26 Average Salary Increase When Changing Jobs Statistics [2026]

Research Summary. Transitioning to a new job can be daunting, especially if you feel uncertain about your prospects. However, research indicates that the majority of job changers experience a salary increase. In fact, individuals who remain in the same role for more than two years often see stagnation in their earnings.

What is the average increase in salary for job switchers in 2026? After thorough analysis, our data team has determined that the average salary increase for those changing jobs is:

• The average salary increase when changing jobs is 14.8%, compared to a wage growth of 5.8%.

• The Resources and Mining sector boasts the highest wage increase for job switchers at 11.8%.

• Leisure and Hospitality remains the only sector with negative wage growth when changing jobs, at -1.3%.

• Individuals aged 25-34 typically receive the highest average wage increase at 9.8%.

• Larger organizations tend to offer greater raises, with companies employing over 1000 people providing an average pay increase of 6.9%.

• Residents in the Northeast can expect the most significant salary increases when switching jobs, averaging 8%.

• On average, women experience 0.09% more wage growth than men when changing jobs.

For further insights, we have categorized the data in various ways:
Industry | Demographics | Region

Average Salary Increase for Job-Switchers by Industry

General Average Salary When Changing Jobs Statistics

When considering a job change, it’s essential to understand how salary increases can differ. Many job seekers target a 10-20% salary hike, but not everyone achieves this. Here are the key findings:

• The average salary increase is 14.8%, while the average wage growth is only 5.8%.

  While many individuals meet their salary expectations of 10-20%, overall wage growth can be significantly lower. Factors such as company size and age impact these results; for example, companies with fewer than 50 employees see wage growth of only 4.6%, and individuals aged 55+ experience just 4.1% wage growth.

• Wage growth for job switchers is 47% higher than for those who remain in their current jobs.

  Specifically, wage growth for job switchers averages 5.8%, while those staying put see only 3.1%. This disparity highlights that remaining in the same position can severely limit earnings potential.

• Wage growth for job switchers has increased by 0.68% since 2020.

  In contrast, wage growth for employees who remain in their roles has decreased by 1.01% during the same period.

• Overall employment growth has risen by 11.6% since 2020.

  As of 2021, total employment growth stood at 3.5%, reflecting a substantial recovery and rise in job opportunities.

• The average wage for job switchers is $30.37.

  This figure is double that of job entrants, yet $3.66 less than current jobholders. These averages can vary widely across different industries and job types.

Average Salary When Changing Jobs by Industry

Your potential for securing a higher salary can vary significantly by industry. Here are some insights from our research:

• The Resources and Mining sector offers an 11.8% average wage increase for job switchers.

  This marks a 5.3% increase from last year, making it clearly advantageous for those considering a job transition in this field.



• The Leisure and Hospitality sector continues to exhibit negative wage growth, currently sitting at -1.3%.

  Little change has occurred in this sector, indicating ongoing challenges for job seekers.

• The Information and Professional Service sectors boast robust wage growth, at 9.7% and 9.6% respectively.

  These figures are significantly above the overall average of 5.8%, making job transitions within these fields particularly lucrative.

• The Trade and Transportation sector shows the lowest wage growth for job switchers at 2.2%.

  This sector has seen a downward trend, decreasing by 1.3% over the past year.

Average Salary When Changing Jobs Demographics

Factors such as age and gender significantly influence salary outcomes for job changers. Generally, the highest salary increases peak around age 35 and decline thereafter. Our research reveals:

• Individuals aged 55 and older experience the lowest wage increases, averaging only 4.1%.

  In contrast, workers aged 25-34 can anticipate an average wage increase of 9.8%, representing a 58% advantage over their older counterparts.



• Workers aged 16-24 have seen a 1.7% decrease in wage growth since 2020.

  While this age group still enjoys a wage growth of 6% when switching jobs, it has experienced the steepest decline over the last year.

• Women enjoy 14% higher wage growth when changing jobs.

  For men, the average wage growth stands at 5.5%, while women benefit from an average of 6.4%. Women have also consistently seen a more substantial increase of 1.1% from 2020-2021, compared to just 0.2% for men. Despite this, women still earn less on average, with rates of $32.61 compared to $27.79 for men.

• While race does not appear to impact salary negotiations, college-educated Black men earn 20% less than their White counterparts.

  This disparity translates to a difference of $30 per hour for White individuals versus $24 for Black individuals.

• Companies with 500-1,000 employees offer the lowest salaries for job switchers at an average of 3.2%.

  This is even lower than the 4.6% wage growth from companies with fewer than 50 employees, marking a significant challenge for job seekers in this category.

• Firms with over 1,000 employees provide the highest wage growth for job changers at 6.9%.

  This figure is 16% above the national average, reflecting an upward trend greater than that of smaller organizations. Wage growth for these firms increased by 1.7% from 2020-2021.

Average Salary When Changing Jobs by Region

Your geographical location can greatly influence your average salary when switching jobs. Here’s what our research uncovered regarding regional wage differences:

• The Northeast (New England) shows the highest average wage growth at 8.8% when changing jobs.

  This figure has increased significantly, rising 2.1% from previous years, and is 11% higher than the West.

• Employees in the West receive an average raise of 8% when changing jobs.

This includes states like California, Oregon, and Washington.



• The Midwest ranks lowest for wage growth among job changers, with only a 3% average increase.

  This figure has been declining, down by 1.9% from 2020.

• The South has the lowest average salary for job changers, averaging $27.01.

  In comparison, the North and West show averages of $35.32 and $34.76, respectively. Nevertheless, wage growth in the South remains higher than in the Midwest at 5.6%.

Average Salary Increase for Job-Switchers by Region

Average Salary Increase When Changing Jobs FAQ

1. What is the average salary increase when changing jobs?

   The average salary increase when changing jobs is 5.8% in 2021, up 0.68% from 2020. Depending on your industry, wage growth when switching jobs can be as low as -1.3% (Leisure and Hospitality) or as high as 11.8% (Resources and Mining).

   Age also plays a significant role, with workers aged 25-34 receiving a 9.8% average salary increase when changing jobs, compared to 55+-year-olds receiving a 4.1% average raise for switching.

2. What is a good salary increase when changing jobs?

   Generally, a good and reasonable salary increase when changing jobs is between 10-20%. The national average is around 14.8%, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a similar increase. Expect a minimum wage growth of at least 5.8% when changing positions.

3. How much of a salary increase should you ask for when changing jobs?

   You should request a 10-20% salary increase when changing jobs. Starting with a higher figure gives you negotiation flexibility. Consider your current salary, industry standards, and economic conditions when setting your expectations. Research what professionals with your qualifications typically earn using online salary tools.

   Ultimately, focus on ensuring you’re compensated fairly for your contributions, rather than fixating on a specific percentage increase.

4. Should I apply to positions in regions with higher wage growth?

   Applying for jobs in regions with higher wage growth can be advantageous, but it’s essential to weigh other factors. Consider the cost of living and the characteristics of the company you’re targeting. These aspects will help you assess whether a move is worthwhile.

5. What is the average annual salary increase for staying at your current job?

   The average annual salary increase for staying at your current job is 3.1%. In contrast, job-switchers benefit from a higher average annual raise of 5.8%, highlighting the financial advantages of changing companies.

   However, companies may be cautious about hiring “job-hoppers,” so be mindful of how often you make moves for higher pay.

6. What percent of Americans receive a pay increase when changing jobs?

   49% of Americans receive a pay increase when changing jobs. Additionally, 29% report a salary hike of over 30% in their new role.

   While the typical salary increase when changing jobs hovers around 10-20%, successful negotiators with substantial experience may achieve even higher increases.

Conclusion

In summary, changing jobs can be a strategic move, as the average worker enjoys a salary increase of 14.8% alongside a wage growth of 5.8%. Job switchers generally experience wage growth that is 47% higher than those who remain in their current positions.

Except for roles in the Leisure and Hospitality sector, most industries offer a good chance of a salary increase, regardless of your company size, gender, or age.

With this information, you should feel empowered to explore job opportunities, as making a change could significantly enhance your financial prospects!

References

1. Burtch Works. “2019 Update: Analytics Salary Increases When Changing Jobs.” Accessed on August 30, 2021.

2. ADP Research. “Workforce Vitality Report.” Accessed on August 30, 2021.

3. CNBC. “Race doesn’t impact how job-seekers negotiate salaries—but it does affect how much money they get.” Accessed on August 30, 2021.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.