Is this too much to negotiate for a cushy job?
New job in a new specialty, offering 120k which is 34k less than the annual median wage for my city, per bureau of labor stats in 2024. HCOL city. Previous job paid 146k, but I do need a job as soon as possible (other job offer fell through after quitting previous job).
Practice overview
- Cushy job in wound care, 8-16pts a day in outpt limb preservation therapy clinic. I'll be doing consults for therapy, watching pts dive, and evals pre and post dive, etc.
- I will be the only APP there, ever. There will be techs and MAs, and a few MDs that rotate in and out. SP loves out of state, will be available when needed. They will train me for 1mo before leaving, and come to the clinic every 2mo.
- No call mentioned. Clinic is closed weekends.
- Commute is 10m.
- Contracted with a major hospital and I can network if needed.
- Seems like I would be their first PA.
Offer Overview
- Salary: 120k FTE. Clinic closed weekends.
- PTO: 2 weeks accrued, 6 days sick, 8 paid holidays
- CME: none mentioned
- Benefits: standard (they said standard, I haven't been given the full details yet, but they pay 70% per the letter)
Experience etc
- 2yrs in FM, ER, UC total. They liked my experience a lot.
- They are also really happy I can start ASAP (replacing previous NP who they did not like). I also get along with the staff/SP well. I think I can leverage this.
How much should I negotiate without seeming insane? I would love to counter with 150k but is that an absurd amount given the actual job, commute, change of specialty, and difference between original offer? I was also considering asking 140k with 5 days CME and/or $1200 CME. I do feel like days off might be hard to negotiate since it's only me. Let me know your thoughts or what you would negotiate. Thanks!
EDIT: Their job listing did say 115-140k