As an partner of a firm in the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you with a great deal of certainty that the firm you are negotiating with will have a number in mind. Maybe even a pay range for a given entry level position. As you progress as a professional you can usually expect to progress through that position pay range until you are at the top of it. Once at the top of the pay range, you may be eligible for a bonus at an annual review instead of a raise, being that you are at the top of the pay range. The only way to increase your salary at that point in your growth as a professional is to get a promotion.
If you rattled off the 50k number in our market, you might just put me in the position of wondering if you have the right attitude to fill the position of en entry level designer, which you are with your office experience (Not to be insulting, just perspective). Concerned to the point that I would reconsider the job offer. Lets face it, while you are negotiating your salary you are still in the process of getting to know your future employer, even though you spent 8 months with them in an internship. Once again just some perspective from someone on the opposite side of the negotiating table and you may in fact be worth 50k in any other economy.
The way is works in our firm;
Designer 1 – Entry Level
Designer 2 – 3-5 years of experience
Associate – 5+
Senior Associate – 7+
Associate Principal – Once you have demonstrated you are a willing and capable partner
Principal – Once your shares in the firm has grown to a certain percentage
All of these positions have pay ranges that generally are not exceeded. This is solely based on overhead and what a given employee can be billed (hourly rate) out to a client. Bottom line in Pacific Northwest depending on location and firm size, I would say the range would be between 30-40k. In some cases we have had folks with 20+ years experience willing to take whatever they can get. Very tough out there right now.
Good Luck
