When an offer arrives, most people have no idea whether it is fair. The good news: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes free, reliable pay data for hundreds of occupations every year. Here is how to use it.
Understand percentiles
BLS reports wages at several points:
- 10th percentile: 10% of workers earn less than this. Often reflects new workers or lower-paying areas.
- 25th percentile: A common range for people with a year or two of experience.
- Median (50th): Half earn more, half earn less.
- 75th and 90th percentiles: Experienced workers, specialists and higher-paying employers or regions.
For example, BLS data for May 2025 shows pharmacy technicians earned a median of $45,750, with the 25th percentile at $37,850 and the 75th at $49,990. See the full pharmacy technician pay scale.
Place yourself on the scale
Ask honestly: Am I new to the field? Do I have a certification employers value? Is this a higher-cost area? A newly certified worker might reasonably target the 25th percentile to the median; an experienced specialist might aim higher.
Adjust for location
National numbers are a starting point. Pay varies a lot by state and metro area, so compare with local job postings too. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in postings, which makes this easier.
Turn data into an ask
Use a calm, specific script:
If base pay is fixed, ask about a sign-on bonus, shift differentials, schedule or paid training.
Find the numbers
Our salary guide lists BLS pay for 709 careers, and every career has its own salary page with monthly and hourly breakdowns. For more scripts, read how to negotiate salary.
#salary #negotiation #job offers
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