Web Usability experts not appreciating in value

Jakob Nielsen, usable information technology analyst, has taken a look at “Salary Trends for Usability Professionals" over the past seven years. Here are his findings:

1. Entry-level staffers were paid unrealistically high salaries during the bubble, when dot-com companies were desperate to hire any warm body that walked in the door
2. Experienced staffers were also paid more during the bubble, but their salaries have declined less in subsequent years
3. As a result of the different trends for entry-level and experienced staff, the premium on experience has increased in recent years: it's currently about $5,000 per year of experience, compared with about $3,000 in 2001

On average, current entry-level salaries are about $55,000, and usability staffers with five years' professional experience earn about $80,000. (Salaries are lower outside the United States.)

Source: Jakob Nielsen

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