scuudz

Hi all,

First I'd like to say I've been an avid reader on this forum for a couple of weeks now and I must say it is a great resource. So, hats off to the people running the show here and those who share their experiences.

I just thought I'd poke my nose in here to see if my expectations of a salary package are realistic for a person with my profile.

Here are the basics:

- I am a single, young professional. I've been studying/working in Canada for close to a decade.

- I have Bachelor's (Instrumentation, India) and Master's (Electrical, Canada) degree in engineering.

- 7+ years of work experience in design and consulting in the power, oil & gas and pulp/paper sectors in Canada.

- About 3 years of project management experience.

I applied for a position as Lead Engineer, and have landed an interview with a firm in NZ. After initial correspondence, the compensation package is:


- $90,000 pa (NZD)
- Income protection
- Life insurance
- Long service leave
- An annual self-funded leave option
- Discounted medical scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- An employee assistance program
- Superannuation
- Free annual flu shots and health checks

Does this sound fair/high/low for my profile? Will I be able to lead comfortable life in either Auckland or Wellington (from the little I've read about the two cities, I think I'd prefer Wellington)? I know thats difficult to answer given that 'a comfortable life' is a relative phrase. So, here is what I mean:

- a 1 or 2 bedroom apt in a nice part of town close to amenities and nightlife
- a nice car
- go out for lunch/dinner/brunch maybe 2-3 times a week at a mid level restaurant.
- maybe go to a club for drinks etc once every two weeks
- a great internet and cable connection
- save maybe $500-$750 per month

Sorry for the long post!!

Thanks in advance!

simonsi

Maybe depends how much cash you bring with you towards the car and apartment (if you buy), but even with renting as you are single you'll have a ball on that salary

waikatoguy

Renting 1-2 bed apartment in central Wellington = $250-$300 per week.
2005 Toyota Camry = $10,000-$12,000
Restaurant Meals = $40 a pop
It should be a piece of cake for you on that salary. You should be able to save at least $20,000 per year, I reckon. How your package compares to others of similar experience, I don't know though.

waikatoguy

Or ... you could live more in luxury :
Renting 1-2 bed apartment in central Wellington = $350-$450 per week.
2009 Toyota Camry = $18,000-$22,000
Restaurant Meals = $70 a pop

In which case you might not save much money, but you'll have a jolly good time anyway.

Charismatic

You should be OK on that. It’s hard to tell without specific details but it sounds like you might be able to hang out for more moolah.

scuudz

Thanks for the replies guys!

I had a feeling the salary would suffice for the kind of lifestyle I described, but wanted to make sure. How do the rents in Auckland compare to Wellington? $100-$150 more per week?

Charismatic - Are you part of the engineering industry? If so, I could give you more details in a pm.

Jan n Neil

That's a fair salary in my view (I run a large engineering facility). What company is it? PM if you wish.

Jan

theghostofdustybin

For a first role in a company in NZ, seems about right to me. You might get more, but my thinking would be that it is unlikely until people confirm you can do what you say you can.

Depends on how much you want to move over here, but i would get the job, and then, once you are settled, have a look around.

lardyl

sound advice. don't expect to be paid your worth or even the market value in the first post as "NZ Experience" is valuable. Once you get that then you can negotiate, or as I've done name your price. Not a real engineer though - gave that up in the mid-80s.

scuudz

Thanks!

Moving to New Zealand is just an intriguing option that I am considering. A lot will depend on the concrete offer that is ultimately put on the table by my employer. I understand that NZ experience is important, but I'm hoping the number stated above is met because I don't think I would be tempted to move for anything lower.