When – and how – to bring up salary during an interview

 

Should you even bring up the topic of salary at all or wait for the employer to take the lead? And if you do raise the subject, how and when should you do it?

Some topics are just awkward to bring up in a conversation – like a messy breakup or whether those lips are real or enhanced.

Another awkward subject? Discussing salary during an interview. You don't want to come across as money hungry, but you also don't want to be blindsided by a less-than-desirable offer.

So, do you even bring it up at all or wait for the employer to take the lead? And if you do raise the subject, how and when should you do it?

While every situation is different, and the answer may vary slightly depending on your circumstances (the type of company, the level you're at, etc.), here are some general rules.

Time it right
The problem with bringing up the salary topic too early in the hiring process is that it can take the focus away from the case you're trying to build for why you should be hired.

"The goal in an interview is to convince the company that you are the best person for the job," says Susan Peppercorn, a Boston-based career coach and CEO of career coaching firm Positive Workplace Partners. "By bringing up salary before this happens, the job seeker runs the risk of making money the focal point of the conversation rather than their fit for the job."

That's why most career experts will tell you to wait until you have an offer, or at least have strong signs of an offer, before broaching the subject. To that end, Peppercorn says that not until you hear questions like "When are you ready to start?" or "Can you provide references?" is it appropriate to ask about money.

"The best way to ask the question is to say something like, 'I'm very interested and excited about the opening in your company, and I'm sure that I will be able to meet your marketing challenges. Can you explain the compensation for this position?'" Peppercorn says.

Let the employer do the asking
If you're unsure about when or how to ask about money, it's often best to let the employer take the lead. However, as Certified Career Coach Cheryl Palmer points out, this doesn't mean that you should be totally passive on the topic.

"The job hunter needs to be prepared for the conversation about salary because the employer may bring it up before actually making the offer," Palmer says. "It is fairly common for recruiters to call candidates for a phone screen and ask them what their salary requirements are. This is a way of screening out candidates whose requirements are not in line with what the company is willing to pay."

Even before a phone screener, you'll likely get a question or two on the job application about your current salary and desired range. So, the employer will already know whether or not you're in their ballpark going into the interview.

Have a range in mind
When the topic does arise, answer questions about desired salary by providing a range. That way, you don't back yourself into a corner by throwing out a specific number that's either too high for them to consider or lower than what they had in mind. You can determine that range by doing research on average pay for the occupation via sites such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or Salaries by CareerBuilder.

Know your worth
Regardless of who brings up salary, or when it happens, you should know what you're worth so you can be prepared to defend your desired salary going into negotiations. "Understanding your value will help you enter negotiations with a realistic outlook," says Frank Gentile, a director at Professional Staffing Group.

Another way to prove your value without even bringing up salary is to monetize your skills when discussing them during your interview. "Where it's appropriate, frame your work in terms that show real monetary value," Gentile suggests. "For example, customer support skills can be framed in terms of how much time or money was saved by resolving issues faster."

So, the next time you're struggling with the salary conversation, avoid a situation like these awkward interviews, and come prepared, time it right and take cues from the employer.

Which small or mid-sized US cities offer the best job opportunities

 

Find out which small or mid-sized US cities offer the best job opportunities, and which cities have the most openings in the top 10 most popular industries.

We’re proving that city size truly doesn’t matter when it comes to great employment, and that incredible roles are available for job seekers in less-populated (but still awesome) U.S. cities. Using CareerBuilder data, as well as information on city population and size, we created an official guide to the best small and mid-sized U.S. cities for jobs, and which fields are most likely to hire you.

Let’s face it, big cities have gotten all the attention lately; it’s time to give smaller cities some love.

Best job markets in the U.S. for small to mid-sized cities

According to our recent CareerBuilder survey, 46% of respondents said they considered themselves "explorers" when it came to their most recent job search. That could mean their home town or state — even region of the country. So, if you’re after a new place to explore, these small and mid-sized cities (in every region of the U.S.) could have a lot to offer you.

10 best small cities with the most job opportunities:

1. Bellevue, WA - 151 jobs/1,000
Just a 15-minute drive from Seattle, Bellevue offers the best of both worlds: small-city living within touching distance of a big city. Bellevue has a population of 139,820, and there are 21,147 jobs being advertised there right now. That’s 151 jobs per 1,000 people. Its proximity to Seattle, a city known for its tech industry, means its top industries are in this sector, including computer hardware and IT. So, if you want all the benefits of Seattle without the big-city living, Bellevue is your place.
Does Bellevue sound good to you? Find a job there today

2. Tempe, AZ - 129jobs/1,000
Workers in Tempe, AZ earn up to 17% more than the state average, so it’s definitely worth looking at the available jobs there. If you work in the healthcare industry, you are more likely to find employment here, with 620 current job openings.
Does Tempe sound like your kind of place? See the jobs being advertised now

3. Salt Lake City, UT - 119jobs/1,000
In Salt Lake City, the healthcare industry is booming, with 616 jobs available right now. If you choose this city as your new home, you can expect to earn around 12% more than the state average. Plus, there’s plenty to do when not working, making this a great place to find your next job.
Is Salt Lake City your ideal location? Browse availabilities there now

4. Sioux Falls, SD - 89jobs/1,000
In Sioux Falls, healthcare is the top industry at the moment, so if this is your career area of choice, don’t write off this small city. The city is home to stunning landscapes - one being the falls in the Big Sioux River - and by working here you can earn up to 145% more than the state average.
Find jobs in Sioux Falls today

5. Springfield, MO - 83jobs/1,000
Currently, healthcare is the number one industry in the city of Springfield. There are 840 job openings at the moment, so this could be a great city to live and work if big-city life isn’t for you. There is plenty to do in Springfield, from the Dickerson Park Zoo to the Fantastic Caverns, so there will always be something exciting to see.
See what’s available in Springfield

Completing the top ten:
6. Akron, OH- 82jobs/1,000
7. Knoxville, TN- 78jobs/1,000
8. Grand Rapids, MI- 75jobs/1,000
9. Fort Collins, CO- 67jobs/1,000
10. Peoria, AZ- 64jobs/1,000

10 mid-size cities with the most job openings:

1. Orlando, FL has 156jobs/1,000
Orlando isn’t just the theme park capital of the world, it’s also a great place to find a job. With 42,229 jobs currently being advertised, Orlando offers plenty of opportunity for job seekers, especially in the healthcare sector, which has 1,201 current openings. The average Orlando salary is 18.58% higher than the state average, so you’ll have plenty of cash to spend on your visits to Disney World.
Want to experience the magic of Orlando? See what jobs are available right now

2. St. Louis, MO has 151jobs/1,000
With 151 jobs per 1,000 people, St. Louis is a close second for the best mid-sized cities to find a job. The population is 315,685 people, and the industry with the most job listings at the moment is in health services. Move quickly, as those 982 openings are bound to fill up fast once everyone realizes that 7-Up was invented there.
Find jobs in St Louis, MO

3. Tacoma, WA has 142jobs/1,000
Located between two of the trendiest cities in the U.S. - Portland and Seattle - Tacoma is a great place to look for a job. The top industry in the city is healthcare, with 278 openings currently being advertised, and overall, there are 29,506 jobs up for grabs. With an affordable cost of living, less rain than in Seattle and many activities to fill your downtime with, this could be the perfect place to work for you.
Find jobs in Tacoma now

4. Cincinnati, OH has 138jobs/1,000
Home to the first baseball team in America, Cincinnati is a great place for job seekers to hunt for their next role. With 138 jobs per 1,000 people, you have an excellent chance of finding employment in Steven Spielberg’s birthplace. Once again, healthcare is the top industry, with 1,373 job openings in the sector available.
Browse through the Cincinnati job market

5. Richmond, VA has 128jobs/1,000
The capital of Virginia is one of the oldest major cities in the U.S. If you want to live and work alongside history, then you are in luck: Richmond has 128 jobs per 1,000 people, making it one of the best mid-sized cities to find a job in.
Make Richmond, VA your new home and find a job there today

Rounding out the mid-sized top 10 cities:

6. Tampa, FL has 128jobs/1,000
7. Minneapolis, MN has 128jobs/1,000
8. Pittsburgh, PA has 128jobs/1,000
9. Des Moines, IA has 128jobs/1,000
10. Chandler, AZ has 128jobs/1,000

20 top cities that have the most popular job industries

We may know which small or mid-sized cities are offering the most job opportunities, but what about the industries? Here, we will look at the industries that are booming at the moment, and which city is the current hotspot for those looking to enter these professions.

More than 42,000 healthcare jobs

Mid-size: St Louis, MO, Cincinnati, OH, Orlando, FL
Small: Sioux Falls, SD, Knoxville, TN, Little Rock, AR and Boise, ID
Healthcare has always been a huge industry in the US, and this won't change. With the tens of thousands of job vacancies in this sector, it’s a great time to get into healthcare - especially since there is a serious shortage of workers for these jobs.
Find healthcare jobs in a city near you

Computer hardware is booming with 32,000 jobs

Mid-size: Miami, FL, Raleigh, NC and Des Moines, IA
Small: Fort Lauderdale, FL
With our ever growing dependency on computers, it’s no surprise that the computer hardware industry is booming. There are 32,299 computer hardware jobs open, and 1,194 of them are in Minneapolis, MN.
Browse computer hardware jobs now

35,000 accounting jobs available right now

Mid-size: Durham, NC and Scottsdale, AZ
Small: Plano, TX
The accounting and financial industry is larger than ever, with a total of 35,897 jobs currently available all over the country. The city that is listing the most accounting jobs: Minneapolis, MN with 1,642 current openings. Durham, NC also has many vacancies in this sector, as it’s the city’s top industry, so there is no lack of choice when looking for a small city to start your accounting or finance career.
See what the accounting industry has to offer you with CareerBuilder

No shortage of jobs in the IT industry

Mid-size: Tampa, FL
Small: Bellevue, WA
Working in Information Technology (IT) may take some tech savviness, but there are plenty of jobs available once you learn everything you need to know. If you’re looking for a small or mid-sized city to work in, and IT is your dream industry, then we have some great news for you: IT is the top industry in both Tampa, FL and Bellevue, WA.
Find your next great job in the IT sector

The aerospace industry is taking off at the moment

Small: Sunnyvale, CA and Huntsville, AL
If you want a job that will take you (professionally) to the moon, or at least the clouds, then aerospace could be for you. Working in this industry includes the research, development, and manufacture of flight vehicles - both aviation and space flight - and there are plenty of job openings in this field at the moment. This is the top industry in both Sunnyvale, CA and Huntsville, AL, so if you have your eyes on a smaller city, then these could be perfect.
See your career fly in this industry. Browse aerospace jobs today

Methodology
Using internal data, the top industry for each city was calculated based on the number of jobs in each industry. The number of jobs available in each area was calculated using the same method.

25 Best Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree

You don’t need a college degree to have a rewarding career.

By Maryalene LaPonsie

No degree? No problem.

If you’d rather not spend years in college, there are plenty of job opportunities for those without a degree. These include positions open to those with only a high school diploma as well as careers that require some postsecondary education and training.

Keep reading to see the 25 top jobs for those without a college degree, according to our 100 Best Jobs ranking. All occupational data comes from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 25. Maintenance and Repair Worker

Median salary: $40,850
Unemployment rate: 7.7%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 117,000

General maintenance and repair workers typically learn their skills on the job. They may complete a variety of basic repair tasks on equipment, utility systems, flooring and more.

Learn more about maintenance and repair workers.

24. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $59,050
Unemployment rate: 22.1%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 31,100

As an occupation hard hit by the pandemic, jobs for flight attendants are expected to bounce back during the upcoming decade. These workers have a perfect position for anyone who loves to travel. They assist airline passengers as well as conduct preflight inspections and respond to any emergency situations that may arise.

Learn more about flight attendants.

23. Community Health Worker

Median salary: $42,000
Unemployment rate: 3.1%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 13,500

Community health workers promote health and wellness and may be involved in community-wide outreach or focus on specific groups such as families or college students. The BLS estimates this career will see 21% employment growth between 2020 and 2030, and a high school diploma may be the only educational requirement for many positions.

Learn more about community health workers.

22. Taxi Driver

Median salary: $32,320
Unemployment rate: 26%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 180,600

Taxi drivers may need a state or municipal license in addition to a driver’s license. However, once they have that, they can get to work offering rides to people who need a lift to appointments, shopping, jobs and more. It’s a job that has high unemployment now but is expected to see significant growth in the years to come.

Learn more about taxi drivers.

21. Medical Secretary

Median salary: $37,350
Unemployment rate: 4.9%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 64,900

You don’t need an education in health care to work as a medical secretary. These professionals may answer phones, check in patients and manage supplies in medical offices or similar settings.

Learn more about medical secretaries.

20. Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Median salary: $37,940
Unemployment rate: 4.9%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 8,700

Anyone who’s been to the eye doctor is likely familiar with the work of ophthalmic medical technicians. They administer vision tests, apply eye drops and measure eye pressure, among other things.

Learn more about ophthalmic medical technicians.

19. Bartender

Median salary: $24,960
Unemployment rate: 30.7%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 159,900

Bartenders mix cocktails and serve drinks in restaurants and lounges across the country. There are no formal education requirements for this job, but bartenders may take classes to help them understand government regulations, learn how to mix drinks and improve their skills.

Learn more about bartenders.

18. Firefighter

Median salary: $52,500
Unemployment rate: 1.9%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 26,900

Firefighters generally need to pass written and physical exams before they can start working, but there is no degree requirement. On the job, these professionals respond to emergency calls, prepare incident reports and maintain equipment.

Learn more about firefighters.

17. Delivery Truck Driver

Median salary: $37,050
Unemployment rate: 7.4%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 101,100

Ordering online was the preferred shopping method for many people even before the pandemic hit, and delivery truck drivers are the professionals who make sure packages arrive safely. You don’t need a degree for this occupation, but you will need a good driving record and some on-the-job training.

Learn more about delivery truck drivers.

16. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Median salary: $46,470
Unemployment rate: N/A
Expected new job openings by 2030: 6,100

Solar photovoltaic installers are technicians who assemble and maintain solar panels that create renewable energy. They may work on residential or commercial properties, and they have one of the best construction jobs, according to U.S. News Best Jobs rankings.

Learn more about solar photovoltaic installers.

15. Restaurant Cook

Median salary: $28,800
Unemployment rate: 16.4%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 563,500

Foodies may find being a restaurant cook is the right job for them. These workers are needed in establishments catering to a variety of tastes and cuisines, and cooks may be self-taught or go through a training program.

Learn more about restaurant cooks.

14. Security Guard

Median salary: $31,050
Unemployment rate: 7.7%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 154,200

Security guards can find employment in a variety of settings. They may be employed to screen passengers for transit services, watch over customers and employees during business hours or secure buildings and warehouses after hours.

Learn more about security guards.

13. Actor

Median salary: $43,760
Unemployment rate: N/A
Expected new job openings by 2030: 16,700

You don’t have to be on the Hollywood A-list to make a living as an actor. Professionals are needed for commercials, web productions, training videos and more. A formal education isn’t required to act, but some do pursue an education in the arts before launching their career.

Learn more about actors.

12. Electrician

Median salary: $56,900
Unemployment rate: 6.2%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 66,100

Electricians don’t need degrees, but they do have to complete extensive training as an apprentice before they can be licensed to work independently. Licensed workers install and maintain electrical systems in businesses and residences.

Learn more about electricians.

11. Insurance Sales Agent

Median salary: $52,180
Unemployment rate: 4.2%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 35,500

Although insurance sales agents typically need to be licensed by their state, a college degree isn’t required. These workers may sell a variety of insurance products or specialize in a certain area such as life, property or health coverage.

Learn more about insurance sales agents.

10. Computer Support Specialist

Median salary: $52,690
Unemployment rate: 5%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 58,000

Tech-savvy people may find that jobs as computer support specialists are right for them. These workers help troubleshoot technology problems such as difficulty logging into a system or malfunctioning software. They may assist others via phone, chat, email or face-to-face.

Learn more about computer support specialists.

9. Medical Assistant

Median salary: $35,850
Unemployment rate: 5.8%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 132,600

Medical assistants don’t need a degree to do their job, which includes measuring vital signs, gathering patient data and maintaining records. This is a career option that has traditionally been marked by low unemployment and significant growth.

Learn more about medical assistants.

8. Landscaper and Groundskeeper

Median salary: $31,730
Unemployment rate: 2.9%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 85,000

Working as a landscaper or groundskeeper can be a good option for those who want an active job that lets them be outside. Grounds maintenance workers may mow lawns, plant flowerbeds and trim hedges, among other duties.

Learn more about landscapers and groundskeepers.

7. Massage Therapist

Median salary: $43,620
Unemployment rate: 17.6%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 46,500

Massage therapy can be used for a variety of reasons, such as to promote relaxation or heal from an injury. While postsecondary training is required to become a massage therapist, these workers don’t need a degree.

Learn more about massage therapists.

6. Recreation and Fitness Worker

Median salary: $31,250
Unemployment rate: 17.6%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 179,500

From leading group classes to working with clients one-on-one, recreation and fitness workers have an engaging and dynamic career. While a degree isn’t needed, professional certification through an industry group may expand job opportunities. This is another career that suffered from high unemployment during the pandemic but is projected to have impressive future growth, per the BLS.

Learn more about recreation and fitness workers.

5. Wind Turbine Technician

Median salary: $56,230
Unemployment rate: N/A
Expected new job openings by 2030: 4,700

Technical schools offer training for the wind turbine technicians who are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing turbines that provide renewable energy. Windtechs may also learn their trade via on-the-job training.

Learn more about wind turbine technicians.

4. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse

Median salary: $48,820
Unemployment rate: 3.8%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 63,800

Depending on the state, these professionals are known as either licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses. They usually have a postsecondary certificate or diploma and perform basic patient care duties.

Learn more about licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.

2. Personal Care Aide (Tie)

Median salary: $27,080
Unemployment rate: 7.4%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 1,129,900

Job opportunities for personal care aides are expected to be plentiful in the years to come as the country’s population ages and people need help staying in their homes. Personal care aides may provide companionship as well as assist with daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

Learn more about personal care aides.

2. Home Health Aide (Tie)

Median salary: $27,080
Unemployment rate: 6.9%
Expected new job openings by 2029: 1,129,900

Home health aides provide essential services to senior and those with chronic conditions or disabilities. They may measure vital signs, monitor medication usage and help with activities of daily living such as bathing and eating.

Learn more about home health aides.

1. Patrol Officer

Median salary: $65,540
Unemployment rate: 0.8%
Expected new job openings by 2030: 48,600

With low unemployment and high wages, patrol officers have a top job for those without a college degree. They may direct traffic, patrol areas and investigate crashes after completing a training academy.

Learn more about patrol officers.