Knowing what others are paid can be a real bonus in the hiring process.
For my first salaried museum position, I was offered very nearly what has
here been called:
               " below the poverty level
                'the working poor'
                wage exploitation
                a waste of an education
                more poorly paid than a receptionist
                laughable"

Luckily, I knew some people at other museums and could call to ask what
they would pay me for an equivalent position.  I came back to the hiring
process armed with information.  After being presented these figures, the
director suddenly came up with extra money for my salary.  Isn't it funny
how that extra money can appear!

I concur with some of the earlier statements made regarding AAM.  I think
it's a fantastic idea for AAM to put together recommendations for salaries.
And why not dream big:  AAM could enforce their recommendations by not
advertising positions that do not comply!  After all, AAM has committees
that dictate ethical standards for various types of museum professionals
and  encourage museums to embrace a common 90's theme ("Excellence and
Equity").  What a great idea!  But what a threat to the REAL power base of
museums--money.  It isn't likely to happen very soon.

(I'm really NOT a cynical person usually!)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missi Mercer, FHC Project Marketing Coordinator and Evaluator
Florida Museum of Natural History
Gainesville, FL  32611
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http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/vertpaleo/fhc/fhc.htm