# Pay Raise Calculator

Calculate your new salary after a pay raise. See annual, monthly, and per-paycheck increases. Free pay raise calculator.

## What this calculates

See exactly how much more you will earn after a pay raise. Enter your current salary and raise percentage to see your new salary and the increase broken down by year, month, and paycheck.

## Inputs

- **Current Annual Salary** ($) — min 0 — Your current annual salary before the raise.
- **Raise Percentage** (%) — min 0, max 100 — The percentage increase of your raise.

## Outputs

- **New Annual Salary** — formatted as currency — Your salary after the raise.
- **Annual Increase** — formatted as currency — How much more you earn per year.
- **Monthly Increase** — formatted as currency — How much more you earn per month.
- **Biweekly Increase** — formatted as currency — How much more you earn per paycheck (biweekly).

## Details

A pay raise percentage may sound small, but the cumulative effect over time is significant. A 5% raise on a $65,000 salary adds $3,250 per year, or about $271 per month before taxes. Over a 30-year career with consistent 3% annual raises, a $65,000 starting salary grows to over $157,000.

When evaluating a raise offer, consider it in the context of inflation. If inflation is 3% and you receive a 3% raise, your purchasing power stays the same -- it is not a real raise. A raise that exceeds inflation (e.g., 5% raise with 3% inflation) gives you a 2% real increase in purchasing power.

Negotiating raises effectively requires market data. Research salary ranges for your role using sites like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Document your accomplishments and the value you bring. The average annual raise in the U.S. is 3-4%, but job changers often see 10-20% increases, making strategic job changes one of the most effective ways to increase earnings.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What is a good pay raise percentage?**

A: The average annual raise in the U.S. is 3-4%. A raise of 5% or more is considered above average. Promotions typically come with 10-15% increases. When changing jobs, 10-20% increases are common. Keep in mind that a raise should at minimum match the inflation rate (2-4%) to maintain your purchasing power. Anything above inflation is a real increase in your standard of living.

**Q: How does a raise affect my take-home pay?**

A: Your take-home increase will be less than the gross raise due to taxes. A $3,250 annual raise at a 30% combined tax rate (federal + state + FICA) nets about $2,275, or roughly $190/month. The exact take-home depends on your tax bracket, state, and deductions. Higher earners lose a larger percentage to taxes because raises push income into higher marginal brackets.

**Q: How often should I get a raise?**

A: Most companies offer annual raises during performance review cycles. In competitive industries, you might receive raises every 6-12 months, especially in your first few years. If you have not received a raise in over 18 months, it is reasonable to initiate a conversation with your manager. Regular raises that at least match inflation are necessary to prevent erosion of your real income.

**Q: Is a 3% raise good or bad?**

A: A 3% raise roughly matches the historical average U.S. inflation rate. If inflation is 3%, a 3% raise means your purchasing power stays the same -- you are not actually earning more in real terms. A 3% raise is typical for a solid performer meeting expectations. If you are a high performer or have been promoted, you should expect more than 3%.

---

Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/finance/pay-raise
Category: Finance
Last updated: 2026-04-21