In an age of oversharing, many of us are remarkably
tight-lipped when it comes to talking salary. But in reality, knowing where you
stand can help you determine whether you're in a good place or whether you
should be taking steps to boost your earnings.
The average U.S. worker today earns roughly $46,641 a
year, according to data from the Social Security Administration. The median
salary in the country, however, is only $30,533, which tells us that a greater
number of people earn less than the average than more.
Of course, the best way to determine whether your salary
is fair is to research your specific industry and see how others with your job
title are doing. Better yet, see what local folks with your job title are being
paid, as that'll give you an even more accurate point of comparison. But if you
find that you're earning less than the average worker with your qualifications,
you'll want to take steps to boost your income. Here are a few to start with.
1. Ask for a raise: Asking your boss for more money is a
pretty daunting notion, but if you're serious about increasing your earnings,
you'll need to get over it. Amazingly, 56% of workers have never asked for a
raise, according to CareerBuilder, but of those who have, 66% were successful
in getting some sort of boost. So do your research, figure out what you should
be making, and present that data to your boss. Not only that, but go in with a
list of ways you add specific value to your company to further drive home your
argument. It may not be an easy conversation to have, but it's a necessary one
nonetheless.
2. Improve your skills: The more you know, the more
critical an employee you'll be regarded as. If you're looking to earn more
money, take steps to improve your skills. This doesn't necessarily mean
obtaining an advanced degree. Rather, look into the various certifications you
might manage to get, or seek out learning opportunities at conferences and
seminars. A modest amount of effort on your part could translate into a nice
bump in your income.
3. Dust off your resume: We're often encouraged to be
patient and work our way up at our respective companies. But if you're looking
for a sizable salary boost, moving to another employer may be the fastest way
to get there. And while too much job-hopping can make you look flighty, if you
do it strategically, it can work to not only bump up your earnings, but help
advance your career as well.
4. When all else fails, get a second gig: In an ideal
world, we'd all earn enough from our primary jobs to call it a day. But there's
a reason a good 44 million Americans are holding down a side hustle: They're
not making enough money from their main employers, and they need a means of
compensating. The good news, however, is that 36% of workers with a side gig
bring home more than $500 a month extra as a result, so if you're willing to
put in some time, you can boost your income without having to be at the mercy
of your boss.
Whether you earn more or less money than the average
American, it never hurts to try to grow your income. Follow these steps, and
with any luck, you'll land a raise one way or another.
By Maurie Backman,
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