salary negotiation in local government

[Anonymous]

I'm applying to local government jobs that have gigantic salary ranges. For example, one range is 50k - 110k. I currently make 95k. I don't want less than what I currently make. What are the possibilities in salary negotiations within local government-established pay bands? If money can't be given, can more vacation be given, for example?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm applying to local government jobs that have gigantic salary ranges. For example, one range is 50k - 110k. I currently make 95k. I don't want less than what I currently make. What are the possibilities in salary negotiations within local government-established pay bands? If money can't be given, can more vacation be given, for example?

Former local government attorney here. Normally there is some discretion in salary. They have grades similar to the Feds. Not so much for vacation.

[Anonymous]

Read the personnel regs if you can (check HR website). It will tell you what they can do. In MoCo I think there is rule where they can"t hire above the midpoint of the range unless they can prove they need to offer higher to compete. No they can't offer better benefits. Also be aware of promotional potential. Is the position being underfilled at a lower grade and eligible for noncompetitive promotion? Then if you get an offer ask how quickly they can promote you.

[Anonymous]

I’m a DC government attorney and I’m guessing there is such a wide range because the position is being advertised across an entire grade. Generally they do not offer above the midpoint of the grade unless you have experience and qualifications that justify going beyond the midpoint. Making 95k with only say 5 years of experience is not going to be enough in government to justify you coming in at the top of a pay grade. Vacation can usually be negotiated commensurate with your experience, meaning if you have 5 years of relevant experience you can start at 6 hours of leave per pay period instead of 4. I’ve never seen someone get 8 hours per pay period as a way to make up a pay differential. It takes 15 years to get to 8 hrs per pay period so they don’t go handing that out to new employees unless they come in with a significant number of years of experience.

[Anonymous]

What about sign on bonus?

[Anonymous]

Former local government employee in Virginia. They typically advertise the entire band and have ZERO intention of hiring more than at midpoint. You’ll hear a lot about parity, they can’t/won’t hire a new employee at a salary hire than they pay Jean in accounting who has been in the same seat for 30 years. Even if the new employee has a better skill set, more certifications, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about sign on bonus?

There are no sign on bonuses for local government jobs.

[Anonymous]

I was hired near top of band for local govt role but could not get them to budge on vacation. I am well paid but really miss having leave. In my case I had a lot of niche experience that made me the more competitive candidate.