Has it been a while since you last received a raise or promotion? If it’s been a while since you were last promoted or received a raise, there is a good chance you’re not happy about it. And it’s likely the main reason you’re reading this blog.
In the more than 9,000 recruitment projects we’ve been a part of since 2001, a lack of a raise or promotion is one of the main driving forces for candidates to start looking for a new job. But what is the norm? How often should you expect to get a raise or be up for a promotion?
In consultation with our headhunters in Toronto, I’ve put together the following recommendations for how long you should work without a raise or promotion. I’ll discuss each collectively and independently:
- How long you should work without a raise
- How long you should work without being promoted
- Considerations that impact how often you get a raise or promotion
- Signs it is time to move on if you are not getting a raise or promoted
How long should you work without a raise?
The length of time you work without getting a pay raise depends on your many considerations. Your experience, role, industry, and how long you’ve been with an organization all matter.
It can also depend on the type of raise. You can receive a raise for several reasons:
- Cost of living: A cost of living adjustment (COLA) is a boost in pay to help employees keep up with inflation and the increasing cost of living. These are usually 2 to 3% and are given annually.
- Scheduled raises: These are raises for working a certain number of hours or meeting years of service requirements. These raises are given at certain time periods.
- Merit raises based on performance: This is typically an incentive-based raise given based on performance. These are commonly 3 to 5%. Some companies offer these annually or ad hoc.
Some organizations combine cost of living and merit raises.
How long is too long with no raise?
There is a specific length of time for when an employee should get a raise. Again, it depends on the specific situation. However, if you feel like you’ve put in enough time and have not been recognized for your work, then it may be too long between raises.
If you’ve been a loyal employee with a proven track record for over two years, and your attempts to secure a raise have been unsuccessful, it might be time to look elsewhere for career growth and compensation.
How often should you ask for a raise?
Timing your request for a raise is crucial. For new employees, it’s generally advisable to wait at least six months or complete your probationary period to establish yourself within the company before discussing salary. Most employers prefer to evaluate performance for a full year before considering a raise.
If you’ve been with the company for multiple years, annual performance reviews often include salary discussions. To maximize your chances of a successful negotiation, carefully prepare your talking points in advance. Remember, these are general guidelines, and individual circumstances may vary.
How long should you work without being promoted?
Most associate raises with promotions, but they don’t always go hand in hand. You can get a raise without a promotion. And you can also be offered a promotion without a raise (see – Should You Offer a Promotion Without a Pay Raise?)
Promotions typically occur less frequently than raises. It is recommended to wait at least one year before seeking a promotion. This will give you a good sense of how things work within your company. Every company is different and how they handle promotions can vary.
How long is too long without a promotion?
The timeline for promotions varies widely between roles and companies. Title changes and promotions tend to slow down as you get higher up in the organization.
While it’s reasonable to expect a promotion within three years, waiting four or five years without advancement is also common. If there is no sign of promotion at the five-year mark, you may want to start exploring your options outside the company to take the next step up.
The length of time it takes to get a promotion often differs by industry. Some industries have a more rigid career progression and others are more loose. For example, those working in marketing or IT can see promotions more often than those in more traditional industries such as manufacturing or healthcare.
What considerations impact how often you get a raise or promotion?
Here are some important things to keep in mind when assessing if you should be considered for a raise or promotion:
- Your career stage: Early in your career, you might be willing to accept a lower salary for the sake of gaining experience and building your skills. As you become more experienced, raises and promotions become more important.
- Industry standards: Salaries and promotion timelines can vary depending on your industry. Research what’s typical for your field and experience level.
- Cost of living: If your raise doesn’t keep pace with inflation, your purchasing power actually decreases. Consider how your salary is keeping up with the cost of living in your area.
- Your company’s culture: Some companies are known for promoting from within and offering regular raises. Others might be more stingy.
Expectations for raises and promotions by years of experience
Expectations for getting a raise or promotion can depend on where you are in your career. Here are some general guidelines from our recruiters:
- Early career (1-3 years): You might be willing to wait a bit longer for a raise or promotion as you’re focused on learning and development. However, you should still be getting regular feedback and performance reviews.
- Mid-career (3-7 years): At this stage, you should be expecting regular raises (at least keeping pace with inflation) and opportunities for advancement.
- Senior career (7+ years): Promotions and significant raises become more crucial. You bring significant value to the company and your compensation should reflect that.
What are the signs it is time to move on if you are not getting a raise or promoted?
There are definitely situations where you should consider alternative career options if you are not being considered for a raise or promotion. Here are some signs it might be time to move on if you’re not getting a raise or promotion:
- You’re consistently exceeding expectations and not being recognized.
- You’re not being given opportunities for growth or development.
- Your responsibilities have increased significantly without a raise.
- You feel undervalued and underappreciated.
- Your salary isn’t keeping pace with the cost of living.
Remember, your worth is valuable. If you’re not being compensated fairly, don’t be afraid to have a conversation with your manager or explore other opportunities.
More Insights From Our Headhunters in Toronto About Compensation and Promotions
Are You Being Paid Fairly? 5 Ways to Find Out
Should You Offer a Promotion Without a Pay Raise?
Are In-Office Workers More Likely to Receive Raises & Promotions?
