guitar25
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« on: June 10, 2011, 06:05:36 PM » |
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Hi everyone, I'm a recent graduate with a question about salary expectations for an entry-level Admissions counselor. I was recently offered a position at a school in the midwest (Kansas) as an admission counselor, making 28,000. I also interviewed at a few schools in New York (where I'm from) and one is offering 30K, and the other being in New Jersey, said the position would offer 32K.
I just wanted to check and see if this was normal. I do have a Bachelor's degree in Communication, and now my Master's in Communication, and am aware (according to my family/friends) that I should be making much more based on my education. However, I am very interested in admissions, and believe that this is the field I want to be in. I even interned in the admissions department on my campus this past year.
I also know the economy is still in rough shape, and people in general aren't being paid the way they used to. I guess I'm just looking for some advice from those in the field. Is it pretty standard for admission counselors to start off at a low rate, but work up to higher pay within a relatively short amount of time?
Thank you!
Devin Sipley
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zharkov
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« Reply #1 on: June 10, 2011, 10:15:36 PM » |
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Plan informational interviews with the admissions director(s) at your alma mater(s). They can explain the typical paths one may take working up the ladder in admissions.
PS: Don't get hung up one what your friends say you "should" make, unless they themselves work in higher ed admissions. Generally speaking, the non-profit sector pays less than the business (or for profit) sector. And if this would be your first full time professional job, don't expect that pay to be that swell. (The same holds true for business.)
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« Last Edit: June 10, 2011, 10:17:18 PM by zharkov »
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__________ Zharkov's Razor: Adapting Zharkov a bit to this situation, ignorance and confusion can explain a lot.
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aandsdean
I feel affirmed that I'm truly a 6,000+ post
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Posts: 6,642
Positively impactful on stakeholder synergies
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« Reply #2 on: June 10, 2011, 10:32:28 PM » |
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We pay about $28k for entry-level admissions counselors in the Midwest (not Kansas but a similar C-o-L area). That's about what we paid at my previous institution (also not Kansas, but a border state) as well.
The master's isn't a job requirement so you shouldn't be surprised that it doesn't bring much if any extra salary. However, to go to the next level the grad degree will be a big help, so you have a head start.
Good luck.
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Wearing a black armband for Lucy
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chronanon
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« Reply #3 on: June 12, 2011, 08:05:15 PM » |
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The median salary for admission counselors in 2009-2010 was $34,500 (see http://chronicle.com/article/Median-Salaries-of-Midlevel/64750/). Because you're looking at entry level/first year, I'd expect a starting salary below the median. I do not expect that salaries have changed up or down for admission counselors in the time since that survey was taken. $28 sounds a little low, but then again if you're in a low cost of living area, it's probably about right. Plus just think of all the airline miles you'll rack up ;-). |
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dale1
Eventually, if you hang around long enough, they'll make you a
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My mother-in-law would point out God's gray hairs.
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« Reply #4 on: June 12, 2011, 08:15:48 PM » |
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Devin:
First, I think outing yourself by using your name here might not be the best idea. Search committees may Google you.
Second, $28k is not unusual at all for such a low level job in higher ed. Unfortunately all the money is at the top, and that doesn't mean faculty members or staff, except jobs like Athletic Director or VP for Development.
I would take the Kansas job. That salary in NY or NJ isn't going to get you far at all.
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Dale (original)
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guitar25
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« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2011, 01:16:15 PM » |
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Thank you to everyone for your help. I've contacted the moderator about removing my signature from the post. Thank you for all your advice.
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cj405
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« Reply #6 on: June 13, 2011, 02:48:13 PM » |
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First, those salaries sound entirely reasonable to me.
As for which of those jobs to take, I'd look at other facts besides the money. How well you will be able to live on those salaries depends on which parts of NY or NJ these schools are near. The cost of living isn't so high everywhere in those states that 30-32K would be out of the question.
Also, Kansas is a long way away from New York. Assuming you will want to visit your family and friends once in a while, the cost of traveling to and from Kansas on 28K a year might prove challenging.
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"These things sneak up on him for no reason, these flashes of irrational happiness. It's probably a vitamin deficiency." -Margaret Atwood, Oryx and Crake
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higheredguy
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« Reply #7 on: July 08, 2011, 02:28:51 PM » |
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Well Devin, how is Washburn working out? I would say $28K is about right for that school.
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dale1
Eventually, if you hang around long enough, they'll make you a
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My mother-in-law would point out God's gray hairs.
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« Reply #8 on: July 08, 2011, 06:17:19 PM » |
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Washburn. What an interesting place. Municipally owned university, if I recall correctly.
I'd say it's a hard sell, especially in Kansas where most middle-of-the-road students can get in to Kansas State or U. Kansas relatively easily.
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Dale (original)
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