For context, I work 1 on 1 in behavior therapy. It's normal for people in my position to work with multiple companies because most won't have enough clients in the area you need them at the times you need them. I graduated one of my clients, so I've been shopping around for any companies that might have a client to fit a similar schedule.
I've specifically only been looking for jobs with ranges that include my desired hourly rate. My going rate is between $24 and $26/hr. My current average is $25.50/hr. I have 7 years of relevant experience and an associates degree in psychology. I am highly valued for my talents, skills, varied experience in the field, and data collection. I'm not in a huge rush to fill my schedule, so I've only been applying to jobs that pay $24/hr or more.
I found a listing on indeed with a range between $19 and $27/hr. I thought 19 was on the low end but since it went all the way up to 27 I was confident I could hit the 24 mark. I interview well and have always been on the high end of a company's ranges. The listing included a $2,000 yearly bonus and good benefits. I spoke with the recruiting manager on the phone and come to find out the listing was a complete lie. He started talking about a “bachelor's track” and an “associates track.” Those on the bachelor's start at $18/hr and those on the associates start at $17/hr. I pointed out that the listing claimed much higher pay, and his response was “Well if you factor in the yearly bonus it actually comes out to about a dollar extra per hour so you'd really be making $18/hr.”
I reminded him the listing said 19-27, not $18/hr and that nothing on the listing said the bonus was factored into the hourly pay. He said “I don't know who decided to list it that way but that's only true for the bachelor's track, and the bonus is based off of attendance so you'll get it just by coming to work on time.” I couldn't believe he thought i would actually buy that. I told him that despite my degree my resume speaks for itself and I already make up to $26/hr at another company. I asked him about pay raises and it was something like every 6 months you get a review and your pay could increase $1/hr. That's how they justified listing it at $27/hr even though nobody makes that much because “we're expanding and these locations are new.”
He wouldn't budge on the starting pay of $17/hr. Apparently it's “company policy” to offer pennies to potential recruits.