First, you need to get a sense of what people in your same position would make. This is not only limited to the same type of position but also your location. Then drill down by comparing the average compensation with your market worth. Once you have a ballpark for your market worth, you’ll 

be able to compare that with what the average salary for the position you’re vying for is.

On top of what the internet can tell you, it’s also important to get as full a picture as possible by talking to people within the and in the industry. Reaching out to people through your professional network or over social media can help you get more insight into whether you think the salary a company is offering is fair or not.

If your market worth is higher than the salary you’re being offered (or even if it’s not higher!), this might be a time to consider negotiating. The bottom line is that you should be able to explain why you deserve a pay increase. Come prepared with the research and the right questions, and be confident.

At the end of the day, salary is certainly an important factor in why we choose a job. But it’s one factor among many.  Think about the benefits outside of salary that you’ll get, too, when you’re making your ultimate valuation of a job.  

One of the biggest mistakes we make as job seekers and employees is not asking direct questions to the hiring manager or HR person.  Be confident and ask for the salary range for a position or role.