When you get a job offer, how will you know if the salary is reasonable? Before you enter the job market, whether it's your first job out of college or a new step on your career path, you need to know what the going salary is in your geographical area for someone with your education, training, and skills.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is an invaluable source of information on salaries in hundreds of different occupations. It also provides descriptions of what workers do on the job, working conditions, training and education needed, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations. In addition, the BLS provides information on wages, earnings, and benefits for many occupations by region, state, and metropolitan area. Visit BLS online at www.bls.gov. See Appendix B for more Web resources for your salary research.