How to answer the salary question (mechanical engineering)

[ucbalumnus]

@Rivet2000

To me, this sounds like the employers is trying to keep starting salaries low. It’s kind of a no-win for the student - ask for too much and you may not be considered - ask for a low salary and they may take you up on it (at your expense).

Yes, putting a low expectation risks this, at least at employers with less standardized pay levels for entry level employees. It also becomes a higher risk later in one’s career, when one’s roles and associated pay levels become less standardized in many job areas and in many employers.