Toolzie

Am I Being Underpaid?

Find out in 60 seconds. Compare your salary to industry benchmarks by job title, location, and experience level. If you're underpaid, we'll show you exactly how much you're leaving on the table and how to negotiate a raise.

⚠️ Estimate. Salary data is based on 2026 market research from sources like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, BLS, and Payscale. Actual pay varies. Full disclaimer.

How We Calculate

We use 2026 market data from multiple sources to estimate the typical salary range for your role, location, and experience level. Here's how it works:

  1. We start with a base salary for your job title (median across all experience levels)
  2. We adjust for location (San Francisco pays 30-40% more than the national median; many cities pay the same or less)
  3. We adjust for experience (entry-level gets 60-80% of median; senior gets 120-150%; lead/executive gets 200%+)
  4. We compare your salary to the expected range and categorize: underpaid, fair, or overpaid

What To Do If You're Underpaid

1. Negotiate a Raise at Your Current Job

If you're underpaid by 10-20%, you can credibly ask for a raise to bring you to market. Come with the data from this calculator. Most companies will negotiate if you can show you're below market. A 10% raise on a $75K salary is $7,500/year = $112,500 over 15 years (with raises).

2. Start Interviewing Elsewhere

The fastest way to get a 20-30% raise is to switch jobs. Set up 3-5 interviews, get offers, then use them to negotiate at your current job (or take the new offer). The data shows people who job-hop every 2-3 years earn 50% more over a career than those who stay.

3. Add Skills That Increase Your Market Value

For tech: cloud certifications, AI/ML skills, system design. For business: MBA, CPA, CFA. For trades: master electrician license, journeyman. Each skill can add 5-15% to your market value.

4. Consider Relocation

A software engineer making $90K in a low-cost-of-living city could make $150K+ in San Francisco or Seattle (even adjusted for cost of living, that's a real raise). If you're remote-capable, you can often negotiate higher rates while living in a low-cost area.

5. Ask for Non-Salary Benefits

If your company can't match market salary, ask for: signing bonus, equity/RSUs, more PTO, professional development budget, remote work flexibility, or title change. A senior title can help you negotiate higher at your next job.

Salary Negotiation Scripts

Script 1: Asking for a Raise

"I've been researching market rates for my role, and based on my experience and contributions over the past year, I believe my compensation should be in the $X-Y range. I'd love to discuss how we can get my salary aligned with market. I'm also interested in [other benefits like more PTO, remote work, etc.]."

Script 2: Responding to a Low Offer

"Thank you for the offer. I'm very excited about this role, but the salary is below my expectations. Based on my research, the market rate for this position is $X-Y, and I have competing offers in that range. Is there flexibility to increase the base salary, or could we discuss a signing bonus to close the gap?"

Script 3: After a Year at a New Job

"I've been here for 12 months and have shipped [X features/projects]. My compensation review is coming up, and based on the market rate for my role and contributions, I'd like to discuss a raise to $X. What does the process look like?"

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm being underpaid?

Compare your salary to industry benchmarks for your job title, location, and experience level. If you're earning 10%+ below the median, you're likely underpaid. Use this calculator to get a personalized comparison.

How much should I ask for in a raise?

If you're underpaid by 15%, you can credibly ask for a 10-15% raise. Most companies budget 3-5% annual raises, so a 10%+ raise requires justification. The best way is to come with market data and a competing offer if possible.

Should I quit if I'm underpaid?

Not necessarily. First, try negotiating a raise with your current employer. If that doesn't work, you can start interviewing elsewhere and use the offers as leverage. Many people get 20-30% raises by switching jobs every 2-3 years.

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Estimates only. Not financial or career advice. Full disclaimer · Terms