Raise Calculator
See the true lifetime value of a salary increase. Calculate how a raise compounds over your career and what it could be worth if invested.
Calculate Your Raise Value
See the long-term impact of a salary increase
7% is typical for stock market
3% is typical for most careers
Lifetime Value of This Raise
$109,378
Over 25 years
New Salary
$63,000
per year
Annual Raise
$3,000
+5%
Monthly Raise
$250
extra each month
Hourly Equivalent
$1.44
per hour worked
Value Over Time
Put It In Perspective
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your current annual salary before taxes. This is your base salary, not including bonuses or benefits.
Use the slider or quick-select buttons to set the raise percentage you're considering or negotiating for. Common merit raises are 3-5%.
Adjust the years until retirement to see the long-term impact. Even if you plan to change jobs, raises typically carry forward to future salaries.
The advanced settings let you adjust investment returns (how your extra income might grow if invested) and annual salary growth (typical career progression).
Understanding Your Results
The lifetime value shows the total additional income you'll earn from this raise over your remaining career, assuming normal salary progression.
The invested value shows what that extra income could grow to if you invested it in the stock market. This illustrates the power of compound growth.
The value over time table shows how the raise accumulates year by year. Early career raises are especially valuable because they compound longer.
The perspective section breaks down your raise into weekly, daily, and per-paycheck amounts to help you visualize the impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 5% raise worth over my career?
A 5% raise on a $60,000 salary adds $3,000 per year. But with annual 3% salary growth, that raise is worth over $100,000 in cumulative income over 25 years. If you invest the difference at 7% returns, it could grow to $200,000+ by retirement.
What's a good raise to ask for?
3-5% is typical for annual merit raises. For promotions, 10-20% is common. When switching jobs, 15-25% increases are often achievable. The key is knowing your market value - research salaries for your role, experience, and location before negotiating.
Should I negotiate every job offer?
Yes, almost always. Studies show 85% of people who negotiate their salary are successful. Even a small increase in starting salary compounds significantly over your career. The only exceptions are jobs with truly fixed pay scales (some government positions).
When is the best time to ask for a raise?
The best times are: after completing a major project or achievement, during annual reviews, when taking on new responsibilities, when you have a competing offer, or when the company is doing well financially. Avoid asking during layoffs, budget cuts, or company crises.
How do I justify asking for a bigger raise?
Document your achievements with specific metrics (revenue generated, costs saved, projects completed). Research market rates for your role. Highlight additional responsibilities you've taken on. Show how you've exceeded expectations. Make the business case for your value.
What if my employer says no to a raise?
Ask what you need to do to earn a raise and get it in writing. Request a timeline for the next review. Negotiate other benefits (extra PTO, remote work, professional development budget). Consider whether the job still meets your needs, and start exploring other opportunities if not.
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