6 tips for getting a salary raise in 2025

Getting a salary raise is one of the most sought-after goals for many employees in 2025. With careful planning and effective negotiation strategies, a salary increase can become a reality. Knowing current market trends and expectations can help one take the right steps towards a better salary.

2025 is shaping up to be a year with moderate average salary increases, with some reports predicting an increase of just over three percent. Additionally, the White House budget has proposed a two percent salary increase for federal employees. Understanding these figures and how they impact one's own salary situation is crucial when preparing for salary negotiations.

One of the key parts of getting a salary raise is successfully negotiating one's salary. This involves thorough research into one's own market value and awareness of current salaries for similar roles. By working systematically and having the right strategy, one can make a strong case for their own salary increase and thereby increase their chances of success.

Showcase Your Achievements

Highlighting your achievements is crucial in arguing for a salary raise in 2025. Being clear about the difference you have made in the workplace can strengthen your position.

List of Achievements:

• Quantify successes: Numbers and facts provide a concrete picture of your contributions.
• Present unique contributions that save costs or increase efficiency.

Considering the 2025 GS pay scale and GS grade, it is important to tailor your achievements to what is expected at different levels.

To prepare, you can use examples of resumes where achievements are clearly highlighted. This can provide inspiration on how to effectively showcase your successes. An example of a good CV can offer guidance on how to structure and present your achievements professionally.

When base pay rates and locality pay vary, it can be advantageous to link achievements to these factors. Showing how you have adapted or increased productivity in a specific region provides an extra advantage.

By consistently highlighting achievements in a structured manner, it becomes easier to demonstrate your value in salary discussions. Preparation and a strong presentation of your contributions can be crucial when discussing future salary increases.

Explore Market Trends

Exploring market trends is important to prepare for salary negotiations in 2025. Here are some things to focus on:

1. Salary increases:

   Studies show that many companies are planning salary increases of 3% to 4% next year. It is good to be aware of this when negotiating your own salary.

2. Career coach:

   A career coach can help analyze market trends and provide advice on the right timing and strategy for discussing salary. They can also offer personal guidance to improve your negotiation skills.

3. Industry-specific trends:

   Various industries may have different salary developments. It is important to understand current trends within the specific industry you work in to leverage these during salary negotiations.

4. Performance evaluation:

   During your performance evaluation, highlight how your contributions have met or exceeded the company's goals. Being well-prepared with concrete examples and achievements that align with market trends can strengthen your position.

5. Transparency in salary data:

   To strengthen your negotiation position, it can be valuable to have access to real-time data on salary structures in your sector. Statistics from credible sources, such as SCB or our own database which you can find here, can be used as support in negotiations and provide a clear picture of what is reasonable to expect.

Build Your Case with Evidence

Building your case with strong evidence is crucial when asking for a salary raise. Start by gathering concrete examples of your achievements that have contributed to the company's success. These can be successful projects, increased sales, or improvements in work processes.

Tips for collecting evidence:

• Link achievements to goals: Connect your achievements directly to the company's goals and results. This can include increased revenues or reduced costs.
• Use measurable results: Present statistics, reports, or other measurable evidence that highlight your contribution. This may include increases in productivity or customer satisfaction.
• Feedback and evaluations: Save and present positive feedback from customers, colleagues, and managers. It strengthens your argument for a salary review.

Additionally, investigate the company's current salary policy and budget space. It is important to know if there is room for salary increases within the company's budget.

Being prepared and able to present evidence is key to success when asking for a salary raise. This strategy shows that you are worthy of the salary increase you seek, while making it easier for your employer to justify an adjustment in your salary.

Choose the Right Timing

Choosing the right timing to ask for a salary raise can make a big difference. It is important to find a time when both you and your employer are open to discussions.

• After significant work performance: When you have achieved something significant at work, such as completing a major project or exceeding goals, it is the right time to discuss a salary raise.
• During annual evaluations: Many companies have a specific time of year for employee performance evaluations. This is often a good opportunity to discuss your salary, as the conversations already revolve around performance and future development.
• When the company is doing well: If the company is showing good results, such as increased profits, it may be an appropriate time to propose a salary raise. Your chances increase if the company has resources to allocate for salary increases.
• Right moment in the economy: It is also important to consider the broader economic situation. When the economy is strong and unemployment is low, employers may be more inclined to accommodate salary raises to retain their employees.

By carefully choosing the timing of your request, you increase the chances of successfully negotiating a better salary.

Invest in Skills Development

Skills development is a key factor in increasing the chance for a salary raise. It involves continuously improving and expanding your skills and knowledge.

By participating in courses and seminars, one can stay updated in their field. Many companies encourage this by offering internal training.

In addition to formal training, individuals can also benefit from informal education. This can include reading industry-specific books, following the latest trends, or engaging in online discussion groups.

Benefits of skills development:

• Increased employability: Higher skill levels can lead to better career opportunities.
• Boosted confidence: Knowledge provides security in the workplace.
• Better performance: Fresh knowledge can streamline work processes.

Investing time in this can show the employer that the employee is committed and ambitious. They can become more valuable to the company and thus strengthen their arguments for a salary raise.

Identifying which skills need improvement is step number one. With these insights, individuals can focus on the right areas for personal and professional development.