This document discusses how to properly interpret and use compensation survey data to determine employee salaries. It cautions against making assumptions based on averages alone and recommends considering factors like organization size, industry, and geographic location of recruitment. Specific examples are given to illustrate how averages can be distorted, including how fast or slow growth can affect projections. The key takeaway is that survey data should only be used as a validation tool and not as the sole determinant, as samples sizes may vary and one approach does not fit all situations.