Finding salary information about certain occupations, geographic locations, and various industries is extremely important. This information will help you make better decisions regarding job acceptance and negotiations. One problem is finding up-to-date and reliable data for your situation. Then there's the problem of deciding if the data you are looking at is relevant to your situation.

Finally, you have to know how to use the information you've found wisely in negotiations, should that mean asking for a raise or asking for a different (usually better) compensation package when accepting a new job. The following links should prove useful in your search.

Career Onestop
This is a federal government web site which provides current salary information for most locations.

Net-temps
Offers students a free salary analysis and basic report. Students can also purchase a Personal Salary Report, which provides a customized analysis and negotiation guide to fair pay.

National Association of Colleges and Employers: Salary Survey
NACE Survey provides a listing of the national averages of starting salaries for each major discipline.

Monster Salary Center
Monster provides students with a basic salary report for free. Students can opt for a Personal Salary Report for a fee. This site contains excellent resources regarding salary and benefits.

Job Star Salary Negotiation Strategies
Provides several different links to web sources concerning salary negotiations.

The Riley Guide: Salary Guides & Guidance
The Riley Guide provides excellent information about salaries.

Employment Security Commission of NC: Employment and Wages by Industry
The NC Employment Security Commission offers useful Labor Market Information concerning wages by industry.

Sperling's Best Places
If you are asked to relocate, you must also compare the salary you are offered with the cost of living in your new location. Use this web site to help you compare the cost of living.