For years, the standard advice was "change jobs to get paid more." New data suggests that advice is losing its edge.
The Interview-to-Offer Playbook includes the Salary Negotiation Playbook, so whether you switch jobs or stay, you know how to ask for more.
According to Bank of America, as reported by Fortune in March 2026, the pay premium for changing jobs peaked at roughly 14% in 2022, then fell to about 9% in 2023, 8% in 2024 and 6% in 2025. For people who switched in January, the median pay rise was about 4%, compared with 3.5% for people who stayed (Atlanta Fed Wage Growth Tracker).
Bank of America still described job changing as "one of the most effective ways workers secure higher pay," but the gap is much smaller, and it could shrink further if hiring stays slow.
So where does a bigger raise come from now?
1. A bigger role, not just a new employer
A lateral move rarely pays much. A step up in scope, such as leading a project, a team or a client, does. Aim for the jump in responsibility.
2. A skill that the market pays extra for
Skills like project management and AI fluency carry measurable premiums, as we covered this week. Build one, then use it.
3. A real negotiation
The research we covered last week suggested countering an offer raised pay by about 12.45% on average in one study of tech workers. Even at a smaller scale, asking is worth it.
4. A direct ask where you are
If you plan to stay, make a short case:
"Over the past [time], I've [result 1] and [result 2], and I've taken on [new responsibility]. Based on my research for similar roles, I'd like to discuss moving my pay to [number]. What would you need to see to make that happen?"
A quick test: stay or go?
Can you see a path to a bigger role in the next 12 months here? If yes, build the case and ask.
Is your pay clearly below market for your skills? If yes, start interviewing, and use the offers.
Are you growing? If not, a move may be worth more than the pay.
For the scripts, the research checklist and the pushback plan, the Salary Negotiation Playbook inside the Interview-to-Offer Playbook covers it, together with 500 interview questions, a STAR story workbook and a hiring manager psychology guide.
How to Ask for a Raise at Work Without Feeling Awkward
Should You Accept the First Offer? What the Data Says About Countering
How Often Should You Change Jobs to Increase Your Salary?
Stay or Go?
Reply with how long you have been in your role and whether you have asked for a raise. I will tell you what I would do next.