I think what has happened is that maybe that is what a previous
programmer who recently left was paid - & they moved on because the
market price for their skillset became larger. Classic situation. The
programmer only gets 4 or 5 percent pay raises, discovers that they can
greatly increase this by moving on, old company tries to get replacement
at same pay (because that's what the budget was) & discovers to their
rude surprise that either they must pay a lot more or the position just
flat doesn't get filled.

Greg Terterian wrote:
>
> In a message dated 12/19/99 5:58:30 PM Pacific Standard Time,
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> << I agree ... why not just ask for 10 year veteran for 25K, as long
>  as we're talking a wish list.
> No, for 10 year veteran my offer is $55-65K (just for your information).
>
> << The money shouldn't be the most important thing in taking a job ...
> Can't agree more with you
>
> <<neither should it be a priority to pay starting wages to a proven
> professional.
> Once again, I agree with you and that's why I had a spread between $35K to
> 45K.
>
> Sorry, if I offended you, but that's what my budget is for the position.

Market rate in Atlanta is about $55-75k or so. I can only imagine what
L.A.'s rate is.