How do I get a pay rise?
Ive been in my job for 11 years.
The job was a newly created position in a medium family business. My salary was a bit higher than average. I had 2 main tasks to do, the workload was manageable, we got a mid-year bonus and a Christmas bonus every year for the first 5 years working there.
So 11 years have past and the business has grown even more. I am paid the same as what I was paid 11 years ago except for very small increases not an actual pay rise. The business doesn't give out bonuses anymore. So the extra 2k I got has disappeared. They have changed the bonuses to giving us a present for Christmas. Im grateful, its a nice gesture but I need money for bills!
The workload has increased because the business has grown and I have taken on new tasks. Instead of giving me a payrise the business hired 2 more workers while I was on maternity leave and has kept them. We are all overworked.
I am not paid "above average" anymore. I get paid a salary that is more on the low end (low enough to qualify to get help from centrelink). My salary never changed but given it has been 11 years and I have 2 kids now ... the money doesn't last.
I am a single parent now too. When I was partnered I wasn't focused on the money (my ex did really well). I want to ask for a pay rise but I need to get information to make a good point across.
Is there a website where i can see what different people earn on average in australia nsw?
Any tips on how to ask for a payrise? They hired 2 more people so i think they wont increase my salary because it means they have to increase the other workers too?
Im not a greedy person, far from it and I love my job so I won't leave, but I am a single parent and I want to buy a property
4 Replies
Look up the award for your job and see what the payrate is for your position and level. Also have a look on seek, search your position for the same industry you're in for an idea of what others are paying. It's not always the award if there's a shortage of your occupation that can drive the rate up. My husband works in farming and the award is quite low but his boss pays $10 more an hour to stop them going somewhere with a decent pay rate.
My husband got a substantial pay rise a few years ago by putting together a plan & evidence for his annual review. Wanting to be paid properly is not greedy so wipe that word from this right now!
He used evidence, not why he needed the money personally. Job seeking websites (Seek, Indeed etc.) have payscale data & he used the industry database his employers pay to use (so they knew), but the real clincher was showing what other LOCAL jobs being advertised would pay & how much value he offered their company beyond the minimum (knowledge, tasks, training etc.). He was clear HOW MUCH he expected to earn. You need to put a reasonable figure forward.
Don't threaten to leave as this can backfire (although you can bet they'll have to pay your replacement more).
If they refuse or offer a low amount, thank them for their time. I know you say you won't leave, but if this company won't value you, perhaps it's time you get out of your comfort zone & find a company who will. Change can be a good thing.
Thank you, very helpful advice.
I am hopelessly loyal to my workplace, they have gone above and beyond to help me during 2 very difficult times in my life. They did things no other boss would do. I never got paid more lol but they helped in ways I can't write here because I don't want anyone to recognise me. This is why I will never leave and this is why I am very loyal to them.
Not many people are as kind and nice as the owner of this business... its just the money side that is hurting atm due to being a single parent.
I really appreciate your advice and will use it when preparing to discuss a payrise.
Go to the Hays website. They do a wage analysis every year. They have a great salary calculator that will tell you the salary band for your role that will help.
You can also google template letters to help with your request.