Is Texas just a low-wage state?

[Captain Obvious]

Looking at various PR jobs open at universities, and public universities in Texas seem to pay the lowest for writing jobs.

Texas A&M has a communications specialist opening topping out at $34,500. I've seen similar positions at junior colleges elsewhere paying $40,000.

 

[Football_Bat]

It's not great, but you gotta remember, the cost of living in Texas is probably a fourth of what it is in the Acela corridor.

 

[Amy]

The wage levels for at least some jobs also depends on the location within Texas. I've recently seen some salary information for particular classes of jobs and College Station salaries are lower than Houston or even Austin, despite the proximity to both cities.

 

[Captain Obvious]

It's not great, but you gotta remember, the cost of living in Texas is probably a fourth of what it is in the Acela corridor.

It's not even the Acela corridor. Have looked at salary info in low-cost areas in the Midwest.

It's surprising a major research university pays some PR staff so little.

 

[Ace]

Houses in Houston are crazy cheap.

 

[Captain Obvious]

Houses in Houston are crazy cheap.

One reason a buddy of mine was transferred by his company there last year. He wasn't crazy about Houston, but loved he would have more disposable income.

 

[Football_Bat]

It's not great, but you gotta remember, the cost of living in Texas is probably a fourth of what it is in the Acela corridor.

It's not even the Acela corridor. Have looked at salary info in low-cost areas in the Midwest.

It's surprising a major research university pays some PR staff so little.

How "low-cost" are those areas really? Texas has no state income tax and in Aggieland, you're not dropping a Benjamin for a MetroCard.

 

[Football_Bat]

And lest people think I'm defending Texas A&M, they are a massive research facility in terms of agriculture and veterinary medicine. They can grow the hell out of grass and puppies.

 

[Captain Obvious]

It's not great, but you gotta remember, the cost of living in Texas is probably a fourth of what it is in the Acela corridor.

It's not even the Acela corridor. Have looked at salary info in low-cost areas in the Midwest.

It's surprising a major research university pays some PR staff so little.

How "low-cost" are those areas really? Texas has no state income tax and in Aggieland, you're not dropping a Benjamin for a MetroCard.

Low-cost as in less than a $1,000 to rent a decent house in a decent neighborhood, but your cultural options are limited to community college and high school plays and concerts, and what's playing at the small movie theater.

 

[Buck]

What's the makeup of their PR office?
They probably have other, better-paying positions, but depending on the nature of the copywriting position, they probably don't need someone with a lot of experience.

 

[Captain Obvious]

Two years' experience in communications/marketing required. The position is in the utilities/energy management office.

http://www.higheredjobs.com/admin/details.cfm?JobCode=175713733&Title=Communications%20Specialist

 

[Ace]

I don't think it's a Texas thing. I think there are a lot of good-paying PR jobs, but a lot more low-paying get-in-the-door jobs.

 

[Buck]

Two years required = $30,000
Four years preferred =$34,500

I believe that's the starting range. I don't think $34,500 is the ceiling.
Just a guess from someone who runs a college PR office, albeit a small one.

 

[LongTimeListener]

It's all communications and they all know the glut of people looking for work in that field. Same supply-and-demand equation as journalism. They'll probably get 100 applicants.

 

[Buck]

It's probably a nice compensation package.

 

[LongTimeListener]

Also there is this: The median salary for jobs in College Station is $31,554. The median household income is about $37K. (There are some numbers that say it's $21K but I figure those include students.)

This job is not a bad-paying one at all.

 

[Buck]

Also, likely to have another designation for senior communications specialist. If a person was hired at the lower designation, he/she could have the opportunity to advance to the next designation.
It's barely above an entry-level position. Two years experience and no college degree required.
If you're on a step-and-column salary schedule with good health and other benefits, probably a good place to break into PR and/or education.

 

[KJIM]

It's not great, but you gotta remember, the cost of living in Texas is probably a fourth of what it is in the Acela corridor.

I don't think there's a state income tax, either.

 

[Football_Bat]

It's not great, but you gotta remember, the cost of living in Texas is probably a fourth of what it is in the Acela corridor.

I don't think there's a state income tax, either.

I mentioned that a few posts down. But you are correct. :)

 

[Football_Bat]

It's not great, but you gotta remember, the cost of living in Texas is probably a fourth of what it is in the Acela corridor.

It's not even the Acela corridor. Have looked at salary info in low-cost areas in the Midwest.

It's surprising a major research university pays some PR staff so little.

How "low-cost" are those areas really? Texas has no state income tax and in Aggieland, you're not dropping a Benjamin for a MetroCard.

Low-cost as in less than a $1,000 to rent a decent house in a decent neighborhood, but your cultural options are limited to community college and high school plays and concerts, and what's playing at the small movie theater.

Austin is a mere hour and 40 minute drive away. Same for Houston, and true civilization is three hours north.