2 answers
Ava Lillian
Student
Alameda, California
1
Question
Asked
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What will my salary be for my first job after graduation? #Spring25
I'm a current high school senior and I will be graduating this June. I am going to attend a UC school. What salary range can I strive to have after I graduate?
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2 answers
Alexander Martin
Accounting
3
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
Hey Ava!
I had this question which my entire college career so I get where you're coming from. The minimum wage in Cali right now is 16.50$ an hour so you'll be making $24,024 annually at that rate. $16.50an hour X 40 hours a week X 52 Weeks a year = $34,320 Pre tax. Generally for us in California, I use a general 30% tax rate and we can multiply our remaining amount by the reminder after tax rate (1-Tax Rate) -> (1 - .3= .7).
34,320 X .70 = 24,024 after tax.
I definitely saw this when I was discouraged but this is only the starting amount and you can grow over time. In college you can build specialized skills that people will pay for such as Accounting in my case. My first job for a regular company was a clerk was 25 dollars an hour back in 2024 (this was while I worked on my master degree and graduated with my bachelors). I think our 20's are our growing years and our 30's are our earning years, but that is my philosophy. I use this equation for my goals and comparing opportunities, but also take into account your physical health and your social well being. No salary is worth dying for early. Quantifying stuff has always eased my anxiety because the numbers never lie and are clearer than just a range. I hope you achieve your goals and I hope you have fun earning journey!
I had this question which my entire college career so I get where you're coming from. The minimum wage in Cali right now is 16.50$ an hour so you'll be making $24,024 annually at that rate. $16.50an hour X 40 hours a week X 52 Weeks a year = $34,320 Pre tax. Generally for us in California, I use a general 30% tax rate and we can multiply our remaining amount by the reminder after tax rate (1-Tax Rate) -> (1 - .3= .7).
34,320 X .70 = 24,024 after tax.
I definitely saw this when I was discouraged but this is only the starting amount and you can grow over time. In college you can build specialized skills that people will pay for such as Accounting in my case. My first job for a regular company was a clerk was 25 dollars an hour back in 2024 (this was while I worked on my master degree and graduated with my bachelors). I think our 20's are our growing years and our 30's are our earning years, but that is my philosophy. I use this equation for my goals and comparing opportunities, but also take into account your physical health and your social well being. No salary is worth dying for early. Quantifying stuff has always eased my anxiety because the numbers never lie and are clearer than just a range. I hope you achieve your goals and I hope you have fun earning journey!
Danille Jager
Global Talent Leader
6
Answers
Mount Kisco, New York
Updated
Danille’s Answer
Hi Ava - Salaries vary vastly depending on what field of work you are in. From there, starting salaries are typically lower and then they grow as you grow with experience and years with a company.
When thinking of a salary - people often think of a salary and a job title. There is more to it than that... a way to measure could include salary, job title, free time, liking what you do, mental health and physical health.
Being able to pay bills (rent, car, food, etc.) is a measure for salary. If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life!
To that end, there are people who make a lot of money and are not happy, and people who work really hard and don't have the highest salary, and need to work more than one job to make ends meet. You'll find a balance.
Wishing you the best in college and beyond!
When thinking of a salary - people often think of a salary and a job title. There is more to it than that... a way to measure could include salary, job title, free time, liking what you do, mental health and physical health.
Being able to pay bills (rent, car, food, etc.) is a measure for salary. If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life!
To that end, there are people who make a lot of money and are not happy, and people who work really hard and don't have the highest salary, and need to work more than one job to make ends meet. You'll find a balance.
Wishing you the best in college and beyond!