Quote: Original post by d000hg

Quote: Original post by tstrimp
As far as pay goes, it varies based on your experience obviously

Just to play devil's advocate, why is that obvious? Why not pay based on skill/results regardless of experience? I don't mean you shouldn't take experience into account in the interview process and deciding a salary... but if you got a bona fide genius aged 20 who could genuinely out-perform everyone else would you pay them accordingly?

I stated that wrong. I know that experience isn't even close to the best measurement for a programmers performance, but it is practically impossible to judge someone's skill and work ethic without working with them for a decent amount of time. As such, the starting salary would have to be based on the person's experience and their salary history.

I can't start a fresh college graduate with no work experience out at $80,000 just because he talks a good game. If he works with us a while, and he is an excellent programmer who consistently meets or beats deadlines, his salary will reflect that.

^^

If only every job came with such frank discussion upfront.....