Networking for Salary Data

In addition to using the classified ads for salary data, there are some other, more informal ways to get data, too. They tend not to be reflective of an entire industry or area, but they can give you a starting point. If you have a relatively common job opening, you can always ask:

• other small business owners
• your local chamber of commerce
• employment agencies or temporary help agencies
• local chapters of trade groups that specialize in the applicable industry
• competitors who have a job opening (you may get the information or you may not; try being creative)
• friends
• suppliers
• job applicants — they may be willing to tell you how much they were paid in their previous positions
• anyone doing that job (maybe they can also give you some leads on people you can hire)