Benefits and Pay

Benefits and pay are two of the most important aspects of taking care of yourself and your family as you move into career employment.

Benefits
Most employers tell you about benefits before you even accept a job. Many times, benefits are advertised with the position as a way to invite more applicants. They can include your medical, dental and disability insurance, vacation time, retirement savings options and self-care service options such as acupuncture or counseling. It's valuable to take a look at your employer's benefits package because it determines where you can get medical care, what doctors you can see and how much the employer will help you pay for all your medical bills. It also indicates how much money will be taken out of each of your paychecks to cover the cost of having medical insurance.

Pay
Are you earning what you deserve? Did you know that pharamacists average $50,000/year or that medical secretaries average $22,000/year? Finding out how much your job earns on an average basis may help guide you in determining when to take a new job, when to leave one or when to consider asking for a raise. There are a number of resources available to you to see how your earnings compare with the national average earnings for your position. Check into these resources so you know whether an employer is paying you appropriately for your skills.

 

 

 

1. How often can I expect to get paid?

2. What should I look for in a benefits package?

3. Where can I look to see what the average pay is for my job?

Work Permit Required

Your employer usually must obtain a work permit for you from the Department of Labor and Industries. This ensures employers aren't taking unfair advantage of minors as workers. In addition, Washington State law may restrict the number of hours you may work per week or the types of jobs you can perform.