If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re wondering if you’re being paid fairly—or even worse, you already know you’re not. Whether it’s that feeling of being undervalued, seeing someone else in the same role making more, or just not understanding what you should be asking for, I get it. So let’s dive into how you can make sure you’re being paid what you deserve and what you can do about it if you’re not.
Step 1: Pay Transparency Is Your Best Friend—Here’s How to Leverage It
Pay transparency is a game changer, and it’s becoming more common (thankfully). The problem is that most people don’t know how to use it to their advantage. Sure, you might see a salary range posted, but what do you actually do with that information?
Here’s how you use it to your benefit:
Do Your Research: Look up salary ranges for your role and industry. Sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn are helpful, but don’t stop there. Ask around. Colleagues, friends, even recruiters can be a goldmine of information.
Bring Numbers to the Table: When you go into salary negotiations, have those numbers ready. Know the average pay for your role and be prepared to explain why you should be on the higher end of that range (hint: it’s not just about doing your job—it’s about doing it well).
Don’t Forget Benefits: Pay transparency also means knowing what perks and benefits others are getting. A competitive salary package isn’t just about money. Are you getting the right amount of PTO, healthcare benefits, or bonuses? It all counts.
Step 2: If You Feel Undervalued or Underpaid—Here’s What to Do About It
Let’s say you’ve done your research, and, surprise, surprise—you’re not being paid what you’re worth. First of all, you’re not alone. Second, you don’t have to accept it.
Here’s where to start:
Get Clear on Your Value: Before you approach your boss, you need to know why you deserve more. What are you bringing to the table that sets you apart? Is it the number of projects you’ve managed? The revenue you’ve helped generate? Be specific.
Document Everything: When you’re going for a raise, it’s all about proof. Keep track of your accomplishments—any project you’ve led, the revenue you’ve brought in, even the skills you’ve gained. This is your leverage.
Set a Meeting, Not an Ambush: The conversation about pay shouldn’t be an off-the-cuff thing. Schedule time with your manager, let them know you want to discuss your compensation, and come prepared with your research and proof.
Step 3: Maximize Your Time and Money in the Workplace
We all want more money, but what about time? Your time is just as valuable, and knowing how to maximize it is key to getting what you want. It’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter.
Here’s how to maximize both:
Learn to Delegate: If you’re the person who takes on everything, stop. Learn how to delegate effectively so you can focus on high-impact tasks. Your time should be spent where it makes the most difference—not stuck in the weeds of day-to-day tasks.
Automate What You Can: Whether it’s scheduling, data entry, or following up on emails, use tools that automate the boring stuff. Your time is better spent on things that move the needle. Bonus: Still stuck doing tedious tasks manually? You’re missing out on more freedom and efficiency at work. I’ve put together a guide to help you automate your basic tasks so you can finally free up your time for what actually matters.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no. If you’re consistently overloaded, you’ll burn out, and burned-out employees are less likely to perform at their best. Know your limits and communicate them clearly.
Step 4: Reject the Idea That You Need to Take On More Work for a Raise
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that people think they need to take on more work to justify a raise. That’s not how it works. You don’t get paid more for doing more work—you get paid more for solving higher value problems.
The key isn’t piling more tasks on your plate; it’s reframing the work you’ve already done to show its value. You’re already doing the work—now it’s time to organize it and communicate its impact.
How to do it:
Start by organizing all of your past and current accomplishments. This is the foundation for advocating for a raise.
Use my free guide to store these achievements in one place so you’ll never forget them. You’ll also get bonus prompts that help you script out how to present your past experience as high-value skills during raise and promotion conversations.
You don’t need to overwhelm yourself by doing more. You need to communicate the value of what you’re already doing.
Step 5: Are You Learning, Earning, or Coasting?
Here’s a gut check for anyone feeling stuck: ask yourself if you’re learning, earning, or coasting in your job. These three markers will tell you a lot about where you stand and whether it’s time for a change.
Learning: If you’re growing in your role, building new skills, and preparing for bigger opportunities, that’s a good sign. Learning means you're investing in your long-term career, even if the short-term payoff isn’t huge.
Earning: Are you being compensated fairly for the work you’re doing? If you’re being paid well and feel financially secure, great. If not, it’s time to have that tough conversation about raises or look elsewhere.
Coasting: If you’re just coasting—doing the bare minimum and not growing—it’s time to rethink your situation. Coasting means you’re not learning anything new, you’re probably not earning what you’re worth, and you’re definitely not building toward anything meaningful. This is when you need to decide whether you’re okay with just getting by or if you’re ready to push for more.
Step 6: Strategies to Get a Raise Through Job Hopping
Sometimes, the best way to get a raise is to jump ship. It’s no secret that the biggest pay jumps often happen when you change jobs. Companies are much more willing to pay a premium for new talent than they are to give existing employees a substantial raise.
Here’s how to job hop like a pro:
Always Be Open to New Opportunities: Even if you love your job, there’s no harm in exploring what else is out there. You don’t have to leave, but knowing your options puts you in a stronger position.
Use Offers as Leverage: If you get a job offer with a higher salary, use it as leverage in your current role. But be prepared to leave if your current employer doesn’t match or exceed it.
Don’t Just Job Hop for the Money: Look for positions that also align with your non-negotiables for your own work-life balance. Money is important, but so is the ability to balance your life.
Take Control of Your Pay, Your Time, and Your Career
At the end of the day, knowing if you’re being paid fairly is just the beginning. It’s about taking control of your career, your time, and your future. Whether you’re leveraging pay transparency, getting clear on your value, or deciding it’s time to move on to a new opportunity, you have the power to create the career and life you want.
You deserve to be paid what you’re worth, and it’s time to make sure that’s happening.