
<p>Looking for a more satisfying job? We spend the majority of our lives at work. So it’s only natural to want a job that fulfills you. After all, you don’t want to spend most of your life doing a <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-be-happy-in-a-job-you-hate-sonicjobs/?id=813"><strong>job you hate</strong></a>. </p>



<p>But job satisfaction isn’t black and white. And it looks different for everyone. It’s a combination of many different factors. And it will always be personal to you.</p>



<p>But before you <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-write-a-resignation-letter/?id=1129"><strong>hand in your notice</strong></a>, think carefully before making your next move. Explore all options. We’ve created a list of the highest ranking careers for job satisfaction in the UK.</p>



<h2>What is job satisfaction?</h2>



<p>Job satisfaction is individual to each person. But take a look at this list of some of the most common features of the happiest jobs.</p>



<h3>Personal growth</h3>



<p>Many people find job satisfaction comes in the form of growth. That means developing your professional skills through training and experience. This could be working on more complex projects, or taking on additional tasks. Without growth, employees can feel bored!</p>



<h3>Career progression</h3>



<p>Career progression is an important factor for lots of workers. Especially people who are career-driven. Most people don’t want to stay at the same level for their whole lives. Instead, they want the opportunity to gain promotions and climb the ladder.</p>



<h3>Work-life balance</h3>



<p>Work-life balance is becoming a more and more important part of career growth. Employees are now ranking this balance as a key part of job satisfaction. Burnout is fast becoming a thing of the past!</p>



<h3>Team dynamic</h3>



<p>Getting along with your colleagues can be a vital part of job satisfaction for lots of people. After all, we spend most of our waking days with the people we work with. So it makes the world of difference when you get along and enjoy their company.</p>



<h3>Competitive salary</h3>



<p>Of course, salary plays a big role in job satisfaction. You want to reap the rewards for the hard work you’re doing. Your salary can really justify all the hard work you’re doing.</p>



<h3>Fulfillment</h3>



<p>Fulfillment is something that’s personal to each individual. For some, fulfillment could be doing meaningful work that impacts the community. For others, fulfillment could be hitting sales targets. Either way, fulfillment is one of the vital things for job satisfaction.</p>



<h3>Recognition</h3>



<p>Being recognised for your hard work is always nice. And often this makes your work much more enjoyable. Being seen by your boss is a sure way to boost job satisfaction.</p>



<h2>Top 10 happiest jobs in the UK</h2>



<p>Here’s a list of the UK’s top 10 jobs with the highest job satisfaction according to <a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/blog/jobs-highest-satisfaction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Glassdoor</strong></a>.</p>



<h3>1. Corporate recruiter</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.59/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £46,215</p>



<h3>2. HR manager</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.39/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £48,443</p>



<h3>3. Full stack engineer</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.32/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £47,320</p>



<h3>4. HR business partner</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.3/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £50,000</p>



<h3>5. UX designer</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.26/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £46,382</p>



<h3>6. Front end engineer</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.23/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £43,803</p>



<h3>7. Data scientist</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.2/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £49,449</p>



<h3>8. Customer success manager</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.18/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £41,113</p>



<h3>9. Marketing manager</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.17/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £47,320</p>



<h3>10. Mobile engineer</h3>



<p>Job satisfaction: 4.13/5</p>



<p>Median base salary: £51,443</p>



<h2>Not satisfied?</h2>



<p>Are you unsatisfied with your job? There’s no reason to stay in this position. There are thousands of jobs on the market right now. All you have to do is put yourself out there to find a job you love.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>To find a new career quickly, browse jobs on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to find your dream career.</em></p>


Careers with the highest job satisfaction in the UK


<p>With so many changes taking place in the world, you may be wondering what’s happening with minimum wage in the UK. It’s important to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-being-paid-enough-at-work-sonicjobs/?id=877"><strong>know if you’re being paid enough</strong></a>. But your minimum wage depends on different things like your age and whether you’re an apprentice. For example, minimum wage for 18 year olds is different to minimum wage for 16 year olds.</p>



<p>So let’s find out what the minimum wage is for you in 2022.</p>



<h2>What is national minimum wage?</h2>



<p>The national minimum wage is a payment tariff set by the government. It ensures that all UK employers pay their employees a minimum amount per hour. If employers pay less than the minimum wage, it’s a criminal offence.</p>



<h2>National minimum wage Vs national living wage</h2>



<p>National minimum wage (NMW) is the base rate per hour that all employees are entitled to. In 2016, the national living wage (NLW) was created. It’s set at a higher rate but only workers aged 23 or over are entitled to national living wage.</p>



<h2>National minimum wage rates 2022</h2>



<p><strong>Age 16-17:</strong> £4.81 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 18-20:</strong> £6.83 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 21-22:</strong> £9.18 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 23+ (NLW):</strong> £9.50 per hour</p>



<h2>Minimum wage for apprentices 2022</h2>



<p>Minimum wage works differently for <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fVCz7fZ-7cxtb2GOKuNa7lE1iOI14CErqZpib0Kolp4/edit#"><strong>apprentices</strong></a>. Your age also affects your minimum wage entitlement when you’re an apprentice.</p>



<p><strong>Age 16-18:</strong> £4.81 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 19+ and in your first year off apprenticeship: </strong>£4.81 per hour</p>



<p><strong>Age 19+ and completed your first year of apprenticeship:</strong> full national minimum wage for your age</p>



<h2>Who is entitled to minimum wage?</h2>



<p>All workers of school leaving age are entitled to minimum wage. It doesn’t matter if you’re a full-time or part-time employee. This includes:</p>



<ul><li>Part-time workers</li><li>Disabled workers</li><li>International workers</li><li>Labourers</li><li>Apprentices (see apprentice rates above)</li><li>Pregnant women</li><li>Remote workers</li><li>Offshore workers</li><li>Temporary workers</li></ul>



<h2>How often does minimum wage increase?</h2>



<p>Minimum wage increases every year. The government announces new rates for minimum wage. This increase takes effect from April every year.</p>



<h2>Should your wage increase each year?</h2>



<p>You should only expect your wage to increase every year if you earn minimum wage. If you’re earning more than minimum wage, your employer decides whether or not to increase your wage. They don’t have to do this, but many employers do increase wages by <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/090415/salary-secrets-what-considered-big-raise.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>3%</strong></a> each year.</p>



<h2>How to gain a pay rise</h2>



<p>Although pay rises<strong> </strong>should take place to keep up with inflation, this still doesn’t guarantee you an increase. It’s completely your employer’s decision. So you should always be looking for ways to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464"><strong>earn your pay rise</strong></a>.</p>



<ul><li>Take on new responsibilities</li><li>Upskill with courses, qualifications and training</li><li>Make note of any targets you exceed</li><li>Discuss what you need to do to earn a pay rise with your line manager</li><li>Start managing people</li><li>Work on more complex projects</li><li>Always be punctual</li><li>Contribute useful ideas that enhance the company performance</li><li>Use your annual performance review</li></ul>



<h2>Plan ahead</h2>



<p>It’s always good to know exactly what wage you’re entitled to before applying for a job. This will help you to manage your finances and cover your living costs. But if your job isn’t paying you enough to cover your costs, you should look at finding another job that pays more.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>To plan your next career move, download the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app and get applying from your phone!</em></p>


What is minimum wage in the UK?


<p>Questioning your salary or wage is healthy &#8211; you need to know if you’re being paid enough and, let’s face it, it’s not like your employer is going to tell you if you’re being underpaid! So this requires a bit of detective work. You’re not going to find your answer in one place. You’ll need to dig around in several places to work out if your paycheque is fair before thinking about <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464"><strong>negotiating a higher salary</strong></a>.</p>



<p>Use these methods to find out if you’re being paid your worth:</p>



<ul><li>Use national data&nbsp;</li><li>Use a salary checker</li><li>Check similar positions within the same company</li><li>Discuss with colleagues</li><li>Assess your own role</li><li>Speak with recruiters</li></ul>



<h2>6 ways to work out if you’re underpaid</h2>



<h3>Use national data</h3>



<p>In the UK, the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/" target="_blank"><strong>ONS</strong></a> is one of the best places to go to for data, including data on salaries and wages. Using their data, you’ll be able to look up the <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-is-the-average-salary-in-the-uk-sonicjobs/?id=874"><strong>average UK salary</strong></a> for a specific year, industry, occupation and location. You can even check the average salaries for certain age groups.</p>



<h3>Use a salary checker</h3>



<p>Salary checkers are a great tool to find out the average pay across several job titles. Salary checkers tend to use job vacancies to find the average salary for a certain role. You’ll find different websites will vary in their answers, so it’s best to use a few different salary checkers to gain a general consensus. And make sure you filter by location, as this is one of the factors that can influence your pay. Here are our favourite salary checkers:</p>



<ul><li><a href="https://www.totaljobs.com/salary-checker/salary-calculator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Totaljobs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glassdoor</a></li><li><a href="https://uk.indeed.com/career/salaries" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indeed</a></li></ul>



<h3>Check internal vacancies</h3>



<p>Keep your eyes peeled for any internal vacancies. Checking your company’s vacancies is a smart way to see if you’re underpaid within your own company. It could be that your employer is cheekily paying other people more than you, even though you’re doing similar roles or have the same level of experience.</p>



<h3>Discuss with colleagues</h3>



<p>We know discussing salary with other colleagues is kinda taboo. But that’s all it is. It’s not illegal to discuss salaries with coworkers. But you do need to tread carefully. Make sure you read our guide on <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/can-you-ask-your-colleagues-how-much-money-they-make-sonicjobs/?id=647"><strong>asking your colleagues how much money they make</strong></a>.</p>



<h3>Assess your own role</h3>



<p>Sometimes you don’t have to look far to work out if you’re underpaid. If you’ve recently been given extra responsibilities, you’ll almost certainly be due a pay rise. Similarly, if you’ve become more skilled in your work or gained new qualifications and can therefore provide your employer with more value, your salary should reflect this.</p>



<h3>Speak with recruiters</h3>



<p>Recruiters are a great source of information. They spend all day talking to different candidates and companies, so they can be really knowledgeable about salaries. Just make sure you speak to a recruiter that specialises in your industry.</p>



<h2>What to do if you’re underpaid</h2>



<p>So you’ve spent all this time researching only to discover you are, in fact, underpaid. What do you do now?</p>



<p>Firstly, don’t feel disheartened. This is a good discovery to make. You’re due a pay rise! To put it simply, you can try to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464"><strong>negotiate a higher salary with your employer</strong></a> if you like where you work and enjoy your role. Or you can take this as an opportunity to apply for positions elsewhere in the industry. The choice is yours!</p>



<h2>Time to climb</h2>



<p>If you’re not being paid enough, it’s time to make a positive change. If your current employer won’t pay you your worth, someone else will! To find well-paid jobs near you, log into the <a href="https://www.sonicjobs.com/uk?redirected=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> app and access thousands of vacancies across the UK. Job searching has never been simpler!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Psst… did you know you can apply for jobs with 1 tap on our app? No long application forms or third party websites &#8211; that’s a promise!</em></p>


How do you know if you are being paid enough at work?


<p>Feeling overwhelmed by inflation? You’re not the only one! During these times of inflation, many people are questioning their salary and seeking <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-careers-have-good-progression-sonicjobs/?id=820"><strong>jobs with good progression</strong></a>. Lots of factors can affect your salary, from location to experience to job type to industry. So, in today’s blog, we’ll be attacking salaries from all angles to help you understand where you fit in, and how you can start earning more.</p>



<p>The median annual salary in the UK for full-time employees was <strong>£31,285</strong> in 2020-2021, according to the latest data from the <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/bulletins/annualsurveyofhoursandearnings/2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>ONS</strong></a>. This figure is down by 0.6% from the previous year, meaning full-time salaries have taken a hit. This is most likely as a result of the pandemic, with many of the UK’s full-time workforce being on furlough and companies recovering from any losses experienced during the height of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Industries with the highest growth in gross weekly full-time earnings</h2>



<p>Here are the top 5 industries that have experienced the highest growth in gross weekly full-time earnings in <strong><a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/bulletins/annualsurveyofhoursandearnings/2021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2020-2021</a></strong>, compared to 2019-2020.</p>



<ol><li>Construction &#8211; 16.8% increase</li><li>Manufacturing &#8211; 8.3% increase</li><li>Wholesale and retail trade &#8211; 7.6% increase</li><li>Transportation and storage &#8211; 5.7% increase</li><li>Electricity gas steam and air conditioning supply &#8211; 5.5% increase</li></ol>



<h2>Industries with the smallest growth in gross weekly full-time earnings</h2>



<p>These are the 5 industries that experienced the least amount of growth in weekly full-time earnings, if any at all!</p>



<ol><li>Public administration and defence; compulsory social security &#8211; -2.5% decrease</li><li>Mining and quarrying &#8211; -1.3% decrease</li><li>Information and communication &#8211; 0.2% increase</li><li>Arts and entertainment &#8211; 0.9% increase</li><li>Human health and social work activities &#8211; 1.7% increase</li></ol>



<h2>Growth in gross weekly full-time earnings by location</h2>



<p>Location can affect your salary growth. Take a look at the earnings growth across the UK in 2020-2021 compared to 2019-2020:</p>



<ol><li>Northern Ireland &#8211; 8.8% increase</li><li>West Midlands &#8211; 5.6% increase</li><li>Scotland &#8211; 5.1% increase</li><li>South East &#8211; 5%</li><li>Yorkshire and the Humber &#8211; 4.9%</li><li>East &#8211; 4.7%</li><li>Wales &#8211; 3.9%</li><li>South West &#8211; 3.8%</li><li>North West &#8211; 3.2%</li><li>North East &#8211; 2.7%</li><li>East Midlands &#8211; 1.4%</li><li>London &#8211; 1.1%</li></ol>



<h2>Highest paying occupations</h2>



<ul><li><strong>Chief Executives and senior officials</strong> &#8211; £90,00 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Legal professionals </strong>&#8211; £76,522 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Marketing and sales directors</strong> &#8211; £75,631 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Brokers</strong> &#8211; £66,813 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Advertising and PR directors</strong> &#8211; £64,641 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Medical practitioners</strong> &#8211; £64,504 average annual gross pay</li></ul>



<h2>Lowest paying occupations</h2>



<ul><li><strong>Playworkers</strong> &#8211; £14,345 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Beauticians and related </strong>&#8211; £15,210 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Hairdressers and barbers</strong> &#8211; £15,405 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Bar staff</strong> &#8211; £15,896 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Waiters and waitresses</strong> &#8211; £16,146 average annual gross pay</li><li><strong>Leisure and theme park attendants</strong> &#8211; £16,194 average annual gross pay</li></ul>



<h2>Ready to increase your earnings?</h2>



<p>Are you feeling underpaid? Ready to increase your earnings in 2022? Well the good news is you have the power to start earning more money. Either you start <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-do-i-apply-for-a-job-sonicjobs/?id=756"><strong>applying for new jobs</strong></a>, or you <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise/?id=464"><strong>negotiate a higher salary</strong></a><strong> </strong>with your current employer.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://www.sonicjobs.com/uk?redirected=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> can help you with your job search. With over </em><strong><em>half a million</em></strong><em> live vacancies on our app, you’ll be sure to find a well-paid job near you.</em></p>


What is the average salary in the UK?


<p>In a workplace setting, asking your colleagues about their salary is seen as a bit of a taboo subject in the UK. It’s one of those conversations that a lot of people want to have, but few have the courage to bring it up. There’s a risk of offending the person you’re asking, and there’s also a fear among employees that they will be dismissed by their employer if they find out. But what are your rights when it comes to discussing wages with colleagues? Should colleagues talk about what they earn or should they steer clear?</p>



<p>In today’s post, we’ll answer all these questions and more!</p>



<ul><li>Is it illegal to discuss salary with colleagues?</li><li>Why is it taboo to ask your colleagues how much they earn?</li><li>How to ask a coworker how much they earn</li></ul>



<h2>Is it illegal to discuss salary with colleagues?</h2>



<p>From a legal standpoint, it’s not illegal to ask colleagues how much money they make. In fact, it’s illegal for employers to ban their employees from having these discussions. Many companies will stipulate in your employment contract that salaries are confidential, and they have the right to do so. However, this is not legally enforceable and is just used as a measure to deter employees from discussing salaries.</p>



<h2>Why is it taboo to ask your colleagues how much they earn?</h2>



<p>Asking colleagues about their salary has become a taboo in the workplace. This is largely due to employment contracts stating that salaries are confidential. Most employees do not realise this isn’t legally enforceable and are fearful of having these discussions. In reality, salary discussions can be very healthy and are a great way to encourage equal pay.</p>



<h2>How to ask a coworker about their salary</h2>



<h3>1. Pick the right person</h3>



<p>If you’re going to bring up the topic of wages, do so with someone who’s working at a similar level to you with similar responsibilities. Consider the number of years’ experience they have, their skills and responsibilities. This will make sure it’s a fairer comparison. Ideally, you’ll have this conversation with several people rather than just one.</p>



<h3>2. Don’t be too direct</h3>



<p>This isn’t a conversation where you’ll want to dive straight in for the jugular. Remember, although it’s your legal right to discuss salary, it’s still a sensitive topic for many people and not everyone is going to be comfortable opening up.</p>



<h3>3. Be transparent about your salary</h3>



<p>If you’re asking a coworker about their salary, it goes without saying that you’ll need to be transparent about your own situation. You can’t expect your colleague to be open and honest if you’re not willing to first. Go into the conversation expecting to be the first person to share their salary. This will help to set the tone for the conversation to flow freely.</p>



<h3>4. Put your research to good use</h3>



<p>Once you’ve gained a good consensus, make sure you use this information in the right way. Your purpose isn’t to gossip and spread information around the office. Equally, if you feel underpaid, don’t allow your emotions to run away from you. Remain calm and professional. Although it’s not illegal for you to discuss salary among colleagues, your employer could still retaliate in an indirect way. Remain calm and professional, and don’t make any rash decisions. Your aim is to ascertain whether you’re earning a fair salary. If you feel your salary is lower than it should be, consider holding a meeting to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-for-a-pay-rise-2/?id=552"><strong>ask for a pay rise</strong>.</a></p>



<h2>Fairer pay for all</h2>



<p>Although salary conversations are taboo, you should remember that you have a right to discuss this. Discussing wages can reveal inequalities and can also help you to benchmark your progress. But remember, just because someone is on a higher salary than you doesn’t make it okay to cause a ruckus. Stay professional and use the information in the right way.&nbsp;<br></p>



<p class="has-text-align-center">Thinking of leaving your job? Check out these top <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/top-reasons-for-leaving-a-job-sonicjobs/?id=526">reasons for leaving a job</a>.</strong></p>


Can you ask your colleagues how much money they make?


<p>Asking your employer for a pay rise can feel like an awkward conversation. But if you’re not satisfied with your current salary, it’s better to address this head on rather than brush it under the rug.</p>



<p>Use our tips for asking for a salary increase to give yourself the best shot of success!</p>



<ul><li>Find an appropriate moment</li><li>Catch your manager at the right time</li><li>Prepare examples</li><li>Use facts and figures</li><li>Remain professional</li><li>Research market value</li><li>Be clear</li><li>Prepare to negotiate</li><li>Have a backup plan</li></ul>



<h2>Valid reasons to ask for a salary increase</h2>



<ul><li>You’ve been given new responsibilities and duties</li><li>Through experience, you’ve become a more knowledgeable and skilled worker</li><li>You’ve not received a pay rise for many years</li><li>You&#8217;ve moved into a more Senior role</li><li>Your current salary is below market value</li></ul>



<h2>The best way to ask for a pay rise</h2>



<h3>1. Find an appropriate moment</h3>



<p>When asking for a raise, you need to pick the right time. Don’t just pull your manager aside spontaneously. Make sure you either book in a meeting (for a minimum of 30 minutes), address it during a performance review, or book a meeting when you’ve successfully completed a project.</p>



<h3>2. Catch your manager at the right time</h3>



<p>Avoid booking a meeting when your manager is under a lot of stress or is dealing with a particularly busy period. It helps to catch your manager during a time when they’re happy with the team performance and things are running smoothly.</p>



<h3>3. Prepare examples</h3>



<p>As part of your preparation for your meeting, make sure you prepare examples of your achievements. You’ll need to use these examples as a means of justifying your pay rise, so dig deep!</p>



<h3>4. Use facts and figures</h3>



<p>Where possible, use any facts or stats to reflect your performance like Key Performance Indicators or targets. This will make your argument more compelling!</p>



<h3>5. Remain professional</h3>



<p>It’s important to remain professional, positive and non-emotional during your meeting. Even if you’re frustrated about your current salary, don’t let this show and keep the tone upbeat.</p>



<h3>6. Research market value</h3>



<p>Always use a <a href="https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Country=United_Kingdom/Salary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salary checker</a> to research the average UK salary for your job beforehand. This will help you to decide how much of a pay rise to ask for. As a general rule of thumb, it’s acceptable to ask for a 10% raise, but always do your research to double-check the going rate!</p>



<h3>7. Be clear</h3>



<p>During the meeting, make your desired salary clear and tell your manager what you’d hope to be earning. Avoid being vague as this could result in miscommunication and disappointment!</p>



<h3>8. Prepare to negotiate</h3>



<p>When asking for a pay rise, you may need to negotiate a little. It’s possible your employer will want to give you an increase, but maybe just not as much as you’re asking for. Be prepared to come down a little on your request, but don&#8217;t be afraid to ask for other benefits to compensate, such as more annual leave, private healthcare etc.</p>



<h3>9. Have a backup plan</h3>



<p>Unfortunately, you may not be successful in your quest for a pay rise. If that’s the case, be respectful of their decision and make a plan with your manager to understand the steps you need to take in order to gain your raise. If this isn’t a possibility, it may be time to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-long-to-stay-in-a-job/?id=442">consider new opportunities.</a></p>



<h2>Know your worth</h2>



<p>Every employee has the right to ask for a raise, but knowing <em>when</em> and <em>how</em> to ask for a raise is key to your success. Always prepare in advance, remain professional, and be confident in putting your case forward.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Looking for a career move? Take a look at our article on </strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/discover-your-dream-job/?id=418"><strong>defining your dream job</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p>


How to ask for a pay rise


<p>You’re at a point in your career where you’ve mastered your current role and are providing more value than your salary reflects, and so it’s time to ask for a salary increase. Asking for a pay rise can be one of the most nerve-wracking employee experiences and takes great courage. While you can’t guarantee you’ll get the outcome you’re looking for, there are steps you can take to drastically improve your chances of success.</p>



<p>Read our guide to negotiating a better salary:</p>



<ul><li>Don’t go in blind</li><li>Be factual</li><li>Compile recent accomplishments</li><li>Carry out a salary comparison</li><li>Be realistic</li><li>Don’t make demands</li><li>Cross-sell yourself</li></ul>



<h2>When to ask for a pay rise</h2>



<p>Timing is everything. Although you may be impatient to get a raise, it’s important to get the timing right. Here are a few good circumstances to ask for an increase:</p>



<h3>Performance reviews</h3>



<p>Performance reviews are a great time to address your salary. Employers won’t be taken by surprise, and all your achievements will be at the forefront of their mind.</p>



<h3>After project completion</h3>



<p>When you’ve successfully completed a project, you’ll be in your manager’s good books and can make a strong case for your raise.</p>



<h3>When your manager is happy</h3>



<p>Ensure you’re not asking for a raise when your manager is stressed and dealing with several problems. Pick a time when things seem to be running smoothly and your manager is upbeat.</p>



<h2>8 ways to improve your chances of getting a salary increase</h2>



<p>Asking for a raise is a big moment in your career. Make sure you prepare to the best of your ability using these steps:</p>



<h3>1. Don’t go in blind&nbsp;</h3>



<p>First things first, preparation is key. Don’t wing it &#8211; take the time to prepare and rehearse out of office hours so you can present a structured case for your request.</p>



<h3>2. Be factual</h3>



<p>Keep your argument factual and not based on your emotions. Use data, facts and figures to show where you’ve excelled &#8211; this will create a more compelling case.</p>



<h3>3. Compile recent accomplishments</h3>



<p>To strengthen your case, make a list of your recent accomplishments. Think about how you’ve improved the company or excelled in your role, including any project work, new skills or initiatives you’ve introduced.</p>



<h3>4. Carry out a salary comparison</h3>



<p>Make sure you use a <a href="https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Country=United_Kingdom/Salary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salary checker </a>to compare the average UK salary for your role in your area. This will help you to decide what a reasonable pay rise is, and will also help your manager to understand how your salary compares.</p>



<h3>5. Be realistic</h3>



<p>Make sure you’re realistic with your salary expectations. Don’t just go for the highest possible figure, but really think about whether the amount fairly reflects the value you’re bringing and is comparable to your experience.</p>



<h3>6. Be upfront</h3>



<p>When speaking with your manager, don’t be afraid to be clear about the salary you think would be a fair reflection of your worth. There’s no point in having the conversation if you’re not going to be upfront about your expectations.</p>



<h3>7. Don’t make demands</h3>



<p>Although you may feel your pay rise is justified, never make demands. Try not to show any frustrations you have with your salary. Instead, keeping your tone upbeat and professional will make your argument more persuasive.</p>



<h3>8. Cross-sell yourself</h3>



<p>Figure out what other skills you can offer or duties you’d like to take on, and incorporate this into your argument. This will show your employer they won’t just be dishing out more cash for the sake of it, but they’ll actually receive something in return.</p>



<h2>What to expect</h2>



<ul><li><strong>Challenges: </strong>When asking for a pay rise, your boss will likely challenge you and get you to further justify your request. This is normal, so handle all objections professionally and factually.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Negotiations: </strong>You may have to negotiate on your salary. If your employer suggests a lower salary, justify why you think you’re worth the higher salary. If you’re still unsuccessful, be prepared to come down a little or compensate with other benefits such as annual leave or bonuses.</li></ul>



<ul><li><strong>Rejections: </strong>You might be unsuccessful in your quest for a pay rise. If that’s the case, work out a structured plan with your manager to achieve your raise. Find out exactly what you need to do and when you can review your progress. If a pay rise just isn’t on the cards, it may be time to <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-long-to-stay-in-a-job/?id=442">consider a new role.</a></li></ul>



<h2>Shoot for the stars</h2>



<p>Don’t shy away from asking for a pay rise. If you feel you’re underpaid, you deserve a higher salary. Just remember to time it well, and prepare a strong case for your increase in advance. You might not achieve the outcome you want, but asking for a raise will get the ball rolling in the right direction!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Got an upcoming interview? Read our article on </strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ask-about-salary-expectations/?id=460"><strong>asking about salary expectations</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p>


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