I started at a company a little over a year ago at a really below-market salary, but I was excited about the company and position.

Anonymous

September 27,2022 at 8:15PM UTC

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I started at a company a little over a year ago at a really below-market salary, but I was excited about the company and position. 9 months in I received a $10k raise to help correct that (still about $15k short of where it should be annually), as did a LOT of employees they announced company-wide. At my annual year mark, I received a raise of 5% ($3,500 annual) and a big promotion.

I love my job, the people, and everything I do. My only qualm is my salary is still below average by $10-25K according to all the websites that track salaries and other jobs posted out there.

I don't want to leave, but I also would love to be adequately compensated. I know a lot of people will say "suck it up or ask for more or leave" but I would love just some solid help/talking points on how to "ask for more" to my manager. I think she knows we're below average for pay, but we haven't directly spoken about it. I'd love to say "listen, I love my job, but despite the small increases, I'm still way below where I should be. And I'm slightly disappointed that when I received the promotion the compensation seemed like more of a cost of living wage, which I'm appreciative of, but not necessarily a promotion raise." But maybe a bit more polished. Thank you!

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AnonymousSeptember 27,2022 at 9:02PM UTC
I'd start looking for other jobs while you approach your boss. I personally wouldn't make suggestive threats like this unless I was able to back it up. I know you're going to say: I'm not making a threat, just having a conversation about my compensation being below market value!
Your boss will say: we've done all we can, you've already received two bumps in salary in a short amount of time, etc. When that happens, it will force your hand. Please be prepared for all possible outcomes here.
AmySeptember 27,2022 at 9:35PM UTC
I have been there. And although they were not able to give me a huge raise, or even medium size, I did approach and did receive a raise. What I did was write an email requesting a meeting. In the email I wrote out my appreciation for the job opportunity. How my responsibilities have grown, how I professionally work, etc. and requesting a review to review my salary. Then I had lots of examples of what I had done and how it is helping the company. Ending with that my contributions justify an immediate pay raise. .... I got a response in 1.5 hours. which was quick. And the response had a meeting date and time. Now I took notes during that meeting, it didn't go great, but I wanted to take my notes so I could reflect on future attempts. Yes I was still below average within the market I was in. And the only reason I did not bring in that comparison was I knew my boss knew that already and it wasn't going to change their mind. Oh and I did leave, but for additional reasons. Good luck!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 27,2022 at 9:44PM UTC
YOU SAID:
"At my annual year mark, I received a raise of 5% ($3,500 annual) and a big promotion."
The 5% was most probably a Cost of Living Increase or a performance bonus tied to your yearly review.
You received a "big promotion" - where is the salary bump that should have come with that promotion?
Regarding websites that track salaries - while they can be helpful for some research, they don't really matter. What matters is what the salary band for your position is at YOUR company. That's where I would start - find out what the salary band is for your position and then you can see where you are in relation.
Are you at the very bottom of the range? Are you near or at the mid-point? Then you can decide on your strategy.
And I agree with Anonymous below - be prepared for potential blowback once you open this can of worms.
Also, why did you start so far in the hole? What did salary negotiations look like when you initially accepted the position?