WageSpot, “the world’s first user-driven and location-based salary app,” has quickly earned the shorthand “Zillow for salary data,” which modestly undercuts the kind of impact an app like this can have. The app combines publicly available salary information with anonymous user-submitted data to map out salaries across specific locations, but also specific fields, and across certain demographics. This level of transparency can help even the playing field, and undo the taboo.
PROS: WageSpot easily toggles between its standard map view and a selection of chart-based stats. And while location-based info is the app’s forte, you can also search and sort by age, industry, gender, and other metrics.
CONS: Sharing your salary on a public platform (even anonymously) can feel a little creepy. But WageSpot depends on mass candor; without you, it’s nothing. Also: Though Zillow-esque, this is nowhere near as fun as touring mansions you’ll never move into.
Michael Andor Brodeur can be reached at mbrodeur@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @MBrodeur.