How long should you stay at a job without a raise?

Asked by: Will Abbott  |  Last update: October 21, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (52 votes)

How Long Should You Work Without A Raise? Every worker is different but most find that they should expect a raise every 1-2 years. However, comparing your salary against those of your coworkers and industry as a whole will highlight whether you are underpaid or not.

How many years should you go without a raise?

Deciding when to leave your job because of a lack of pay raises is a decision you should make when you feel ready. If you've been with a company for more than two or more years, have showed good work ethic and have asked for a raise directly but still haven't received one, then it might be time to move on.

How long to stay at a job without a promotion?

While the recommended minimum is often considered two years, staying at least one extra year can help you gain more experience and could put you on the path to a promotion or with enough experience to go after your dream job. Here's how to find your next career opportunity online.

How long can a company go without giving you a raise?

Technically, two years could be considered the maximum time you should expect between raises, but don't allow it to go that long.

How long should you stay at a job before asking for a raise?

When starting a new job, it's generally advisable to wait at least six months to a year before asking for a pay raise. This allows you to: Demonstrate Your Value: Give yourself time to prove your contributions and impact on the team and organization.

How to Effectively Ask for a Pay Raise - Prof. Jordan Peterson

43 related questions found

Is 3 months enough to ask for a raise?

In general, you should ask for a raise no more than once a year and not before you've been in your position for at least six months. Many companies offer a cost of living increase, but if you had a great evaluation or you've recently taken on additional responsibilities, it's not out of line to ask for 10-15%.

Am I underpaid?

Colleagues at your company with similar experience and education make more. Reflect on any similarities between your credentials and your colleagues' credentials. If you have comparable education and professional experiences but your salary pays less than theirs, you might be underpaid.

Is it illegal to not get a raise?

When are pay raises required? Pay raises are generally a matter of agreement between an employer and employee (or the employee's representative). Pay raises to amounts above the Federal minimum wage are not required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

How often should a job give you a raise?

Make sure you're prepared if you're going to ask your boss for a raise. Pay increases tend to vary based on inflation, location, sector, and job performance. Most employers give their employees an increase of around 3% per year. Consistent job switching may have an impact on the rate at which your salary increases.

Is a 2.5 salary increase good?

A common adjustment is in the 3% to 5% range. Now, that doesn't always mean you shouldn't ask for more, but it's important to keep it reasonable. Two, research the market in multiple ways, including reviewing salary websites that provide broad data.

What are the disadvantages of staying in the same job?

While long-term employees may enjoy certain benefits and perks, they may also face limitations in terms of salary growth. Organizations may have structured pay scales that do not provide significant salary increases over time, compared to switching jobs or negotiating a higher salary with a new employer.

How long does the average person stay at a job?

While the median is just under four years, nearly half of American workers (48.4%) have been at their jobs either less than a year (22.2%) or more than 10 years (26.2%), and 10.1% have been with the same employer for 20+ years.

Is it better to stay at one company or move around?

If you are constantly getting promoted (assuming you want to be promoted) or, you just like stability, then stay in the same company. If you are not rising through the ranks, and you want to move up the pay and responsibility ladder, you may need to move to another company to accomplish that.

Is it normal to not get a raise in 3 years?

On average, the typical worker has not received a raise in 2.9 years. The same poll asked workers if they felt recognized at work. Of the respondents, only 37% said they feel “very recognized” at work, while 46% feel only “somewhat” recognized and 8% said they don't feel recognized at all.

How long is too long without promotion?

In general, up to three to five years in a job without a promotion is the optimal tenure to establish a track record of success without suffering the negative consequences of job stagnation. That, of course, depends on the job, the level you are at, and the organization you work for.

How often should you get a raise UK?

Most organisations follow a formal process – according to an annual compensation survey by Mercer, 90 per cent of companies give everyone raises on the same day, once a year. “Some firms increase pay in January because their financial year runs from December to January.

Should I quit if I don't get a raise?

When you don't get the salary increase you expected, don't panic. Try not to take it personally, take a deep breath, and consider your strategy for moving forward. Don't Quit Right Away. Unless you have another secure job offer waiting for you, it's probably wise to avoid quitting in a huff.

What are dry promotions?

What Is a Dry Promotion? A dry promotion, also referred to as a "quiet promotion," is when an employee is given a new job title and additional responsibilities but without a pay raise.

Is it reasonable to expect a raise every year?

How Long Should You Work Without A Raise? Every worker is different but most find that they should expect a raise every 1-2 years. However, comparing your salary against those of your coworkers and industry as a whole will highlight whether you are underpaid or not.

Can two employees doing the same job be paid differently?

Under the current law, an employer can defeat an Equal Pay Act claim by proving that the difference in pay for substantially similar work is due to: seniority; merit; a system that measures production; and/or.

Is it mandatory to give a raise every year?

You aren't legally required to give your employees annual pay raises, and you may have valid reasons for choosing not to do so. Some businesses may be unable to offer raises due to a bad financial year.

How do I know if my salary is fair?

Discover what other people in your field are making. Speak to colleagues and research salaries on sites such as Glassdoor or PayScale to get an idea of how much pay you should expect for your job title and experience level. Although you may learn general information, it's a great starting point.

What is the most underpaid profession?

Here is a list of the most underpaid jobs in America.
  • Power Plant Operators. ...
  • Fast Food Workers. ...
  • Machinists/Tool and Die Makers. ...
  • Childcare Workers. ...
  • Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. IM Score: 41. ...
  • 13. News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists. IM Score: 42. ...
  • Cooks. IM Score: 44. ...
  • Construction Laborers and Helpers. IM Score: 46.

How do you politely say the salary is too low?

I am quite excited and intrigued by the position and the opportunity to work for such a great company. However, the salary is lower than I was expecting, considering my background and experience. I would be more comfortable if the amount was closer to $X, and I would really like to see if we can make this work.”

Can you sue for being underpaid?

Yes. If you've been underpaid, you can file claims based on different scenarios: Minimum wage, overtime, illegal deductions, or unpaid reimbursements: File within three years. Oral agreements to pay above minimum wage: File within two years.