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What is a good salary for a director in NY?
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Always share, always be open. It’s the only way to ensure fair pay - silence only benefits your employer.
Pay can and should reflect output and skill. Someone who, e.g., has more certifications receiving higher pay would certainly seem “fair” to me.
What is not ok, is if pay is based on non-objective criteria (“I just like her better.”), unchangeable demographic criteria (age, gender, race, etc.), or things like tenure (regardless of whether new or old employees are paid more).
Salary transparency can be a double-edged sword, but I believe it ultimately leads to healthier workplace dynamics when approached thoughtfully. Sharing salaries can empower employees to advocate for fair pay, close gender or racial wage gaps, and foster trust within teams. However, it’s important to navigate these conversations with care, as they can sometimes create tension if pay disparities aren’t clearly justified by experience, role, or performance. In your case, discovering your colleague earned more could feel uncomfortable, but it also provides an opportunity to reassess your value and negotiate better terms. While transparency shouldn’t be forced, normalizing these discussions can drive accountability and fairness, as long as they’re handled with professionalism and a focus on collective improvement rather than competition.
At my workplace, it is all competition. No question about it.
If you’re in the lower ranks, no downside in sharing. Upper ranks usually have a better idea what others are making without asking.
I’ve never shared. I’m not sure we’d all be able to make the same amount if we have different experience and/or certificate levels. On my team, we handle different things, but have the same title. I don’t think I’ll ever share. But I don’t think it’ll be the same pay.
If you’re happy at your job and enjoy your pay, don’t share salary info. If you want to change jobs/companies, share at-will. Salary conversations rarely make people feel valued even if they’re the high-earner as it can create doubts and imposter syndrome.