Which suits you better: a large multinational
conglomerate that comes with its own cafeteria
and gym, or a small startup in an office park with
a Wendy's down the street?
According to our 2007 Reader Survey, engineers
at larger firms (those with 1000 or more
employees) earn an average income of
$110,602, compared to the $94,169 brought
home by their peers at the small design houses
(firms with fewer than 100 employees). In addition
to better pay, large corporations typically
offer engineers a number of other attractive benefits,
including strong support systems, more
attractive benefits packages, and abundant
resources.
But bigger pay and bonuses aren't everything.
Smaller organizations have other things going for
them, like greater flexibility, a more comfortable
corporate culture, and a friendlier working environment.
And some engineers are happy choosing this better quality of life over a
higher salary.
They may be attracted to a
healthier work/life balance, an easier
commute, simpler hierarchies,
stronger loyalty from the firm, and
closer relationships with superiors
and coworkers. In addition, smaller
firms can offer engineers an opportunity
to play a bigger role in each
project and the ability to more
quickly and decisively distinguish
themselves based on their talent.
They can also offer a work setting
that's less charged with politics
and bureaucracy.
Whichever way you decide to go,
keep in mind that the biggest challenge
can come from moving from
one firm size to the other, particularly
when moving from a smaller
firm to a larger one.