Salary Showdown Slides
Career Readiness
Salary Showdown
Classroom Simulation
SALARY SHOWDOWN
An active investigation into salaries, industries, and the power of transferable skills.
Grab your Career Comparison Card to begin!
Slide 1 of 8
ROUND 1
Active Setup
Compare Salaries
1
Review Card
Check your card's job title, annual salary, industry, and skills.
2
Form a Circle
Arrange yourselves from lowest salary to highest salary.
3
Verify Order
Read your salaries aloud one-by-one, starting from the lowest.
The teacher will join the circle between the highest and lowest salaries.
Slide 2 of 8
ROUND 1 DISCUSSION
Circle Debrief
Salary Lineup Reflection
Q1
Based on your job title, who is surprised by where they ended up in the circle?
Why did your position mismatch your expectations?
Q2
Based on your job title, who thinks they should be making more money?
What value or workload do you bring that justifies a higher rate?
Share your thoughts with the whole class standing in the circle.
Slide 3 of 8
ROUND 2
Sector Assembly
Compare Industries
1
Assemble Teams
Form groups of 4-5 classmates who are working in the same industry.
2
Analyze the Data
Compare your card details with your group members. Look at salaries, education levels, and tasks.
Target Industries
Technology
Healthcare
Business
Creative
Find your industry zone in the classroom and huddle up!
Slide 4 of 8
ROUND 2 DISCUSSION
Industry Debrief
Industry Insights
Q1
Given what you know about each job in your group, what might explain the differences in salaries?
Look closely at differences in educational background, risk, specialized knowledge, or experience.
Q2
Is there another job in your industry you would be qualified for based on your card?
Identify the job title and explain which shared skills or qualifications allow you to make that transition.
Appoint a spokesperson to share your group's best insights later!
Slide 5 of 8
ROUND 3
Skill Bridge
Compare Skills
1
Find Your Skill Match
Find a single partner who has a similar skill set as you, but works in a different industry.
2
Compare Cards
Discover where your abilities intersect and how your day-to-day responsibilities contrast.
Transferable Skills Look Like:
- Data Analysis & Coding
- Leadership & Management
- Creative Design & Writing
Look beyond job titles—focus directly on key capabilities!
Slide 6 of 8
ROUND 3 DISCUSSION
Skills Debrief
Transferring Talents
Q1
Based on your job's skill set, could you effectively do your partner's job?
Why or why not? What industry-specific training would you still need to close the gap?
Q2
Why is it important to understand how skill sets transfer to other industries?
How does this help you pivot during layout transitions or explore higher-paying alternatives?
Think of skills as currency—how valuable is yours in different markets?
Slide 7 of 8
FINAL SYNTHESIS
Whole Group Reflection
Salary Showdown Summary
Question 1
What details on your Career Comparison Cards contribute most to earning higher or lower salaries?
Question 2
What career myths or salary misconceptions were challenged or completely busted during this game?
Question 3
What were some memorable highlights or interesting trends when you grouped up with industry peers?
Question 4
What is your single biggest takeaway about strategic career pathways and navigating the job market?
Prepare to discuss aloud or capture these final thoughts in writing.
Slide 8 of 8