I'm in my mid-twenties and have been the only IT person at a contract manufacturing facility with around 50 employees for the past seven years. I've done everything tech-related here, from system administration to network engineering and information security. Despite the growth of my responsibilities and the fact that our company, which was worth about $20 million just a few years ago, has only gotten more valuable, I'm still making $30 an hour, the same as when I started. With management pushing for compliance in information security, my workload is only increasing, and I feel undervalued for what I do. I'm engaged and enjoy my job, but the cost of living keeps going up, and I'm concerned about being taken advantage of. I want to know how to ask for a raise in a way that doesn't threaten my job stability since I know the tech job market is tough right now. I need advice on how to advocate for myself constructively and effectively without making things tense with management.
5 Answers
You should definitely highlight your value and ask for a raise. But remember to be prepared for a 'no' and consider looking for a new job if that happens. If you're as essential as you say, they'll likely agree to a raise. If not, then you'll know it’s time to find a place that recognizes your worth!
Absolutely. If they're undervaluing you now, they probably always will.
Just tell your management what you've told us: you've been there for seven years without a raise, your responsibilities have increased significantly, and you need to discuss your compensation. Keep it factual and respectful, and list your major added responsibilities.
Don't just mention your responsibilities; also highlight your accomplishments to show your contributions!
Consider asking for a job title change to reflect your full range of responsibilities, along with your raise request. It helps to formalize your role to match the work you're doing.
That's a smart move! It shows you're serious about your career growth.
Yes! A title change can also justify a pay increase.
After a few successful negotiations, I've learned that backing up your requests with quantifiable data is key. Show them metrics like system uptime, incident response times, and how your contributions have saved the company money. Then, prepare to ask for an increase reflective of your expanded role and market rates.
Absolutely! Using data to back up your value gives you more negotiating power.
Great point! It's useful to have salary comparisons from local job postings as leverage.
If you've been underpaid for so long, it's really a red flag for the type of workplace it is. I'd start looking for something else while you negotiate. Sometimes you have to be willing to walk away to get the pay you deserve.
Exactly! You deserve to be compensated for your skills.
For sure! Make sure your resume is updated and out there.
Totally agree. Often, the best raises come from switching companies.