To calculate your salary after a raise, you need your current salary and the raise amount (either as a percentage or dollar figure). If you have a percentage, multiply your current salary by that percentage expressed as a decimal, then add the result to your original salary. For example, a $50,000 salary with a 5% raise: $50,000 × 0.05 = $2,500 increase, giving you $52,500 total. If you have a dollar amount, simply add it to your current salary. Our pay increase calculator handles both methods automatically and shows you the results across all pay periods, saving you from having to do the math manually.

The percentage you should ask for depends on several factors including your performance, time since your last raise, industry standards, and company financial health. For standard merit raises, most companies budget between 3-4% annually. If you've taken on significant new responsibilities or exceeded expectations, asking for 5-10% is reasonable. For promotions, 10-20% increases are typical. Research shows that 66% of people who negotiate starting salaries successfully get what they ask for. The key is backing up your request with specific accomplishments and market data. If traditional raises aren't meeting your financial goals, consider that TripleTen bootcamp graduates often see 50%+ salary increases when they transition into tech careers, far exceeding typical merit raise percentages.

Timing significantly impacts your chances of getting a raise approved. The best time is Tuesday mornings, as managers are typically more receptive mid-week when they're alert but not overwhelmed. Strategically, ask 2-3 months before annual review cycles, after completing major projects or achieving significant wins, and during periods of strong company financial performance. Avoid asking on Mondays when stress levels are highest, during company budget cuts or layoffs, immediately after performance issues, or at the end of fiscal quarters when budgets are set. Schedule a formal meeting rather than bringing it up casually. Come prepared with documented achievements, market research on comparable salaries, and specific numbers calculated using a salary raise calculator so you can clearly communicate what you're requesting and why.

Yes, absolutely. This pay raise calculator automatically converts between all time periods—hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual. When you enter your hourly rate, it immediately calculates and displays your weekly, monthly, and annual equivalents based on standard full-time work assumptions (40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). This is particularly useful if you're transitioning from an hourly position to a salaried role, comparing job offers with different pay structures, or negotiating and want to understand how an hourly increase translates to your annual earnings. The calculator works in reverse too—enter an annual salary and instantly see the hourly rate. This flexibility helps you understand your compensation regardless of how it's structured.

A merit raise is a salary increase based on good performance in your current role, typically ranging from 3-5% annually depending on company policy and your individual contributions. These raises reward you for doing your job well but don't involve changed responsibilities or title changes. A promotion raise reflects a move to a higher-level position with increased responsibilities, new job duties, or a different title. Promotion raises are typically larger, often in the 10-20% range, because you're taking on more substantial work. When calculating potential raises, it's important to know which type you're discussing with your employer. Use the gain calculator to compare scenarios—a 3% merit increase versus a 15% promotion raise—to understand the financial impact of each path forward in your career.

While annual merit raises typically fall in the 3-4% range, there are strategies for more substantial income growth. First, document your achievements and quantify your impact on the company—this strengthens your negotiation position. Second, research market rates for your role and experience level so you know your worth. Third, consider changing employers—people who switch jobs often see 10-20% increases. Fourth, pursue high-growth industries like technology. According to recent data, bootcamp graduates see average salary increases of $25,000+, with many experiencing 50% or higher jumps. TripleTen's programs in software engineering, data science, and business intelligence analytics produce graduates earning median salaries of $75,000-$89,000, with a 79% employment rate within six months. For context, TripleTen maintains a 4.87/5 rating across over 1,000 reviews and offers a money-back guarantee if you don't land a job within 10 months. When traditional raises aren't meeting your goals, acquiring in-demand technical skills can accelerate your earnings significantly.

If your raise request is denied, first ask for specific feedback about why and what you'd need to accomplish to receive one in the future. Common denial reasons include budget constraints, timing issues, or insufficient performance documentation. Get clarity on expectations and timelines. If the company genuinely has financial limitations, you might negotiate for a performance review in 3-6 months, additional benefits like flexible work arrangements, or professional development opportunities. If the denial stems from your performance, create a concrete improvement plan. However, if you've documented strong performance, your request aligns with market rates, and the company consistently undervalues your contributions, it may be time to explore opportunities elsewhere. Sometimes the biggest raises come from switching employers—people who negotiate new job offers successfully see average increases of nearly 19%. Use the experience to understand your market value and make informed decisions about your career path.