I've been working as a Network/System Admin in the US for about a year now, and I'm curious about how common annual raises are. I'm 24 years old with 4 years of experience, and my current salary is $63.5K per year. I just received a 1% raise after a year with my current company. Is this typical, or is it on the low side? I feel like I could potentially earn a lot more at other companies in my area, but due to visa restrictions, I'm kinda stuck here. Would love to hear what others experience in terms of raises!
5 Answers
In my experience, raises can really vary. I typically got about 1-2% each year, which was definitely rough when you factor in living costs. But I’ve also seen higher raises—up to 10% if you negotiate for them. It’s worth looking into your options once your visa situation is clearer!
It really depends on the company culture! Some firms are known for giving 4-15% raises, especially after promotions. Meanwhile, others operate on a bare minimum. It'd be wise to explore job hopping if you’re feeling undervalued. That might be the way to go!
I’ve definitely heard that job hopping can lead to significant raises compared to staying in the same place.
Unfortunately, when you're on a work visa, companies may feel less inclined to offer competitive raises since they know your options are limited. For a lot of positions, especially in IT, it’s common to see minimal raises like the 1% you've received. Just keep in mind that market demand can greatly impact salary growth.
Totally agree! I was in a similar boat and found it frustrating to see my peers get much better offers elsewhere.
To throw some numbers in, the range I’ve seen for raises is from 0-6%, depending on company policies and performance. Some areas and companies can afford to give more due to high demand for IT skills, so don’t lose hope!
Exactly! If you can manage to find a position that appreciates your skills, you might find much better compensation.
It's pretty common these days to see raises around 1-3%, especially in the current market climate where many employers are tightening their belts. You're not alone in feeling like your raise is low; some companies just aren't willing to increase salaries substantially right now. Hang in there!
Yeah, it really feels like raises don't keep up with inflation anymore. I agree, it could also be because many businesses are struggling right now.
Negotiation can be key! I’ve also landed bigger raises by discussing my contributions directly with management.