I've been working here for a few years now, but I really want to leave. I've been looking at entry level IT positions recently but most companies don't post the salaries, and if they do, they're about $20-30K lower than what I'm making now, which is a huge pay cut. Is this normal? Does Exxon just pay that much higher than everyone else? Or should I just s— it up and take the pay cut just to escape from this place? It seems kind of backwards to me, because typically people leave for a new job to get a pay raise, and if I do this it's like I'm back to being a new grad.
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Some misinformation here...EMIT salaries start off above average market rate but flat line in a few years unless you're a rock star, I have friends in other non-tech, large fortune companies at similar HOU cost of living (we're both early career) that started off lower but now make more than me. My tech company dev friends have been making way more than me from the start.
Also want to add to the other poster comparing dev and support roles that project/product focused roles (PO, PM, SM, etc) can usually make equal or usually more than here. But IT is so broad that when I think entry level IT like OP mentioned, it usually means help desk which will definitely be a pay cut.
Can we appreciate how anytime EMIT is brought up bone heads need to go off topic and talk about how EMIT messed everything up lol.
EMIT and other support function salaries are much higher in EM vs industry for general positions. And there are too many general positions that add little value. That’s one of the reasons why our costs have inflated over the years while the real business footprint has shrunk due to industry decline. We are paying the price now.
In EM, IT people make about the same as Petrotech people...hence IT salaries are inflated to Petrotech levels. A few years ago EM brought IT salary curves up to petrotech and Downstream engineering levels. EM IT people are now overpaid relative to other IT in non-petro businesses. In non-oil business, you will likely take a 20% cut. Unless you elect to move to San Francisco or Seattle, then you will keep your salary but increase your cost of living. You will get market value for your services, which means a pay cut
You have to figure out what's important to you. 20-30K less may be an option if you're getting bonuses and more time for your personal life back (etc...)
It’s an industry thing. I used to be at CVX IT making $140k and very few companies came close in Houston. Bay Area however was paying double for my role but cost of living is absurd. Chances are you’re overpaid in Houston.
EMIT pays higher for IT positions that don't have a hard skill set. If you're a strong developer, you'll make more externally. If you're in an application or support role – you're likely overpaid compared to the market, especially if you want to stay in houston.
Need more details. Are you already in IT or another org? Are these other positions in lower cost of living? Is that 20-30k cut only base? Cause other companies often have bonuses, stock options, and profit sharing to make up for lower base.
I was making 140k in exxon, and Samsung called me to interview. They rejected right away and I believe it's my income is too high. Why would they hire me if I earn more than a manager?
I too am interviewing for IT positions and it's true, I am being offered 20-30K less that what I made at EM, but some Hiring Managers are willing to justify for me my current high salary. No solid offers yet but I am willing to take a pay cut at this point. After that, I won't look back.
Companies are willing to work with you and you can negotiate once they like you. I’m just interviewing now also and was actually willing to take a 20-30k cut based on the pay bands for the job but they told me during the first interview that they at least want me to make a lateral move. ... so just start interviewing, show a company what you have to offer and then I think most are willing to work with you. Leaving this sh– show will be liberating on its own and actually worth a pay cut for the right opportunity and company but you might be surprised with benefits and other perks many other companies will come out ahead.
Glassdoor is your friend