As a web programmer and systems developer I had recently attended a brief class given by the New York State Department of Labor. I learned that while I am laid off, and collecting Unemployment Benefits, I am not required to accept a job offer from a company that is 10% lower than the NYSDOL prevailing wage for that occupation. I thought I would list some of the specifics of this structure since it applies to anyone who is interested in a career in web development. According to the State of New York, web devs fall into one of these categories. I have obtained this information from the NYSDOL website here: https://labor.ny.gov/stats/uiwages.shtm
SOC Code: 15-113, SOC Title: Web Developers
Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content. Excludes Multimedia Artists and Animators (27-1014). Cutoff wage = $25.55 / hr.
SOC Code: 15-1132, SOC Title: Software Developers, Applications.
Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers. Cutoff wage = $36.67 / hr.
SOC Code: 15-1133, SOC Title: Software Developers, Systems Software.
Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Cutoff wage = $35.77 / hr.
SOC Code: 15-1131 SOC Title: Computer Programmer.
Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. Cutoff wage = $31.19 / hr.
It’s important to note that for the most part in my profession these figures are rather low end of the spectrum. If you are a web or systems developer and you work with a database in any capacity then as a professional you are classified as a Software Developer by the State of New York, and not a Web Developer. In my career, I have seen staffing agencies and tech recruiting companies advocate paying their tech workers a wage and benefit package that falls below the NYSDOL minimum standard for that profession. Always be aware of your rights as an employee under the law of the State in which you reside.