Google cost of living estimates for both places and do the math to see what the difference is and adjust the salary to match, do research for your field for salary, etc

If it's such a specific role the general audience of Reddit won't be able to help.

Basically crunch the numbers.

In an interview?

Nothing at all, unless they bring it up, which is unlikely. If they do, keep it generic, like “commensurate with market”. If they press more, then say you’ll do some research and get back to them.

But again, highly unlikely they bring it up. If they don’t bring it up, you don’t bring it up either. Focus on getting the job. Talk money when/if that happens.

Let them make the first offer and then go higher

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Former recruiter here... Literally ask them what the salary range is for this role. California employers have to tell you and they also can't ask about your pay history due to wage discrimination laws. In fact on January 1st, they have to include salary/pay ranges in job descriptions because Gavin Newsom signed a bill in September. If the salary isn't to your liking, ask if there's any flexibility in the range they gave you and then make a decision about whether or not it's in your best interest to proceed in the process.

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Is this for a remote position or are you relocating?

If remote, they may not offer you pay range in Cali, but rate in the state you’re living at. I’d also consider time zones and expectations from management. For example, if you’re expected to operate in PST vs where you’re at. It could be challenging if you have to operate that way while you’re on EST.

If relocating, include cost of relocation (are they covering it, is there a contract etc). Also consider and compare state taxes.

Lastly, regardless of remote or not, also consider number of PTOs and holidays.

I’ve had a few intro interviews bring it up. Like the recruiters.

I always ask the salary range in the first interview to make sure I’m not wasting my time.

This is the best way to just not waste everybody’s time going through the process if the salary isn’t even in the ballpark

Salary range is typically disclosed during a phone interview if there is one to ensure that folks are aware and want to continue. If it wasn’t brought up, you can bring it up at any time. I used to work in HR for years in the Bay Area.

this is exactly what I came in to say.

When you're in an interview situation and they ask you what salary you're looking for, respond with a variation on "Actually, I'm curious to know what range you're looking at." AND THEN STOP TALKING AND WAIT.

The last time I did this, the lower end of the range was $20K above what I would have said. Whew! Save yourself some time guessing and ask.

Agree. Range is what they want to pay though, not what you need, which could be more, less or the same. Many states require the range be disclosed upon request. I do that before I ever schedule an interview though, to know if it’s even something I want to interview for. I don’t consider that “the interview” though, hence the comment.

The issue, which we’re already seeing happen elsewhere is they just start pulling BS like posting a ridiculous salary range like 60k-300k (I just saw as posting like this not long ago lol)

I’d suggest doing some research and getting a feel for what the actual market range is as well and not rely entirely on asking the range.

While I understand that loopholes exist, practices like these don't make for very good public relations. And you'd be hard pressed to find top talent being attracted to companies that operate in this way, especially in the SF Bay Area, where there's a lot of large companies that pay competitive wages without the bullshit.

Agreed, I think it’s dumb and a waste of everyone’s time. Being informed coming into an interview is a good idea though.

If you make 120K in the East Coast 150K would be the equivalent with some assumptions.l for SF Bay Area.

What is rent typically like for a 2br 2ba? 4k a month?

Yes, for a good place, in fact cheaper now depending on city in the Bay.