Expert: Beth - 9/26/2006

Question
Hi, my name is Allyn. I graduated with a BS in Chemistry and a minor in Biology. I have worked in two lab jobs since I graduated. The first one lasted for about a year, and I just started the new job 2 months ago. I work in a chemical plant and it really is what I pictured myself doing.   I just wish I live elsewhere. My starting salary was about 37,000.  I would eventually like to move up north. I live in Texas. I am afraid of losing my skills and of being able to find a lab job from a distance without having to move there first.  How do I know how much money to look for.  How hard is it to find a Chemistry job away from all of the plants in the South?  I am interested in possibly working in the pharmacutical industry.  I don't know how hard it would be to make the switch. Thank you for your time.    Allyn

Answer
Allyn,

I would suggest going to:
http://www.salary.com/salary/layoutscripts/sall_display.asp
Once you're there, look for the "Cost-of-living Wizard" to find out how much you'd need to make if you moved to a certain town. Salary.com is also a good place to find out what people are making by occupation in certain towns. In reality, you might make less or more. It's at least nice to know what the average is for that area when you are doing interviews. If they ask you how much you want to make you can tell them you would expect to make what an average chemist makes for the area. If they ask you what that is, you can quote the number from salary.com.

I really don't think you'll need to relocate before finding a job. Many employers at least do initial phone interviews with cannidates, regardless of the cannidate's proximity to the employer. Just be sure to let them on the phone and in your cover letter that you are willing to relocate. Be sure to ask if they help to cover relocation expenses. Some employers will even mention that in their ads.

Good luck,

- Beth