In a couple of weeks, might have two offers -- how to decide...

[mjr]

Ok, I might (and I emphasize might) have a couple of job offers in a couple of weeks.

If I get offered both of them at about the same time, and almost all things are equal, I'm trying to figure out which one I'd take.

One of the positions is in a building I can see from my desk. The other one is further up the street.

It's not really like I can quit my current job and try both of them out, first.

I say "almost all things equal", because one will be a slightly longer drive, mileage wise, but they both might be about the same time-wise.

So I'm trying to figure out how to decide. I guess the "face to face" interviews (should I get to that point) will help me a little bit more.

[taxguykarl]

Definitely ask a lot of questions at the interviews.

[mjr]

Definitely ask a lot of questions at the interviews.

What I'm really trying to find is a "market value" salary thing online for my area, so I can use that as a basis for salary negotiations, too.

[NorthernZel]

What I'm really trying to find is a "market value" salary thing online for my area, so I can use that as a basis for salary negotiations, too.

Is the field of work something that could be under an Union (but not necessarily?) If so, you could contact the union and ask what the pay range could/should be by their opinion, and use that as a benchmark.

Otherwise, if possible, look the companies up on glassdoor.com and see whether there are reviews for them. If way too many reviews talk about low pay scale, take that into consideration.

[mjr]

Is the field of work something that could be under an Union (but not necessarily?)

No, I don't believe so.

Otherwise, if possible, look the companies up on glassdoor.com and see whether there are reviews for them. If way too many reviews talk about low pay scale, take that into consideration.

Glassdoor is all over the place. I've checked around for other sites regarding salary, and can't find much. Indeed has a few things, but those salaries only show up if the people who work there actually put them in.

A friend of mine did send me a small PDF with local area salaries on it. So I may have to try to gather as much of that info as I can, and see if I can maybe average them out or something if I get to the final steps of negotiation.