How Much More Money Should You Ask for When Changing Jobs?

There's no single "right" raise

The old rule of thumb — 10–20% to move — is a starting point, not a law. The right number depends on your market rate, the gap between your current and target pay, the role's seniority, and how much risk the move carries. A lateral move might warrant 8–12%; a promotion-grade move can justify 20–30% or more.

Find your market rate first

Before you ask for anything, find out what the role pays elsewhere. Look at salary data for the title, location and seniority in your industry. Talk to recruiters — they know what offers are actually landing. Your current salary is not the benchmark; the market is. If you're underpaid where you are, you may deserve a large raise just to reach market rate.

Anchor on value, not on what you earn now

Employers negotiate against your current salary when they can. Don't hand them the anchor. Talk about the market rate for the role and the value you'll bring, not what you're paid today. If asked for your current salary, you can redirect to your target range or, where legal, decline to share it.

Build a range, then ask above it

Decide on a range with three numbers: the minimum you'd accept, the target you'd be happy with, and the stretch you'll ask for. Ask for the stretch first — it gives room to land at your target without leaving money on the table.

Example: if your target is $95,000 and your minimum is $88,000, you might open at $102,000. You probably won't get it, but it pulls the conversation upward.

Don't forget the rest of the package

Base salary is one lever. Signing bonuses, extra vacation, a higher 401(k) match, remote days, a title review at six months, and relocation help are all negotiable and all valuable. If they won't move on base, ask for something else.

Time the ask well

The best moment to negotiate is after they've chosen you and before you've accepted. They want you to say yes; that's your leverage. Be warm, be specific, and make it easy to say yes — "I'm excited about the role and I'd like to get to $X on base to accept."

When the offer is already fair

If the offer is at or above your market rate and they've shown flexibility, pushing hard can backfire. A fair offer accepted graciously starts the relationship well. Use the Salary Comparison Calculator to check the offer's real value before you decide.

FAQ

Is 10% enough of a raise to change jobs? For a lateral move in the same city, 10–15% is common. But if you're underpaid, taking a promotion, or moving to a higher-cost role, 10% may be too low. Benchmark against the market, not a rule of thumb.

What if they say the offer is non-negotiable? Sometimes it genuinely is, especially in large companies with banded pay. If so, ask about the band, the next review date, and the non-salary terms — those are often more flexible.

Should I negotiate if I really want the job? Yes, respectfully. Most employers expect it and don't retract offers for a polite ask. The risk of losing an offer over a reasonable negotiation is low.