Success Happy - Do you think that $17/hr is too much to pay a part time administative assistant in a successful company?

Do you think that $17/hr is too much to pay a part time administative assistant in a successful company?

My professor is helping several of his students out by getting them jobs in either his office or some of his close colleagues' offices. When it comes time to negotiate my salary, I would like to ask for $17 an hour, but I wanted to know if you think that is too much to request. (I am currently working as an assistant manager at Victoria's Secret making a measley $11.50/hr.)

Public Comments

The Right Answer > not enough
It depends where you live.
More more more$$$$$
No, it's not too much. Should be a little more.
If you're pretty and wear short skirts, I think $18 an hour is very doable.
What are your duties?
Considering your entry level, yes Iwould say that is too much to ask for. You really can't just go into a job with no experience and expect to get paid what someone with experience would get paid. I know it sucks but you gotta work your way up no matter where you go
I think it depends on your skills. However, you are doing the right thing asking for what you think is a little high. They'll probably offer you like $15, based on your current pay and what you're asking...
It depends on where exactly you live. I think that is reasonable if you live in high cost of living area's, but if you live in low cost of living areas then yes that is too much. Usually $17.00/hour is a starting pay level for a full-time Admin Assistant in the SoCal area.
i don't think it's too much to get paid but most AA get about 10-12 an hour so... they might not give it to you... but who knows
$17 sounds like a bit much....Don't say anything about the $17 unless you don't like the offer he makes you.
yes. Victorias Secret only pays $11.50 and they are successful. Obviously in your area people get paid kinda low. That means all jobs.
for part time, yeah. they probably wouldn't let you negotiate any salary. you'll be offered a position @ a certain dollar amount/hour ... accept or decline.
If you have no back round in that field and no work history then ya that is way to much to ask for specially when receptionist don't make that much..... Maybe you should just wait and see how much they offer you first....
Usually when you get a part time admin job for a prof, you don't get paid much because you get paid out of their grant money. Unless you're actually employed by the university, I wouldn't expect that much.
It's reasonable, and about the average for administrative assistants. Of course there are a lot of factors.. like.. what hours will you be working? What are the job requirements? Are there "special skills" involved? I think... in general.. it's a good asking pay.
go for the 11.50 plus 17 divided by 2 is 14.25 try 14.25
Whoa. That is asking a lot. Unless you live in a very large city and are going to be working for a very well-off company than yes you are asking too much. I work full time as an administrative assistant at one of the most prominent companies in my area and I only make $13/hour. Good luck. I would see what they are willing to offer and then negotiate from there.
I believe it depends on what all your jobs tasks will be. If you are required to do alot then no but if you are just answering phones and taking messages then maybe a little much
My personal opinion...yeah. it's a little high, i would go for 16, reason why is because you don't have a degree yet, if i'm mistaken then go for it!
Its actually good to start negotiations a lil high......but it depends on where u live and the cost of living. Also, since its part time, they might be more likely to pay higher to compensate. I think thats a good starting point if you are willing to take a lil less. Good luck.
Heck I wish I could make that much I'm a legal assistant and I only make 8 bucks an hour. You might just ask for that and see what he says and come to an agreement in between so you can make enough to live on and not have to many problems, he is getting jobs for you all and that's pretty cool of him.
well, the average is 15 dollars an hour. $17?... i would go down a little bit seeing as how your new at it. (i asume that your graduting college)
Depending on where you live this may be the norm (such as in Calif or NY) but in most places that is too much... an asst. usually gets about $11-$14 an hour. If you have little experience in this area, don't expect top wage. Remember, they believe they are doing you a favor (via your professor) and so they don't expect to have to pay but what is customary. They are also giving you valuable experience in the work force.
It should be based on your skill set, your experience as an AA, and duties being requested of you. If you have never worked as an AA before, than $17 an hour is too much. You should begin at about $12 - $13 per hour. You can request a raise after 6 months.
It depends on where you live and what you will be doing. If you are just typing, filing and answering phones it might be too much but if you are going to be getting into more of the nuts and bolts of the company then go for it. Besides, you already have a job so the worst they can say is no. Good luck!
well, do these people who hire you see that they your value is $17 an hour... however, you've been working for $11.50/hr... give me a good reason why a good company should pay you more? so, how you are planning to raise your value?
The money you command is based on your skill level; job experience; work to be performed; and place that you live. Asking for $17.00 an hour in a small town environment would probably be laughable but not in most major cities. Are you proficient in several software packages (MS Word WordPerfect, Excel, Quick Books). Your skill level is also important. It's not unreasonable for a skilled Admin. Asst. to request $17.00 per hour but not if it's your first Admin. position. Be prepared to "walk the walk" however should you obtain your goal salary. In my experience, the higher your pay; the more demanding the job. Just don't get in over your head. I've never lied about my job skills...I have, however, advised any prospective emplyer that ANY computer software can be learned (at least at a functional level) within two weeks. I also volunteered to come in on my time (arrive early/stay late) in order to learn any software that I was unfamiliar with. Good luck.
You can never ask for too much money!