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King
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 04:49 pm |
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Just want to get an idea, so I can negotiate better with my boss.
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RK
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 05:11 pm |
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| Whatever you can get without being fired.
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jmcarr
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 05:45 pm |
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Your poll does not have the big-O...zero! 
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King
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 05:52 pm |
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jmcarr wrote: Your poll does not have the big-O...zero!
Nooooo...is that even possible? Really? I would quit....we work so hard for the title, and unless you are not telling people you are licensed, otherwise I can't believe any employer would do anything like that.Last edited on Thu Aug 21st, 2008 06:03 pm by King
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Coach
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 06:02 pm |
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King wrote: jmcarr wrote: Your poll does not have the big-O...zero!
Nooooo...is that even possible? Really? Possible? In this climate, it's common. Not to mention the fact that it seems so many are unwilling to use their stamp, why are you worth more now than before the license?
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jmcarr
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 06:03 pm |
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King wrote: jmcarr wrote: Your poll does not have the big-O...zero!
Nooooo...is that even possible? Really? I would leave....we work so hard for the title, and unless you are not telling people you are licensed, otherwise I can't believe any employer would do anything like that.
This topic deserves a new thread. But, for me, money is not the issue. The problem is that my present firm does not need me in the capacity of licensed architect. It's sad but true. Too many cooks, not enough sous-chefs. I agree, it's time for me to move on to brighter horizons.
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King
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 06:06 pm |
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Coach wrote: Not to mention the fact that it seems so many are unwilling to use their stamp, why are you worth more now than before the license?
The role is probably not going to change much, but still it is a lot nicer from a marketing point of view. Well, I guess it is possible, I hope this would not happen to anyone.
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jmcarr
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 06:12 pm |
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Coach wrote: Possible? In this climate, it's common. Not to mention the fact that it seems so many are unwilling to use their stamp, why are you worth more now than before the license?
Technically, since I am now licensed, the office could bill my time at a higher rate. So, I am worth slightly more than before the license. But, this assumes the firm was indeed billing me out as non-licensed prior to licensure. Honestly, I do not know....
But, you are right Coach, with the current economic climate, combined with major non-paying clients, this crisis-stricken firm suspended everyone's annual bonuses this year. It's a bad time to even broach the raise topic 'round here. So, I was not surprised at all.
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StrongWilled
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 06:25 pm |
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King wrote: jmcarr wrote: Your poll does not have the big-O...zero!
Nooooo...is that even possible? Really? I would quit....we work so hard for the title, and unless you are not telling people you are licensed, otherwise I can't believe any employer would do anything like that.
Oh yes. . . believe it. It's true. Zero is a strong possiblity for many. 
I had a former boss who actually let the words fall out of his mouth that it was of no benefit to him for his staff to attain a license.
What a leader!
Oh yes he does have several issues with employee motivation/staff retention. 
You can continue to bring value to the firm with or without a license, but that license is still a badge of courage in this profession. You earned it. Let's hope your boss is smart enough to reward you for putting in the hard work to get licensed.
Best of luck with your negotiations.
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alldone
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 06:47 pm |
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StrongWilled wrote: King wrote: jmcarr wrote: Your poll does not have the big-O...zero!
Nooooo...is that even possible? Really? I would quit....we work so hard for the title, and unless you are not telling people you are licensed, otherwise I can't believe any employer would do anything like that.
Oh yes. . . believe it. It's true. Zero is a strong possiblity for many.
I second this. ZERO is very possible in this profession, if you choose to stay in your current job. A LOT of employers will not give much raise for license. Some national firm has a policy of "2K raise for a license". That is pathetic raise.
The easier way to get a decent raise is changing job after you are licensed. You deserve a much better pay. If you employer cannot give it to you, you should find it in another place. do not sell yourself short, never!
Good luck!
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Phlustered
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 06:59 pm |
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| AIA salary studies show an average raise upon getting licensed of about 5%. But they show this is made up of many firms giving little or no raise (a bonus of 1k to 2k is fairly common, and about 20% to 25% of firms indicate that they don't recognize licensing as a reason for a salary increase) and then a much smaller percentage of employers giving more substantial raises. Raises for licensure are more common in large firms.
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zedcorrado
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 07:03 pm |
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In a separate thread you stated you are making $60k and that you graduated in '05. To me, that's not too shabby, so a big raise may be out of the question.
My buddy got his license ~8 months ago. It took him that long, but he just got a $19K raise. Granted, I think he was not making enough before and he also has 10 years of experience, most of them with his current firm. He is making $85K now, which I think is the going rate for his skill and such.
I got a 12% raise upon registration last year, FWIW
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Architect in Hole
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 07:24 pm |
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Small firms will give you more than a big firm. Someone said it above. Is not like you are signing drawings now, u still will do your current job. I would ask them before u get your license and see what they say. My firm will give me about 30% more but that’s because they will ride me.
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i tect
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 07:53 pm |
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I would not just rely on the fact that you have obtain the impossible (I guest the not so impossible). Spice up the request with a little how you feel that you have made a positive contribution to the firm and how excited you are about the further and how the completion of the exam will allow you to focus more on production without the distractions of exam preparation.
If done well, it should net you a positive response or a card board box.
Good Luck............
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Howard Hughes
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 07:57 pm |
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| Never seen anyone get a pay raise once licensed, good way to go but no moola.
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zedcorrado
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 08:29 pm |
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Howard Hughes wrote: Never seen anyone get a pay raise once licensed, good way to go but no moola.
some firms see more value in it. my firm does. they don't refer to you as an Architect in anyway until you are licensed. you are a job captain until then (and paid as such).
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secret
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 08:52 pm |
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jmcarr wrote: Coach wrote: Possible? In this climate, it's common. Not to mention the fact that it seems so many are unwilling to use their stamp, why are you worth more now than before the license?
Technically, since I am now licensed, the office could bill my time at a higher rate. So, I am worth slightly more than before the license. But, this assumes the firm was indeed billing me out as non-licensed prior to licensure. Honestly, I do not know....
But, you are right Coach, with the current economic climate, combined with major non-paying clients, this crisis-stricken firm suspended everyone's annual bonuses this year. It's a bad time to even broach the raise topic 'round here. So, I was not surprised at all.
I think its important to know what your firm bills you out as and what percentage is billed vs not. If they are not willing to be transparent about the amount, it would raise my eyebrow.
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King
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 08:52 pm |
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Howard Hughes wrote: Never seen anyone get a pay raise once licensed, good way to go but no moola.
Never? Wow...
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brudgers
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 09:19 pm |
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Raise?
I quit my job and went out on my own within a month of receiving my initial license.
Fortunately, certification and reciprocity in my state of residence followed quickly.
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petr1968
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 09:58 pm |
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Good afternoon~
This is a question I struggle with every year. It may be helpful to take a look on-line for comparable salaries for your location (example: NYC is 10-20K higher than most cities).
It will also depend on the size of the firm, level of profitability, competition, etc.
Licensure is important to the firm, from a marketing standpoint. It looks good on an RFP/RFQ.
It grows if you practice in states other than your own. Keep that in mind.
The bottom line is this: ask what you feel your level of expertise is worth.
If the firm is worth anything, you will be compensated. Let's be honest; as much as we love this profession (thats why we chose it), we aren't working for free.
Hopefully this helps, a little.
J
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King
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Posted: Thu Aug 21st, 2008 11:23 pm |
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Spoke to my boss...
Only 4% raise...I am a little disappointed...Well...When I got my Leed, may be I can ask for another 2%....
Poor King
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#9
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 07:50 am |
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Once you get your license, don't rush right in and ask your boss for a raise without doing your homework first. I was fortunate that a coworker was licensed shortly before I was and this person provided me with valuable insights on their raise request 'interview' with the boss. I also looked at national averages, regional averages, various salary websites and even the discussions regarding salaries on the forum. Working in a relatively small firm, I was well aware of our billing rates, etc. I considered all this with what I thought I deserved and went into the 'interview' well prepared. I received what I requested (which of course made me wonder if I should have asked for more). Aim high. Be confident. Nothing to lose.
I do feel fortunate in a small firm. Get to do a lot and given a generous amount of autonomy without as much of the liability. Brudgers, how did you get out on your own so quick? Didn't that require a lot of capital, not to mention guts? Did you partner with anyone to share some of the overwhelming responsibilities? Did you have to eat a lot of Top-Ramen?
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secret
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 08:53 am |
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King wrote:
When I got my Leed, may be I can ask for another 2%....
Poor King
Most people don't get a raise after passing the LEED exam. Don't be surprised if you are like everyone else here.
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Rennie
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 03:56 pm |
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Philadelphia - 10% raise and a $2,500 bonus. Could be better, could be worse.
Also go the okay to do side work, stamped by me but under the office insurance.
Last edited on Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 03:58 pm by Rennie
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King
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 04:02 pm |
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Rennie wrote: Also go the okay to do side work, stamped by me but under the office insurance.
Wouldn't that be against office policy? I guess if your boss is ok with, why not.
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NewSchool
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 04:23 pm |
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#9 wrote: Once you get your license, don't rush right in and ask your boss for a raise without doing your homework first. I also looked at national averages, regional averages, various salary websites and even the discussions regarding salaries on the forum. I was well aware of our billing rates, etc. I considered all this with what I thought I deserved and went into the 'interview' well prepared. I received what I requested. Aim high. Be confident.
Yep... did all that before asking for 10%. Asking for a raise was their opportunity to put me back firmly in my place followed by a swift kick in the pants.
That was the day I began entertaining offers from local competitors.
They are still shocked that I'm now making 25% more while working on the other side of town. Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side.
Last edited on Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 04:25 pm by NewSchool
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Nomadica
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Posted: Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 05:29 pm |
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Also go the okay to do side work, stamped by me but under the office insurance.
Rennie be sure to talk with your firm's insurance rep about that before you do any work this way. The insurance policy often has restrictions that exclude projects that aren't done through the firm, with standard contracts, etc. - and insurance companies also typically require all projects to be stamped by partners/owners unless there is none in a particular branch office.
Also some states require that projects be stamped by owners/partners.
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combinat
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Posted: Sat Aug 23rd, 2008 02:46 am |
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Hey, King
4% is not a raise...it is merely a Cost of Living Adjustment as we have a 4% yearly inflation. I would not get a raise after LEED AP if I didn't change my job.
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yarddawg7
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Posted: Sat Aug 23rd, 2008 05:33 am |
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| From what I've learned, it's easier to get more money for your license if you either apply for a new job or start your own business. I plan on the latter once I get mine, but I'll probably have to start out doing it on the side until I get established. Anything extra that I get from my current firm will be a bonus, but I don't expect too much (if anything).
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jmcarr
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Posted: Sat Aug 23rd, 2008 02:13 pm |
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