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A Human Resources from a sister company on the East
Coast (we're in the Midwest) is currently re-doing the
salary grid/grades that will govern both our
companies, which will be the first time an "outside
force" has dealt with salaries at our company. Both
the East Coast and Midwest companies are in the
medical manufacturing field and are mid-size (not huge
corporations), although we both do business worldwide.
The East Coast HR administrator said they will use
resources such as SIRS, Parent (?), and Hewitt to help
determine salaries; I don't know a lot about those
resources but I think they are specifically for the
medical industry. I'm going to try to see if I can get
more info on them.
Since I believe I am the lone technical writer in the
two companies, I mentioned the STC Salary Survey to
the HR administrator. I would appreciate your feedback
on these questions:
1. Do you think giving the STC Salary Survey to the
HR administrator will help or hurt me? I think for my
level of experience, etc., I am keeping fairly good
pace with the STC survey but I might be a bit
underpaid. My concern is that the average for the
Midwest map & zipcodes lags below my pay range. BTW, I
do plan to provide the administrator with ample
information about my expertise and responsibilities,
which are fairly extensive as I am at a senior level
for experience and "longevitiy", and also the lone
writer. My manager is supportive and good about
backing me up.
2. Do you know anything about the
accuracy/appropriateness of the sources she is using
(see first paragraph of my post)? Would you consider
the STC survey to be more accurate for technical
writer salaries?
3. If you have been in the same situation, do you
have any other suggestions for me?
My main concern is that the HR administrator
recognizes my work and value to the company, which I
will try to ensure by providing her with plenty of
info on my responsibilities and achievements, as well
as resources such as the STC Salary Survey (assuming
providing the survey is a good idea . . .).
Thanks for your help.
Marj Borchard, Technical Writer
mborchard -at- yahoo -dot- com
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