Don't we have any "old-timers" here? Graduated with a civil engineering degree and first salary was $10,400 ............ in 1974.

Received an AA degree in early 90s - after working a string of restaurant and customer service jobs. In 1991 I started on the switchboard at a major company - my mgr liked me and helped me get a position on the Help Desk there (at that time folks referred to it as the 'Helpless Desk'because so few folks w/ tech skills manned that desk).

Became interested in computers- self-studied & got my MCSE and CCNA (Cisco entry-level cert). Got another lucky break onto a network support team at same co. a couple of yrs ago... completed my CCNP (mid-level Cisco cert). Got laid off in July (was the least network skilled one on the team and someone had to go). Was making nearly 50K when I left.

Have worked some odd jobs - currently fixing XBoxes/Playstations - like my new boss & job, but don't know where it'll go and the pay is about 1/2 of my last job - luckily, I was able to pay off my mortgage and car while I worked in the networking field, so I'm managing on less.

Am a 51 yr. old female (look younger) still trying to get back into network support work, but it's a tight market in my area. Am trying to brush up my skills w/ a small at-home network in the hopes...

Graduated 2003 from University of California, Davis in Mechanical Engineering. Now working part-time at a shipping company lifting boxes (full health benefits for only 2 days of work /wk, not to mention travel benefits, etc...), and working as a marketing coordinator at an up and coming marketing company. Pay varies depending on the number of events a month, but I guess it averages at about 30-40k a year.

Not what I imagined myself doing when I got out of engineering school, but heck, I'm only 22, so I have plenty of time to do something with my life. Future plans including going back to get my MBA, advance to an engnineering position at the shipping company, or stick to the marketing company and grow along side with it.

Graduated from a Cal State in 2000 with a BA in International Relations. Got a job as a social worker with a governmental entity. Pay started out at a crappy $12/hr with half benefits + mileage. Before I left last year I was a unit supervisor making approximately $40K with full benefits + mileage. In the midst of law school right now.

Graduated in '89 with a BBA in accounting and went to work for a "Big 8" (at the time) firm for $24k. Went into industry after a couple of years, and my last year (ending in mid-2000) I made about $95k salary & bonus. I then quit to stay home with my kids.

BS in Biochem UCLA 2001 (go bruins! ^_^)
Starting pay: RA I 24k, working in biotech in DNA Alley (aka 270 corridor of Maryland)

(I'm still in the same company, but the benefits are priceless. ^_^ "commute" is <15 minutes, dress is VERY casual, complete health coverage, and stock option. ^_^)

I hope to goto grad school, but I need a miracle. ^_^ (aka listen to the person who suggests to goto grad school...futhering your education will never hurt -- at least I hope it doesn't ^_^)

B.S. Meteorology May 2003
St. Cloud State University (St. Cloud, MN)

Meteorologist w/National Weather Service
$33k +shift differential/holiday/ot per year
August (2nd year) $40k +

I'm clairvoyant, so here you go:
2010, UCSF, MD-PhD in neuroscience, start residency at $37-39K + inflation, unless the Match cartel will be broken up by then, then probably more...

BS in EE, graduated UCLA 2001
first & current job as EE, $68k, no raises so far

Started School in '97 in IL, finished Dec 2000 BS in MIS. Worked through school part time.

97 - P/T Web Developer -$7k
98 & 99 - P/T Help Desk/Web Developer - $14k
99 & 00 - P/T Java Programmer - $28k
Graduated 01 - F/T Java Programmer - $42k
Current - F/T Java Programmer - ~$55k