Net Talk

I have been in radio for 8 years but only in very small markets making poverty level money. I have a promising interview next week with a mid market talk station for a drive time spot. I'm sure the salary question will come up however I have no clue how much to ask for and have no point of reference.

Granted, it may be difficult to give me any sort of advice without specifics... but, general details, mid market, drive time talk show... how much is a reasonable amount to shoot for? The only reference point I have is a guy I know, former coworker, who hosts a show in the same time slot except at a station 30 markets below the one I'm interviewing with. He makes 40 thousand. Would I be overstepping to ask for 50?

www.payscale.com

Check this site out, you can register for free. There are actual salaries listed for people currently employed, markets size, how many years you've been in the business and employer. Gives a real and impartial look at how much is being made. A good place to check to see if you are undervalued in your market, too.

Halltalk makes some great points. I would say ask for what you want to make and what you think you are worth. You can always come down in price, but you can never go up.

Just remember this: "You don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate."

Good Luck!

Keep in mind they'll low ball you. Not because they don't feel your worth it, but because that's what is budgeted. Ask for $10K more then you make now. That's fair.

40k is like 80k in other professions - a very good salary. There is a person doing afternoons in LA making 50k. You will be lucky to get 40k and if you do, you will have to do much more than an air shift. Good luck.