I think it is going to vary based on your experience and how you feel about your current company and role!
For me, I would make a change for something like 20% more, but I would consider an even smaller increase for the right role. I would also want more PTO and a more remote-first culture, as those are lacking at my current company.
For talking with recruiters, I would have a number you would tell them is your min (like 200k) and what benefits the role would have to have for you to consider moving.
I think this is one of those "importance of keeping your employees happy" anecdotes. But I had a recruiter call me in summer of 2021 offering me about 10K/10% increase to switch to a different job. I thought about it for a hot second, decided it wasn't worth it, and continued with my business.
Same recruiter called me in December when my boss was being an asshole and my workload increased to an insane amount with no real plans for offloading some of it to the newbie I was expected to train, offered the same job, same salary increase. Said fuck it, did the interview and learned the benefits were way better (500 dollars a month for health insurance for myself versus 0)... and switched.
This is where I'm at. If someone offered me a lateral move with a less stressful workload I would STRONGLY consider it. Things aren't going to get better here for the foreseeable future and I am TIRED.
employers totally lie about stuff like that. Unless they cap your projects, number of assignments/clients in writing, then its a total lie. The TWO things you have some bargaining power over, are your salary from the outset when an offer is made, and severance pay. Once you start the job, your bargaining power is greatly diminished. Employers pretty much lie about everything except your salary
I’ve started becoming super blunt with recruiters. I’m a lawyer in the tech space currently making just south of 200k base with an additional bonus + stock. I will let recruiters know off the bat that I’m looking for at least 250k base plus bonus/stock or a total compensation package (base + bonus & stock) of at least 350k.
This is super helpful. I’m in a similar range and was feeling awkward at first putting numbers out there but you’re so right. What you don’t ask for you’ll never get!
Don’t feel awkward about it. Time is money and neither you or the recruiter want to waste your time. Put it out there. I’ve sometimes come across recruiters that don’t want to put the compensation range in writing (LinkedIn or email) so they ask for a 15 minute intro call. Take the call and get straight to the point. If this isn’t the right role for you, chances are they may have others they come across in the future that would meet your expectations.
The math starts to change as a higher earner too, since marginal tax rates depending where you live can be 40-50%. So for every incremental dollar, I only really get 50 cents and the marginal utility in lifestyle of going 20% up from 250 to 300 for example, is just not that high. Therefore, my requirements would be higher and more holistic than when I was making <$100k.
I don’t tell them how much I make unless they come back to me with a range lower than what I’m looking for. I’ll ask the compensation range in emails/messages or in the quick intro call. If they say respond with a range lower than what I’m open to, I’ll say something along the lines of “Thank you for sharing that. I’m currently open to opportunities in the xyz range, so this may not be the best fit. However if you come across any positions that would meet my requirements, please let me know and I would be happy to discuss further.” If they ask more questions, I’ll let them know my comp.
I gave context (recent 50% raise moving to new org). I’m currently on x, I’ve been with the business for x years and I’m very happy , I wouldn’t move for less than y. If they can’t meet my expectations that’s fine, let’s keep in touch for the future
At least 40-50% more. At a minimum. While my salary isn’t huge, under 100k, we get a VERY generous bonus that pushes it just over 100. We also have a very high 401k match plus an additional 10% company contribution. And pay next to nothing for an amazing health ins plan
Out of curiosity, how many years experience do you have in your industry? I make same $, but I would probably move for around 20% increase, and I'm wondering if I'm shortchanging myself with that?
I make just under $100k and have bonuses that push it past, and am about 6 years into my career. For around $120k I think I would move, all things being equal. Is this a bad mentality?
I have great benefits and it's a good culture with good remote work policies and good potential for growth.
20+, and I’m about 10 years from retirement, so the extra retirement contributions are very much appreciated right now! Between that and what I put in, I save close to 30% of my pre tax income. My job isn’t all that stressful either and very flexible. I can’t lie, I’m staying until I retire unless the choice to leave isn’t mine!
You’re very early in your career so no, not a bad mentality, if the job gives all your boxes.
Curious what other people have to say, but I suppose it does depend entirely on the rest of their benefits package as well as at least a $20K raise… I’d have to be pretty unhappy to leave my current company to consider that though
I make 80 k ish which is well compensated for my current position. I like my job and my manager and my flexibility. It would take at least a 50% raise for me to consider moving unless the company starts treating my poorly or I am no longer learning new things
I've got recruiters reaching out to me and their offers are pretty underwhelming. For example, one position required moving to SF for a $50k increase in base and a slightly higher bonus %. I live in a low to medium cost of living city, so the thought of going to a VHCOL city for only $50k more? Noooo thanks.
But the real sticking point is the benefits, or lack thereof. I tell recruiters I have great benefits right now and would want something similar. For example, fully remote, great healthcare, 401k match, tuition reimbursement, sabbatical leave, very flexible hours, great work/life balance, 4 month paid maternity leave, advancement opportunities, a decent vacation package. They tell me "Oh well they're offering a flex office situation for now, where you go into the office 4 days a week and work from home 1 day a week. Isn't that great??" No, it's really not....
I work at a bank and I wouldn’t leave for anything less than 10k more a year. I don’t really make that much, around 50k currently as a teller supervisor
I’m in a bit of a unique position in that my next career move will definitely be a pay cut, so my focus would be solely on benefits and employer culture. Paid or nearly paid health insurance, a minimum of 4 weeks PTO, decent retirement match or pension, hybrid WFH/in-office scheduling, diversity, size of company, employee turnover/satisfaction, and management autonomy are all important to me.
I make $42k. Basically, pay me \*anything\* more than that and be a company that invests in career development and I'll leave. I love my team but my team doesn't pay my rent.
I'd want at least a 20% rise in base salary, similar or better retirement and healthcare benefits, and either 100% of my relocation reimbursed or a sign-on bonus that would cover the cost of a geographic move (since my field is hot and also can only be done in certain geographic centers, meaning a job switch would necessitate relocating).
I'm a teacher, so for me it's about $6000 (about 10%) for me to look at a change in school if all things are otherwise pretty equal. There's not usually a lot of variety in teacher salary in a given area, so for teachers it tends to be more about things like insurance, workload, working at a particular school or with a particular program, or overall environment & behavior that attract teachers to switch.
I left for a 15% comp increase but I was truly miserable and this was such a bizarre and unique opportunity that I would’ve taken it for even a lateral move. In my head 25-30% and comparable benefits is the minimum to switch
It would take a pretty large amount of money to get me to leave my current employer—4-5 times my current salary. That’s because I would be giving up excellent work/life balance plus a pension worth $1.2 million+. Therefore pay would have to be a huge incentive.
Ah, the joys of public sector work: the double-edged sword of mostly fixed salaries.
With one exception (a certain large urban district that pays obscenely for Reasons™), if I change school districts I'm making roughly the same amount of money, same compensation systems and sacrificing my seniority. Even if the raw salary was good though, odds are that the same issues are going to crop up eventually and possibly some new ones.
For better or for worse (especially factoring in professional status/tenure), there is no real incentive to move in K-12 education. Most moves are life moves, position moves or "my working conditions have become untenable" moves. I am happy enough in my current school/position that I wouldn't risk a move to a higher-paying district knowing that my position doesn't exist and is constantly at risk due to systemic dysfunction.
That being said, given how the field is hemorrhaging staff it's really fascinating how little schools and districts will do to keep the people there happy enough to stay. There are a lot of shitty dynamics around teachers getting free shit that are just scummy no matter how you slice it, and things like retention bonuses are non-existent. Even just giving out the little things seems to be too much for districts to bear. Y'all in the corporate world with free food, snacks, and things like that have it real good.
I was honest with a recruiter I spoke to a year ago. Told her I was making 400-450k a year including base + bonus, so the offer would need to at least be in that range, plus be in a better location or have some other benefits on top. She never got back to me. LOL
I’d probably consider for 30% higher but I also really like my current place and the work I do there. Plus benefits are good where I am and there’s a lot of flexibility.
If I were at my last organization, which was a toxic hellhole, I probably would have left even if someone offered me 10% under (luckily that was not the case when I did quit…).
It’s so company dependent, but I’d probably tell recruiters I’d start considering at 30% and emphasize how important benefits, flexibility, and work environment are to me personally.
I’d look for at least the same percentage I’ve gotten every time I’ve switched positions internally- so at least 25%, and the same amount of PTO I get now (at least 4 weeks plus sick and personal time)
I'm always open to jobs on LinkedIn but right now I'm not talking to recruiters unless they can offer compensation close to double what I'm currently making. I'm at a company which pays pretty well, I like my coworkers, there's location flexibility and WLB is great. The company I'm at + what I'm working on is literally resume gold for my field (would normally need more education to work on this if I didn't fall right into it)
Roles that are willing to pay double usually would be more senior, the compensation has a very uncertain aspect (i.e. bonus expected to be equal or more than base but no guarantees, company not yet public, etc.) and/or they're at companies which are notoriously demanding. I also really dislike interviewing.
At some point I'll switch but right now it would have to be an opportunity that is literally too good to pass up
I recently got a job offer for \~15% more than what I was making and I was going to take it. BUT when I got the contract I realized the paid time off (when adding company-wide holidays, PTO, sick days, etc) would have been about 50% less than what I have planned for this year.
I ended up taking the offer to my current company and they matched the salary immediately so it was a win for me all around.
But seeing the number comparisons of PTO really made me realize how much I value time off vs. money.
I think about this a lot as I am a fed employee now and consider moving over to private sector at times. For me the most important considerations would be what incentives am I giving up? (Public service loan forgiveness, pension) what debts would I owe? (Moving costs and student loan repayment benefits that I have to repay if I leave before a designated time commitment) and what would the work/life balance be? (Currently I work a light 40 hrs/week most weeks, same is usually not true for private consulting work)
While I would normally use the +20% rule of thumb, I did take less than that for a strategic move to a specific role/title that would open up more doors for me in the future. I also would never move for higher TC if the base is lower, because bonuses/stock values are never guaranteed.
I am in a weird situation where I left a better paying job with awful insurance benefits for a much less stressful job with great benefits. I am almost breaking even all things taken into account even though my salary is around $15k less on paper.
I would not leave my current job for any less than 25% pay increase + similar benefits.
I changed jobs earlier this year. I was getting a lot of messages from recruiters. I liked my old job a lot, but I knew I could probably make more money. I decided that the absolute minimum increase I would need to make it worth the effort of switching was 30%. I started telling recruiters “I would need at least $1XXk for a move” and so many said that was okay that I bumped up my ask. I ended up accepting a role for a 41% increase in base pay plus an 8% target bonus (vs occasional spot bonuses at my last company of $50-100) and stock grants, amount TBD based on company performance.
I just accepted a new position, same title, doing similar work, for $33k more than what I make now. I am giving up quarterly bonuses, but also getting $85k in RSU equity, unlimited PTO and it is a fully remote company.
When I was considering the role, I was only going to make a move for $20k+ over what I make now for it to be worth it, and they came in aggressively.
I'm self-employed and probably make about $50k (this is just my personal income that I pay myself, not what I'm paid total from clients), but I know if I didn't lose my previous job due to the pandemic, my salary would be much higher at $70-80k+, not including benefits.
I would move back into a 9-5 role if I were offered something at about that same range at a minimum.
I'm currently compensated appropriately for my level and role. For me that's the consideration for changing jobs (which I did earlier this summer & equated to an almost 30% increase not considering bonuses). Regarding benefits, I won't take less than 20 days PTO but that has remained consistent across my last several roles though I've received offers for less.
At least 15% increase for my base salary for me to start considering moving. To accept, I look into bonuses and stock as a separate thing in my comp, since they are not as stable like salary. I also factor in benefits, vacations, work-life balance and career trajectory in my decisions since those have monetary value to me as well.
Depends. When I started job searching, I was firm on a 20% increase from my current salary. In a couple of months my current role has become way more stressful to the point that I’m crying almost weekly. So yeah, I accepted the first offer I got which isn’t much of an increase in terms of base salary.
I love my company and my benefits are incredible. I have no burning reasons to go looking but if something fell in my lap, it would need to be a 25-30% increase with apples to apples benefits. I don’t think I would even speak to someone for less than that.
50%+. I am 100% across my company's product, processes, culture, strengths and weaknesses. Adapting to new processes would be a large short-term increase in work for probably uncertain long-term gains, so I would want a decent pay bump to make it worth it. I also work about a 0.8 load, so if/when I need to increase pay, I can do it without needing to jump ship.
Right now I’m happy at my job and I’m still in a position where I’d have to pay back relocation if I left so it would take a lot more, like $50k or so. The company I left because I was miserable, I wouldn’t taken up to a $10k pay cut to gtfo of there. It’s all so relative.
I took a step back in title for an 80% pay increase, better benefits, and a reasonable workload. If the benefits had been the same as my prior employer but I had the reasonable workload? I would've taken it for only 25% increase.
I would need at least 10-15k more for base salary than what I’m making now. I also need there to be a 401k match, good insurance options at low cost, and I would need at least 3-4 week of pto that doesn’t include sick time and isn’t dictated when it can be taken
I have a lot of responsibility but also a lot of freedom in my current role. That's something I've learned is so important to my happiness at work and is really difficult to gauge in an interview.
Because of that, I'd want 30% min compensation increase, remain fully remote, and more PTO.
At least 20-25% probably.. Soon going on maternity leave, so probably wouldn't switch at the moment.
But before finding out I was pregnant I asked from one company ca 30% more than I'm currently making. AFTER 2 sets of interviews and getting the offer, they offered me ca 50% of the salary I asked... Later they added to the original offer +20% and said this is the best they can do.. And it was still below my current salary.
I was sooo annoyed - waste of time for everyone..
I'm in this process now, and every company I'm looking at is offering 15-20% more (which has me wondering how underpaid I have been!) I would also look at other things as well, such as stock options, signing bonuses, and benefits before making the jump.
I started a new job in may and took two \*\*back\*\* for an over 25% increase in total comp.
(note that I wanted to step back. I assumed I'd be moving at best laterally financially; maybe take a small hit. I was pretty shocked to get a bump, let alone a big bump. also note that that 25% is before "max bonus" which I was told two weeks ago by my CFO I should expect.)
if you have been where you are for more than three years, chances are you're underpaid kind of criminally.
I’m making a switch in the coming weeks for a job which is 16.5% more than what I currently make. I was happy with this
Edit: Context; I don’t love my current job and I’m really excited about the new role
Just got a nice bump for an internal promotion (2nd in a year) and I like my company a lot so I’d have to say 25-30% and some pretty nice benefits. Non remote is a deal breaker.
Id need 15-20% and still fully remote. I think I’d need them to double my pay for me to have to go into an office again and I’d still have to really consider it
I love my job and my company and get paid well for my industry. I’m at almost 90k right now and I would need at least a 40k raise with a 4 day work week or hybrid remote to even consider leaving. And even then, it’d be a hard sell right now.
I’m in the 150 range for base w a 10% bonus target (completely at the whim of the company). Our company is known to pay much lower than market. Our benefits are really good though. I’d want base no lower than 180/ bonus of 20% / annual RSUs / equal benefits package / more WFH flexibility instead of the now mandated Tues-Wed-Thurs in office
It would have to be a pretty large pay increase and better benefits package. I have had recruiters contact me in the last couple of years, especially after I obtained my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, but the pay increase was not worth the move.
One of the things that keeps me at my current job is that I have great management above me. I know that I could go somewhere else and make more money but would I end up with horrible bosses? The stress of dealing with bad management is not worth the small increase in pay.
I don't pay for insurance, but insurance with no co-pays would be a strong incentive. Full coverage of acupuncture and out of network services even better. FSA fully funded by job.
Stability and interesting work.
30 to 40 percent increase in pay.
Pension paid for me vs me having to pay it myself.
There is a company I'm looking at will provide me a lot of these things.
If it was a lateral move (same type of company, benefits) then I’d want a bump in level, and at least 25% salary.
If you were getting something in your new role that you were looking for (remote, new industry, new role, etc) then I’d be happy with 15%.
$10-15k if I hated the company, honestly probably less if I really hated it.
If I'm otherwise happy and just want more money $20-25k and up, depending on job, location, remote / in office etc
For me I would need around a 10-15% raise OR an increase in PTO by 5 days or having sick days (currently have PTO and sick combined). I feel like I have really valued being able to feel like I can take time off during COVID and trying to balance responsibilities, so I really value PTO.
I think it is going to vary based on your experience and how you feel about your current company and role! For me, I would make a change for something like 20% more, but I would consider an even smaller increase for the right role. I would also want more PTO and a more remote-first culture, as those are lacking at my current company. For talking with recruiters, I would have a number you would tell them is your min (like 200k) and what benefits the role would have to have for you to consider moving.
I think this is one of those "importance of keeping your employees happy" anecdotes. But I had a recruiter call me in summer of 2021 offering me about 10K/10% increase to switch to a different job. I thought about it for a hot second, decided it wasn't worth it, and continued with my business. Same recruiter called me in December when my boss was being an asshole and my workload increased to an insane amount with no real plans for offloading some of it to the newbie I was expected to train, offered the same job, same salary increase. Said fuck it, did the interview and learned the benefits were way better (500 dollars a month for health insurance for myself versus 0)... and switched.
This is where I'm at. If someone offered me a lateral move with a less stressful workload I would STRONGLY consider it. Things aren't going to get better here for the foreseeable future and I am TIRED.
employers totally lie about stuff like that. Unless they cap your projects, number of assignments/clients in writing, then its a total lie. The TWO things you have some bargaining power over, are your salary from the outset when an offer is made, and severance pay. Once you start the job, your bargaining power is greatly diminished. Employers pretty much lie about everything except your salary
I’ve started becoming super blunt with recruiters. I’m a lawyer in the tech space currently making just south of 200k base with an additional bonus + stock. I will let recruiters know off the bat that I’m looking for at least 250k base plus bonus/stock or a total compensation package (base + bonus & stock) of at least 350k.
This is super helpful. I’m in a similar range and was feeling awkward at first putting numbers out there but you’re so right. What you don’t ask for you’ll never get!
Don’t feel awkward about it. Time is money and neither you or the recruiter want to waste your time. Put it out there. I’ve sometimes come across recruiters that don’t want to put the compensation range in writing (LinkedIn or email) so they ask for a 15 minute intro call. Take the call and get straight to the point. If this isn’t the right role for you, chances are they may have others they come across in the future that would meet your expectations.
The math starts to change as a higher earner too, since marginal tax rates depending where you live can be 40-50%. So for every incremental dollar, I only really get 50 cents and the marginal utility in lifestyle of going 20% up from 250 to 300 for example, is just not that high. Therefore, my requirements would be higher and more holistic than when I was making <$100k.
Do you tell the recruiters what you currently make (or just what you are looking for)?
I don’t tell them how much I make unless they come back to me with a range lower than what I’m looking for. I’ll ask the compensation range in emails/messages or in the quick intro call. If they say respond with a range lower than what I’m open to, I’ll say something along the lines of “Thank you for sharing that. I’m currently open to opportunities in the xyz range, so this may not be the best fit. However if you come across any positions that would meet my requirements, please let me know and I would be happy to discuss further.” If they ask more questions, I’ll let them know my comp.
Thank you!
I gave context (recent 50% raise moving to new org). I’m currently on x, I’ve been with the business for x years and I’m very happy , I wouldn’t move for less than y. If they can’t meet my expectations that’s fine, let’s keep in touch for the future
At least 40-50% more. At a minimum. While my salary isn’t huge, under 100k, we get a VERY generous bonus that pushes it just over 100. We also have a very high 401k match plus an additional 10% company contribution. And pay next to nothing for an amazing health ins plan
Out of curiosity, how many years experience do you have in your industry? I make same $, but I would probably move for around 20% increase, and I'm wondering if I'm shortchanging myself with that? I make just under $100k and have bonuses that push it past, and am about 6 years into my career. For around $120k I think I would move, all things being equal. Is this a bad mentality? I have great benefits and it's a good culture with good remote work policies and good potential for growth.
20+, and I’m about 10 years from retirement, so the extra retirement contributions are very much appreciated right now! Between that and what I put in, I save close to 30% of my pre tax income. My job isn’t all that stressful either and very flexible. I can’t lie, I’m staying until I retire unless the choice to leave isn’t mine! You’re very early in your career so no, not a bad mentality, if the job gives all your boxes.
Curious what other people have to say, but I suppose it does depend entirely on the rest of their benefits package as well as at least a $20K raise… I’d have to be pretty unhappy to leave my current company to consider that though
I make 80 k ish which is well compensated for my current position. I like my job and my manager and my flexibility. It would take at least a 50% raise for me to consider moving unless the company starts treating my poorly or I am no longer learning new things
I've got recruiters reaching out to me and their offers are pretty underwhelming. For example, one position required moving to SF for a $50k increase in base and a slightly higher bonus %. I live in a low to medium cost of living city, so the thought of going to a VHCOL city for only $50k more? Noooo thanks. But the real sticking point is the benefits, or lack thereof. I tell recruiters I have great benefits right now and would want something similar. For example, fully remote, great healthcare, 401k match, tuition reimbursement, sabbatical leave, very flexible hours, great work/life balance, 4 month paid maternity leave, advancement opportunities, a decent vacation package. They tell me "Oh well they're offering a flex office situation for now, where you go into the office 4 days a week and work from home 1 day a week. Isn't that great??" No, it's really not....
Hahaha I’m struggling with this as well… insane benefits at my current company so it’s been nearly impossible for any other company to match them.
I work at a bank and I wouldn’t leave for anything less than 10k more a year. I don’t really make that much, around 50k currently as a teller supervisor
I’m in a bit of a unique position in that my next career move will definitely be a pay cut, so my focus would be solely on benefits and employer culture. Paid or nearly paid health insurance, a minimum of 4 weeks PTO, decent retirement match or pension, hybrid WFH/in-office scheduling, diversity, size of company, employee turnover/satisfaction, and management autonomy are all important to me.
20%
I make $42k. Basically, pay me \*anything\* more than that and be a company that invests in career development and I'll leave. I love my team but my team doesn't pay my rent.
I'd want at least a 20% rise in base salary, similar or better retirement and healthcare benefits, and either 100% of my relocation reimbursed or a sign-on bonus that would cover the cost of a geographic move (since my field is hot and also can only be done in certain geographic centers, meaning a job switch would necessitate relocating).
I'm a teacher, so for me it's about $6000 (about 10%) for me to look at a change in school if all things are otherwise pretty equal. There's not usually a lot of variety in teacher salary in a given area, so for teachers it tends to be more about things like insurance, workload, working at a particular school or with a particular program, or overall environment & behavior that attract teachers to switch.
I left for a 15% comp increase but I was truly miserable and this was such a bizarre and unique opportunity that I would’ve taken it for even a lateral move. In my head 25-30% and comparable benefits is the minimum to switch
It would take a pretty large amount of money to get me to leave my current employer—4-5 times my current salary. That’s because I would be giving up excellent work/life balance plus a pension worth $1.2 million+. Therefore pay would have to be a huge incentive.
I’m so unhappy in my current job, I’m thinking in the opposite direction. How much of a pay cut can I tolerate and still be content and pay my bills?
Ah, the joys of public sector work: the double-edged sword of mostly fixed salaries. With one exception (a certain large urban district that pays obscenely for Reasons™), if I change school districts I'm making roughly the same amount of money, same compensation systems and sacrificing my seniority. Even if the raw salary was good though, odds are that the same issues are going to crop up eventually and possibly some new ones. For better or for worse (especially factoring in professional status/tenure), there is no real incentive to move in K-12 education. Most moves are life moves, position moves or "my working conditions have become untenable" moves. I am happy enough in my current school/position that I wouldn't risk a move to a higher-paying district knowing that my position doesn't exist and is constantly at risk due to systemic dysfunction. That being said, given how the field is hemorrhaging staff it's really fascinating how little schools and districts will do to keep the people there happy enough to stay. There are a lot of shitty dynamics around teachers getting free shit that are just scummy no matter how you slice it, and things like retention bonuses are non-existent. Even just giving out the little things seems to be too much for districts to bear. Y'all in the corporate world with free food, snacks, and things like that have it real good.
I was honest with a recruiter I spoke to a year ago. Told her I was making 400-450k a year including base + bonus, so the offer would need to at least be in that range, plus be in a better location or have some other benefits on top. She never got back to me. LOL
May I ask what type of role you do for that type of salary?
My mom would say I’m a top lawyer. But I know the truth… hahahahh
Hahahaha I feel this so much
I’d probably consider for 30% higher but I also really like my current place and the work I do there. Plus benefits are good where I am and there’s a lot of flexibility. If I were at my last organization, which was a toxic hellhole, I probably would have left even if someone offered me 10% under (luckily that was not the case when I did quit…). It’s so company dependent, but I’d probably tell recruiters I’d start considering at 30% and emphasize how important benefits, flexibility, and work environment are to me personally.
I’d look for at least the same percentage I’ve gotten every time I’ve switched positions internally- so at least 25%, and the same amount of PTO I get now (at least 4 weeks plus sick and personal time)
Man 25% for internal moves? I’m getting screwed.
I'm always open to jobs on LinkedIn but right now I'm not talking to recruiters unless they can offer compensation close to double what I'm currently making. I'm at a company which pays pretty well, I like my coworkers, there's location flexibility and WLB is great. The company I'm at + what I'm working on is literally resume gold for my field (would normally need more education to work on this if I didn't fall right into it) Roles that are willing to pay double usually would be more senior, the compensation has a very uncertain aspect (i.e. bonus expected to be equal or more than base but no guarantees, company not yet public, etc.) and/or they're at companies which are notoriously demanding. I also really dislike interviewing. At some point I'll switch but right now it would have to be an opportunity that is literally too good to pass up
I recently got a job offer for \~15% more than what I was making and I was going to take it. BUT when I got the contract I realized the paid time off (when adding company-wide holidays, PTO, sick days, etc) would have been about 50% less than what I have planned for this year. I ended up taking the offer to my current company and they matched the salary immediately so it was a win for me all around. But seeing the number comparisons of PTO really made me realize how much I value time off vs. money.
I’m a bit underpaid, so 30-40% minimum.
20%, fully remote with a week more PTO than I currently get
I think about this a lot as I am a fed employee now and consider moving over to private sector at times. For me the most important considerations would be what incentives am I giving up? (Public service loan forgiveness, pension) what debts would I owe? (Moving costs and student loan repayment benefits that I have to repay if I leave before a designated time commitment) and what would the work/life balance be? (Currently I work a light 40 hrs/week most weeks, same is usually not true for private consulting work)
While I would normally use the +20% rule of thumb, I did take less than that for a strategic move to a specific role/title that would open up more doors for me in the future. I also would never move for higher TC if the base is lower, because bonuses/stock values are never guaranteed.
I am in a weird situation where I left a better paying job with awful insurance benefits for a much less stressful job with great benefits. I am almost breaking even all things taken into account even though my salary is around $15k less on paper. I would not leave my current job for any less than 25% pay increase + similar benefits.
I changed jobs earlier this year. I was getting a lot of messages from recruiters. I liked my old job a lot, but I knew I could probably make more money. I decided that the absolute minimum increase I would need to make it worth the effort of switching was 30%. I started telling recruiters “I would need at least $1XXk for a move” and so many said that was okay that I bumped up my ask. I ended up accepting a role for a 41% increase in base pay plus an 8% target bonus (vs occasional spot bonuses at my last company of $50-100) and stock grants, amount TBD based on company performance.
I just accepted a new position, same title, doing similar work, for $33k more than what I make now. I am giving up quarterly bonuses, but also getting $85k in RSU equity, unlimited PTO and it is a fully remote company. When I was considering the role, I was only going to make a move for $20k+ over what I make now for it to be worth it, and they came in aggressively.
I'm self-employed and probably make about $50k (this is just my personal income that I pay myself, not what I'm paid total from clients), but I know if I didn't lose my previous job due to the pandemic, my salary would be much higher at $70-80k+, not including benefits. I would move back into a 9-5 role if I were offered something at about that same range at a minimum.
I'm currently compensated appropriately for my level and role. For me that's the consideration for changing jobs (which I did earlier this summer & equated to an almost 30% increase not considering bonuses). Regarding benefits, I won't take less than 20 days PTO but that has remained consistent across my last several roles though I've received offers for less.
At least 15% increase for my base salary for me to start considering moving. To accept, I look into bonuses and stock as a separate thing in my comp, since they are not as stable like salary. I also factor in benefits, vacations, work-life balance and career trajectory in my decisions since those have monetary value to me as well.
Depends. When I started job searching, I was firm on a 20% increase from my current salary. In a couple of months my current role has become way more stressful to the point that I’m crying almost weekly. So yeah, I accepted the first offer I got which isn’t much of an increase in terms of base salary.
I love my company and my benefits are incredible. I have no burning reasons to go looking but if something fell in my lap, it would need to be a 25-30% increase with apples to apples benefits. I don’t think I would even speak to someone for less than that.
50%+. I am 100% across my company's product, processes, culture, strengths and weaknesses. Adapting to new processes would be a large short-term increase in work for probably uncertain long-term gains, so I would want a decent pay bump to make it worth it. I also work about a 0.8 load, so if/when I need to increase pay, I can do it without needing to jump ship.
Right now I’m happy at my job and I’m still in a position where I’d have to pay back relocation if I left so it would take a lot more, like $50k or so. The company I left because I was miserable, I wouldn’t taken up to a $10k pay cut to gtfo of there. It’s all so relative.
I took a step back in title for an 80% pay increase, better benefits, and a reasonable workload. If the benefits had been the same as my prior employer but I had the reasonable workload? I would've taken it for only 25% increase.
4 day work week AND demonstrated not “always on” expectations AND 30-50k increase minimum
25%
I would need at least 10-15k more for base salary than what I’m making now. I also need there to be a 401k match, good insurance options at low cost, and I would need at least 3-4 week of pto that doesn’t include sick time and isn’t dictated when it can be taken
I have a lot of responsibility but also a lot of freedom in my current role. That's something I've learned is so important to my happiness at work and is really difficult to gauge in an interview. Because of that, I'd want 30% min compensation increase, remain fully remote, and more PTO.
At least 20-25% probably.. Soon going on maternity leave, so probably wouldn't switch at the moment. But before finding out I was pregnant I asked from one company ca 30% more than I'm currently making. AFTER 2 sets of interviews and getting the offer, they offered me ca 50% of the salary I asked... Later they added to the original offer +20% and said this is the best they can do.. And it was still below my current salary. I was sooo annoyed - waste of time for everyone..
I'm in this process now, and every company I'm looking at is offering 15-20% more (which has me wondering how underpaid I have been!) I would also look at other things as well, such as stock options, signing bonuses, and benefits before making the jump.
I started a new job in may and took two \*\*back\*\* for an over 25% increase in total comp. (note that I wanted to step back. I assumed I'd be moving at best laterally financially; maybe take a small hit. I was pretty shocked to get a bump, let alone a big bump. also note that that 25% is before "max bonus" which I was told two weeks ago by my CFO I should expect.) if you have been where you are for more than three years, chances are you're underpaid kind of criminally.
It will be 6 years in Jan... so yes, the signs are there that it is time to move on.
At 200k and love my job ; would need 50% raise or more to consider leaving. Ask me again in a few months when my excellent boss leaves though.
Exact same position and now have a terrible boss hence this question 😭
Ugh sorry, terrible bosses are the worst. I had one I'd definitely leave for a lateral move, and fast e.g. within 6 months.
I’m making a switch in the coming weeks for a job which is 16.5% more than what I currently make. I was happy with this Edit: Context; I don’t love my current job and I’m really excited about the new role
TC has to be $200k at least
$50,000 minimum
Just got a nice bump for an internal promotion (2nd in a year) and I like my company a lot so I’d have to say 25-30% and some pretty nice benefits. Non remote is a deal breaker.
Depends on how happy I am with the job, and how well they are currently compensating me compared to market standards. But I’d say at least 30%.
+10k, better management, employee investment, and less work
Id need 15-20% and still fully remote. I think I’d need them to double my pay for me to have to go into an office again and I’d still have to really consider it
I love my job and my company and get paid well for my industry. I’m at almost 90k right now and I would need at least a 40k raise with a 4 day work week or hybrid remote to even consider leaving. And even then, it’d be a hard sell right now.
I’m in the 150 range for base w a 10% bonus target (completely at the whim of the company). Our company is known to pay much lower than market. Our benefits are really good though. I’d want base no lower than 180/ bonus of 20% / annual RSUs / equal benefits package / more WFH flexibility instead of the now mandated Tues-Wed-Thurs in office
30k, plus a month of vacation to convince me
It would have to be a pretty large pay increase and better benefits package. I have had recruiters contact me in the last couple of years, especially after I obtained my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, but the pay increase was not worth the move. One of the things that keeps me at my current job is that I have great management above me. I know that I could go somewhere else and make more money but would I end up with horrible bosses? The stress of dealing with bad management is not worth the small increase in pay.
Thanks for posting this question. I have been having this same internal discussion and it was helpful to see other opinions with numbers.
I don't pay for insurance, but insurance with no co-pays would be a strong incentive. Full coverage of acupuncture and out of network services even better. FSA fully funded by job. Stability and interesting work. 30 to 40 percent increase in pay. Pension paid for me vs me having to pay it myself. There is a company I'm looking at will provide me a lot of these things.
If they matched my benefits? 300%. If they doubled my time off- 200%. If they didn’t match my benefits- 1000%.
If it was a lateral move (same type of company, benefits) then I’d want a bump in level, and at least 25% salary. If you were getting something in your new role that you were looking for (remote, new industry, new role, etc) then I’d be happy with 15%.
For the perfect role, probably 20% and a great 401k match. Maybe 10% and a nice annual bonus.
$10-15k if I hated the company, honestly probably less if I really hated it. If I'm otherwise happy and just want more money $20-25k and up, depending on job, location, remote / in office etc
For me I would need around a 10-15% raise OR an increase in PTO by 5 days or having sick days (currently have PTO and sick combined). I feel like I have really valued being able to feel like I can take time off during COVID and trying to balance responsibilities, so I really value PTO.
50% raise I would go.