1. Stagnant Salary Despite Positive Feedback

If your performance reviews consistently highlight your strengths yet do not lead to salary increases, this could indicate that your pay is not reflecting your contributions.

2. Growing Responsibilities Without Corresponding Pay

Taking on additional tasks or an increased workload without a corresponding increase in salary is a clear sign of being underpaid.

3. Pay Inequities Among Colleagues

If you discover that coworkers with similar or even less experience are earning more, it's a significant warning sign. Employers sometimes hire new staff at higher salaries to stay competitive without adjusting the pay of existing employees. While discussing salaries can feel awkward, conversations with trusted colleagues can provide helpful insights.

4. Your Salary Falls Below Industry Standards

Do you often think that if you were employed elsewhere, you might earn more? Your intuition may be correct. Here are some methods to determine industry standards for your position:

• Utilize Online Salary Surveys and Databases: Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and Salary.com offer extensive salary data across various sectors. These platforms allow users to search by job title, experience level, and location, providing a general sense of what others earn.
• Consult Professional Associations and Industry Publications: Many associations conduct salary surveys and publish reports on compensation trends, offering insights into average salaries, benefits, and bonuses.
• Review Job Listings: Some employers disclose salary ranges in their job postings, which can serve as a benchmark for what companies are willing to pay.
• Work with Recruitment Agencies: Headhunters and recruiters often have the latest information on competitive salary ranges due to their involvement in negotiations.
• Speak with Human Resources: If you are considering a promotion or internal transfer, your HR department may share salary ranges for different roles.
• Evaluate Cost of Living Adjustments: Geographic location significantly influences salary standards. Tools like NerdWallet's Cost of Living Calculator can help you understand these variations.
• Network with Industry Peers: Engaging with colleagues at industry events can yield insights into typical salary ranges, helping you gauge your worth in the market.

5. Salary Not Keeping Pace with Inflation

If your salary has not increased to match inflation, your purchasing power may be diminishing over time. Employees typically receive annual raises to align with inflation rates.

6. Opacity in Compensation Discussions

A workplace that discourages or forbids conversations about salary may indicate that management is hiding pay inconsistencies. Remember, federal law protects your right to discuss your salary with coworkers.

7. Living Expenses Outpacing Salary Increases

If you find it challenging to cover living expenses, particularly in an area where costs are rising, it’s essential to evaluate whether your salary aligns with market expectations.

What You Can Do

• Research and Prepare: Collect data on standard compensation for your role and document your achievements and responsibilities.
• Enhance Negotiation Skills: Improving your negotiation abilities can significantly influence the outcomes of salary discussions.
• Pursue Professional Development: Gaining additional certifications or training can strengthen your case for a raise or prepare you for better-paying roles.
• Check for Discrimination: If you notice pay disparities based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics, it may be a case of discrimination. Consult with an employment attorney if you suspect this.
• Consider Other Job Offers: If your employer cannot meet your salary expectations, exploring other opportunities may be necessary. Having an alternative offer can strengthen your negotiating position.