Really depends on where you work. There are some managers that make $47k in some parts of the US and live very comfortably. Aside from that, contracting can he

Really depends on where you work. There are some managers that make $47k in some parts of the US and live very comfortably. Aside from that, contracting can help get bump your salary up. Fresh out of college I was making less than $47k and then easily tripled my salary within a year of contracting (although I was working insane hours and basically used all of my allotted overtime hours). It isn't always great for mental health or work/life balance, but it can be a great shot in the arm in terms of providing needed work experience and money.