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The Web can be a goldmine of information salary comparisons, but all you'll really get is an average.

Assuming that your own research can be more valuable than any statistical report, the old rule applies, "it's not what you know, but who." Acquainting yourself with anyone in a similar position - and inquiring after their salary range - may be well worth the time and effort. (For more on this train of thought see Job Star's Salary IQ.)

That said, click around below for general and specific info on wage earning in the U.S., along with salary trends and labor statistics, recent reports, economic forecasts and tips on wrangling for that annual raise...

Career Journal | Salary & Hiring Info - A treasure trove of recent and archived stories filed at the Wall Street Journal on hot-button issues including the economy, employment forecasts, job hopping, and check out Phasing Out the Annual Raise: More Firms Opt for Bonuses for more on a growing trend that favors pay-for-performance increases over a yearly up in salary.

Salary Guides & Salary Guidance : The Riley Guide - See where you stand at this online encyclopedia of links and feature articles offering info on location-specific wage surveys, executive compensation, cost of living and demographics, evaluating and negotiating job offers.

Monster: Salary Center - Check out an interactive Salary Wizard to calculate average wages paid for an array of job positions in major cities throughout the U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics - Wages, Earnings and Benefits - A motherlode of U.S. stats on wages, earnings and benefits by industry, occupation and geographical, data broken down by state, county and city.

5 Things You Must Know Before Asking for that Raise - Excellent 'tough love' advice on the realities of office life, including the three-word rule of thumb: "Quantify your value."

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