No problemo. The job posting should list a salary range. If not, a base or starting salary, which are typically bi-weekly, but not always. It may also list a pay “grade”.

Next thing you’ll to google ‘Mass.gov + name of the agency/department + salary chart’ only click results that are official mass.gov. .edu. etc URL’s

Your salary chart is more than likely buried into a 30+ page “collective bargaining contract” which shows two axis. Y represents your age and X represents your step. Once you become a state employee, every step represents a year of service and has little to do with “experience”

Determine your prior years and months of work experience relating or in that position (you can reach on this, internships, etc) Next you’ll want to research 3+ similar job positions for that region in MA, combine and figure their average pay and round up. Remember pay rates between w.mass and eastern part can vary.

Next refer back to the salary chart you found in your collective bargaining unit contract and compare thAt above average wage to your salary chart and voila you’ll have a beginning point to bargain.

Mind you different agencies hire and determine salaries different, but typically it’s based off of a predetermined formula for the sake of fairness for applicants