I think everyone forgets why companies are moving offices to Texas, it’s for cost savings. And a major part of that cost savings, is the ability to pay employees lower salaries compared to traditionally larger cities (NY/SF/DC/etc.). Why pay someone $150k in NY, when you can pay them $120k in TX? It’s a balance based on cost of living, and other factors like no state income tax. With that said, the TX office of most companies tend to be in lower pay bands. For example, a friend of mine was offered $130k base in Dallas at a F100, when he tried to negotiate higher, they agreed but said he’d need to move to Chicago for them to accommodate the higher salary given pay band restrictions. Needless to say he moved to Chicago for $150k base. Of course every company is different, and there will be exceptions, but the logic is mostly the same, TX positions = lower salaries. Also most roles in Dallas tend to be back office roles (I.e., Goldman), so those pay lower to begin with. Making it that much more challenging to exit, but it’s still possible!
DFW is not a great place for an exit unless you have a great “in” at a local org. Lots of back office type stuff here so depending on your type of consulting, it may not be a great fit. The coasts (and other major cities) tend to have more senior personnel in large corporations and recruiters tend be able to place you easier. Also - in general I feel like companies here don’t understand consultants or what value we provide. Your other option is startup life in Austin but that isn’t for everyone. Source: me being unsuccessful in leaving for the last 2 years.
Totally agree that there are lots of HQs here - but they tend to be in particular industries. Also, depending on your brand of consulting you’ll be either looking for an internal strategy role, a line management/leadership position, or something comparable. Internal strategy roles aren’t plentiful (although places like JPM occasionally recruit). Leadership/general management roles may be available but because many organizations relocated their HQs here, they may go with internal promotes. In order to land a job you also have to compete against a ton of people moving here. This means you need to network in or have strong subject matter expertise. If you’re a generalist, that makes this difficult. If you have a specialized skill set it becomes easier. Just depends on the type of background you have.
This is where the rubber hits the road. Everyone thinks that they are under paid, until they look at jobs in industry and then the reality hits. Good luck OP, there are some of those jobs out there, but they are far and few between
TC. 155k base with 15% bonus for SM (Associate level) D is 250k TC (EM level) 8+ YOE SD is 350k TC (AP level) 10+ YOE Salaries quoted above are at midpoint so it’s ~15% +\- dependent on tenure.
Note people coming in straight from MBB usually have previous industry exp since we count relevant YOE.
I was offered a remote job at an older tech company, but was told by a career coach that it would be bad on my resume. For all the talk about growth in DFW, it feels like the kind of work we do is not in demand in industry here
I think Fidelity and Charles Schwab might be the best bet. I know a director level role at CS was base 180 so SM might be what you're looking for. I also feel like Salesforce or Uber might have some in that range. The latter is just based off my assumptions. All the high paying jobs are going to Austin.
Looking at a job Pepsico and was curious how the interview process works. How quick do you usually hear back after submitting an application? How many interviews once selected? Do referrals also help?
Rising Star
I think everyone forgets why companies are moving offices to Texas, it’s for cost savings. And a major part of that cost savings, is the ability to pay employees lower salaries compared to traditionally larger cities (NY/SF/DC/etc.). Why pay someone $150k in NY, when you can pay them $120k in TX? It’s a balance based on cost of living, and other factors like no state income tax. With that said, the TX office of most companies tend to be in lower pay bands. For example, a friend of mine was offered $130k base in Dallas at a F100, when he tried to negotiate higher, they agreed but said he’d need to move to Chicago for them to accommodate the higher salary given pay band restrictions. Needless to say he moved to Chicago for $150k base. Of course every company is different, and there will be exceptions, but the logic is mostly the same, TX positions = lower salaries. Also most roles in Dallas tend to be back office roles (I.e., Goldman), so those pay lower to begin with. Making it that much more challenging to exit, but it’s still possible!
Reading these I am happy to accept a remote role ( Florida industry company ) that lets me stay for about 220k
Are you me?
Me as well 😂
DFW is not a great place for an exit unless you have a great “in” at a local org. Lots of back office type stuff here so depending on your type of consulting, it may not be a great fit. The coasts (and other major cities) tend to have more senior personnel in large corporations and recruiters tend be able to place you easier. Also - in general I feel like companies here don’t understand consultants or what value we provide. Your other option is startup life in Austin but that isn’t for everyone. Source: me being unsuccessful in leaving for the last 2 years.
Totally agree that there are lots of HQs here - but they tend to be in particular industries. Also, depending on your brand of consulting you’ll be either looking for an internal strategy role, a line management/leadership position, or something comparable. Internal strategy roles aren’t plentiful (although places like JPM occasionally recruit). Leadership/general management roles may be available but because many organizations relocated their HQs here, they may go with internal promotes. In order to land a job you also have to compete against a ton of people moving here. This means you need to network in or have strong subject matter expertise. If you’re a generalist, that makes this difficult. If you have a specialized skill set it becomes easier. Just depends on the type of background you have.
I transitioned to KDP and we have roles in that range
Oh that kdp that gave up office in Plano ..
Same lol. I guess capital one is one option. But the pay still is quite low unless you join SM+
How much is low?
Left to industry from B4. TC at the director level was around 150. Took it because the title bump was worth it plus bonus target is 50%
Pharmaceutical/Healthcare/Provider/Payor
This is where the rubber hits the road. Everyone thinks that they are under paid, until they look at jobs in industry and then the reality hits. Good luck OP, there are some of those jobs out there, but they are far and few between
PepsiCo
TC. 155k base with 15% bonus for SM (Associate level)
D is 250k TC (EM level) 8+ YOE
SD is 350k TC (AP level) 10+ YOE
Salaries quoted above are at midpoint so it’s ~15% +\- dependent on tenure.
Note people coming in straight from MBB usually have previous industry exp since we count relevant YOE.
I was offered a remote job at an older tech company, but was told by a career coach that it would be bad on my resume. For all the talk about growth in DFW, it feels like the kind of work we do is not in demand in industry here
This! I keep asking myself "where". Feels like a bunch of people who don't have to work moving here lol.
It’s the balance between work and life that makes getting that pay hard :)
The reason the pay is lower in industry is precisely because you aren’t working the hours you’re working in consulting.
I think Fidelity and Charles Schwab might be the best bet. I know a director level role at CS was base 180 so SM might be what you're looking for. I also feel like Salesforce or Uber might have some in that range. The latter is just based off my assumptions. All the high paying jobs are going to Austin.