What's Your Magic Number?

What’s the Magic Number That Will Make You Feel Worthy $$$

Personal worth is shaped by many factors, and each person has their own criteria for determining their value.

What variables do you consider when figuring out your worth?

Research by Cavallario explored the variables influencing salary expectations. Participants identified a range of publicly and privately available resources that guided their salary decisions.

To set an appropriate salary, participants needed data to identify a fair salary range for the position, understand their motivations for negotiating, and recognize how external factors could either encourage or discourage salary negotiations. Athletic trainers who successfully negotiated their salary expressed satisfaction and even regretted not negotiating other employment terms. Those who did not negotiate, however, expressed regret and experienced long-term negative consequences as a result.

Participants drew from various data sources to assess whether their offers were fair or to demonstrate their value to prospective employers.

Factors Influencing Salary Determination

Publicly Available Information

Regardless of whether they negotiated, participants often gathered data from publicly available sources to determine a fair salary for the role.

Public salary records for employees at the organization, particularly for state employees, who have public salary data.

Geographically relevant salary information, including data from peer athletic trainers at similar institutions, contract lengths, and other specifics.

Private Information

Some participants relied on private sources like personal data, conversations with peers, or NATA salary survey data.

Reports showing potential billings from third-party reimbursements were also used as a gauge.

Self-Perceived Value

Non-negotiators sometimes based their salary expectations on assumptions about their perceived worth. For instance, one participant base expectations on their previous salary, adding a bit more for good measure.

Information Not Used

Some participants shared they didn’t have access to salary data at all, which affected their ability to determine a fair salary.

It’s essential to consider the full job offer, not just the salary. While salary is often the biggest consideration, other factors can significantly affect job satisfaction. Negotiating all aspects of a compensation package is crucial, and prospective employees should make sure to prioritize the most important items for their personal and professional well-being.

Reference:

Cavallario, J. et al. Athletic Trainers’ Experiences With and Perceptions of Salary Negotiation Decision-Making During the Hiring Process. J Athl Train 2024. 59(8):868–883. https://meridian.allenpress.com/jat/article/59/8/868/497632/Athletic-Trainers-Experiences-With-and-Perceptions