6 months then start re-negotiations/or looking for another job...

annier

I would take it for now, then you can use it as a stepping stone until something better comes along, you never know they might up your salary shortly if you prove your worth, also it will probably be easier to get another job if you are already employed.

exceedinglygoodcakes

Hey Mike - in my experience its a lot easier to find work once you are in work. Why dont you take it for now and see how it suits.

Good luck whatever you do
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hoofie2002

That's low for a professional engineering position [it sounds like they are chancing their arm]. However, if there is nothing else around, take it and get some money in. Do some time there to get your 'Australian Experience' and then look somewhere else. Hopefully you will be in a better bargaining and professional position in another 6 months.

LauraC

Me too. I know nothing about your line of work but that wage is better than nothing. What if you're not offered a job for another 6 months, then what?

Geelong Gent

Always easier to go from "a" job to a job what is $5K over 12 months versus 0 over 3 months?

In comparison with others you have looked at:
Does the job interest you (without reference to the money)
Will it lead to progression within the firm or through the experience gained?

In some ways you may be taken advantage of but for how long? Is it in their interests to invest in you too have you walk over to the competition when you gain more local knowledge? If the role was contract or short term perhaps they would but a perm role I think they would be stupid to do so.

Take the role Mike - if it works out if not you have gained Oz experience to use in your continued job search.

Either way good luck mate

Amazulu

In Queensland there is something else around and the salary is a lot higher than what he's been offered.