How to get a salary raise in today's competitive job market: Lessons from top tech company experts

In an environment where talent is abundant but opportunities for pay increases are limited, securing a raise requires more than just strong performance. Insights from industry experts and leaders highlight strategies employees can use to enhance their compensation while navigating complex organizational dynamics.

Understanding the Current Market
According to Business Insider, executive coach Andrea Wasserman, who has overseen hundreds of employee evaluations at companies such as Nordstrom, Verizon, and Yahoo, explains that decisions about raises are influenced by more than just performance. Company budgets, internal dynamics, and timing often play a critical role, and in today’s competitive job market, employers feel less urgency to increase pay because replacements are readily available.


Wasserman stresses the importance of understanding pay bands associated with one’s role. Employees near the top of their salary range may have limited scope for raises, so she suggests focusing on promotion opportunities or other forms of advancement that offer long-term career growth. Awareness of compensation ranges enables employees to navigate expectations realistically and strategically.

Beyond base salary, Wasserman highlights the value of non-salary compensation. Bonuses, stock options, project-based incentives, and professional development programs can meaningfully increase overall remuneration. She also emphasizes the importance of timing, advising employees to request raises during periods of company stability and after demonstrable achievements, rather than during downturns or when leadership is preoccupied. Verified, role-specific salary data is key to presenting a credible case.

Lessons from Bill Gates
Bill Gates’ approach to negotiation demonstrates a long-term mindset. In a mock interview shared on Stephen Curry’s YouTube series, Gates prioritized stock options over immediate cash compensation, framing his value in terms of shared growth with the company. This strategy showed that salary discussions can be about mutual investment rather than short-term gain.


Gates also showed the importance of balancing confidence with humility. He subtly acknowledged market competition without creating tension, signaling self-awareness and professionalism. By presenting himself as a candidate who understands both his worth and the broader company context, he strengthened his position while maintaining respect and collaboration.

Another key lesson from Gates is demonstrating growth and teamwork alongside competence. Rather than relying solely on technical skill, he highlighted his ability to evolve, collaborate, and contribute to long-term success. In negotiations, this approach emphasizes the value an employee brings to the organization beyond immediate output, positioning them as a partner in the company’s growth rather than just another hire seeking higher pay.

When to Consider Moving On
Even with careful preparation and strong arguments, raises may not always be granted. Business Insider reports that Wasserman advises employees to evaluate whether the organization is committed to investing in their growth. If advancement opportunities or fair compensation remain limited, exploring alternative opportunities may be necessary to align career goals with financial objectives.

Securing a raise today requires a nuanced approach: understanding market conditions, timing requests strategically, exploring multiple compensation avenues, and presenting oneself as an evolving, valuable contributor.