What is reasonable compensation? Location Midwest

[u/Political-Pineapple]

Asking for a friend. Midwest USA

Position start 2021 Help Desk starting salary $40K. A.S. Information Technology and Networking. 2022 B.S. Computer Information Systems emphasis in cybersecurity. Current salary $53K (plus on call bonuses $200 for the week and $30 for the first 15 minutes of a call and $10 thereafter). Acting Service Manager until they find replacement, no compensation.

Certifications: CNSP, CNVP, PenTest+, CSAP, CySA+, Security+, Network+

M.S. Cybersecurity and Information Assurance expected graduation date July 2026

Was offered a position as security admin for $60K. Should they take it?

Edit: I don’t know if this makes a difference, they work with an MSP.

Edit 2: I was wrong. They will be working directly with the head of technology and the two of them would be doing basically CISO duties as the company does not have a CISO.

[u/SmiteHorn]

This does matter a good bit, but i have been able to negotiate extra PTO at every position I've been in.

[u/Political-Pineapple → u/SmiteHorn]

PTO is “unlimited”

[u/gnocchicotti → u/Political-Pineapple]

"Unlimited" just means "we don't pay out PTO when we fire you."

Last company instituted that policy immediately after they fired the CFO and presumably learned about that expense.

[u/RiknYerBkn → u/gnocchicotti]

My company just updated their policy - unless the state requires it, no more PTO payouts even after termination.

So if you have PTO, use your PTO because saving it is never guaranteed.