I started as an intern working full time. Fast forward a year, I asked for a salary and got it. I went from 10 dollars to 42k a year, I asked for 45k and he said that's "impossible with our budget." Initially he countered with 40k and I said that's too low. He responded "well don't take it than" but eventually caved in for 42k. My reasoning for 45k was not just an analysis of others, but that I have a degree in it, and regardless, someone with a degree should make 44-45k starting somewhat easier.
The problem is that a little bird told me that this position should be paying 50k. See, I am a "jr qa engineer" which is made up here, I'm the only one. The others are "qa engineers." I am doing the exact same work as these "qa engineers." Often they ask me for help on remedial tasks, making me question what their real salary is. According to Glassdoor and friends of friends, the lowest is 47k and highest 57k. I am surprised at 57k since its a small private company.
To me 42k sounds fair as a lower position, but this made up position makes no sense. I am doing the same work so I should have the same title. Am I just being naïve? He won't make me an engineer because I have 1 year of experience. I'm almost fine with that, but I don't like the idea that he gives me the same work, and expects the same results, as the other engineers for a portion of their pay. I know if I go in and try to negotiate again, he's going to either rescind it or tell me to deal with it. I like him and he's reasonable, but I wish he would consider the fact that I do the same work as everyone else! If I got paid 5k less, fine, but it's almost 10k
This is for a job that is strictly manual testing