Free · Inflation-adjusted · Visual
Salary Raise
Calculator
See what your raise is really worth after inflation — year by year, with cumulative earnings.
Salary growth
Cumulative extra
Real value
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Your salary
A raise below inflation is a real pay cut. At 2% inflation, a 3% raise grows your purchasing power by only ~1% a year.
Over 10 years
Salary in year 10
$97,733
real value ≈ $80,000 (after inflation)
Cumulative earnings
$780,000
Without raises
$600,000
Extra earned
$180,000
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Raises compound
A percentage raise compounds on your base. A 5% raise each year on $60k becomes $97k after 10 years — that is the power of compounding.
Beat inflation
Your real raise is raise minus inflation. Negotiate at least inflation + 2% to genuinely grow your purchasing power.
Know your worth
Track your raises and market salary. Even a 1% difference compounds into tens of thousands over a career.
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FAQ
Salary raise FAQ
How do I calculate my new salary after a raise?
Multiply your current salary by (1 + raise/100). A $60,000 salary with a 5% raise becomes $63,000. This calculator projects that over many years.
Is a 3% raise actually a raise?
Not if inflation is 3% or higher. A raise below inflation is a real pay cut. Use the inflation field to see your true purchasing power.
How much is a 5% raise worth over 10 years?
On a $60,000 salary with annual 5% raises, you earn roughly $780,000 over 10 years, versus $600,000 without raises — about $180,000 extra.
What is a good annual raise to ask for?
A typical merit raise is 3–5%. To keep pace with inflation plus a raise in real terms, ask for inflation + 2–3% more.
How does inflation affect my salary?
Inflation reduces what your money buys. A salary growing at 3% with 2% inflation grows by only ~1% in real terms.
Should I negotiate salary or benefits?
Both have value. A raise compounds over your career; benefits (pension match, stock) also add real value. Consider total compensation.
How is salary usually raised?
As a percentage of base pay (merit, promotion or cost-of-living adjustment). Percentage raises compound — the higher your base, the more each % is worth.
What is a salary in real terms?
Your salary adjusted for inflation — what it is actually worth in today's purchasing power. This calculator shows both nominal and real values.