> > 1) People are thinking that open source technology requires less > skill, and therefore is cheaper in salaries as well.
I would add to that, and maybe specify a bit, that everyone has a nephew or grandson or sister who is a "web wizard", and can "slap up a website for free" using PHP. I think the learning curve for PHP also adds to its inferred lack of value. "People who know how to use PHP to build a website" come a dime a dozen, unfortunately. "Skilled web developers who use PHP" are a bit rarer. I've come to this realization due to my work experience. Suffice it to say that companies are willing to pay for skilled web developers. 2) Some people still believe that we are in a post .net bubble, and > that Indian outsourcing is driving down wages. I still see that on TV. > Seldom do I see coverage on a programmer shortage in the US. Right now, seems that "we're hiring" is posted outside every business doorway in Utah valley. The last place I worked started me above 60K / yr and was willing to give me a 30% raise to keep me there, yet that was still lacking compared to other offers I was getting... So... a shortage might not be too far off base. (I might have misconstrued your point entirely, Cole, and if that's the case - I apologize.) 3) Let's face it, in general, Utah companies are cheap. That's right, > I said it! They want quality, but they don't want to pay for it. Maybe it all depends on where you look, or something. I guess I'm just extraordinarily blessed and fortunate to have the employers I've had. 4 jobs ago was paying me $30K/yr, and has only increased. All have been in Utah Valley. I'm not entirely sure why this has been the case, but I'm sure it's happened to more people than just me. --Jason _______________________________________________ UPHPU mailing list [email protected] http://uphpu.org/mailman/listinfo/uphpu IRC: #uphpu on irc.freenode.net
