I am approaching my second anniversary as a professional in a top-tier tech firm and have consistently met my KPIs. With 2 years of experience now under my belt, I want to know what the standard market hike is for someone at this level. Should I expect a standard 10-15% internal increment, or is it better to push for a 30% increase given the current demand for specialized skills like AI and Project Management? How do I back my request with data?
3 answers
For someone with 2 years of experience, a "standard" internal hike typically ranges from 8% to 12% in the current 2024-2025 market. However, if you have transitioned from a junior to a mid-level role or have acquired niche certifications (like PMP or Advanced Data Science credentials), you can realistically ask for 20-25%. Market data suggests that "salary corrections" are common at the 2-year mark because your market value often outpaces internal pay scales. If your company’s offer is below 10%, you might find that switching companies could land you a 40-60% jump, as 2-year experienced professionals are currently the most "poachable" talent due to their balance of cost and competence.
Are you basing your 30% expectation on a specific promotion to a 'Senior' title, or is this a general market adjustment request regardless of your current designation?
If you stay internal, expect 10-15%. If you want a 30%+ hike at the 2-year mark, you almost always have to switch companies to get that "market value" premium.
I agree with Michael. I was in a similar spot last year; my company offered 12%, but I secured a 45% hike by moving to a competitor. Two years is the perfect time to test the waters.
Robert, that is a vital distinction to make. If there is no title change, a 30% internal hike is very rare in traditional firms unless you are significantly underpaid compared to new hires. I recommend the user checks sites like Glassdoor or levels.fyi to see what "New Grads" are getting now. If freshers are being hired at a rate close to your current pay, you have a very strong case for a "market parity" adjustment of 25% or more, even without a formal promotion.