New hire pay
When a new employee is hired, their starting pay is called the hiring rate. At K-State, hiring rate decisions follow a structured process to ensure fairness and consistency.
Anticipated hiring ranges
Each job posting includes an anticipated hiring range — a portion of the full pay grade range typically used for new hires. This is often not the full pay range for the grade, but rather the range within which the hiring unit expects to make an initial offer.
Internal equity for current employees should be considered when establishing anticipated hiring ranges. Hiring managers can work with their unit’s HR Manager or with HR COE to discuss internal equity and receive guidance on a fair and appropriate anticipated hiring rate.
Determining a hiring rate
Hiring managers must remain within the posted anticipated hiring range when extending an offer to a candidate. Use of the Pay within the Range resources is encouraged for appropriate candidate placement.
All pay decisions should maintain internal equity with employees in similar roles, ensure appropriate separation between supervisor and direct report pay and remain within the established pay structure.
An applicant's current or prior pay should not be considered when determining starting pay for a different role.
Negotiations
Hiring managers may negotiate pay with candidates within the advertised anticipated hiring range, taking into consideration the candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, the position's requirements and internal equity.
No promises of future pay increases should be included in contracts, offers or negotiations with candidates.
For situations when there is justification for a hiring rate outside the posted anticipated hiring range, the hiring manager must work with their HR manager, the HR talent acquisition partner and the HR Compensation and Organizational Effectiveness team for any adjustment to the anticipated hiring range before extending the offer to the candidate.
Additional pay at hire — sign-on bonus and relocation stipend
In some cases, a hiring unit may wish to offer additional pay at the time of hire to help recruit for hard-to-fill positions. Options available include:
- Sign-on bonus — a one-time hiring incentive to accept employment at K-State. Refer to PPM 4005 for the full policy including limits and service requirements.
- Relocation stipend — a one-time payment to help cover moving expenses for employees relocating to take a K-State position. Review PPM 6320.050 Moving Expenses for more details.
These options are available but not standard for all positions and should only be used when recruiting needs and market conditions justify them. Use must adhere to university policy. HR Talent Acquisition can serve as a resource for questions about additional pay options at hire.