2025 Pay Raise Projections by Industry
2025 projected pay raise benchmarks by industry
| Industry | 2025 Average Raise | High Performers | Notable Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | 4.5-5.5% | 7-12% | AI/ML roles commanding premium |
| Healthcare | 4.0-5.0% | 6-10% | Nursing shortage driving wages |
| Finance & Banking | 3.5-4.5% | 6-15%+ | Bonus often 2-3x salary raise |
| Retail & Consumer | 3.0-4.0% | 4-6% | Wage floor from state minimums |
| Manufacturing | 3.5-4.0% | 5-7% | Union contracts driving baseline |
| Education (Public) | 2.5-3.5% | 3-5% | Budget-constrained, structured steps |
| Government | 2.5-3.5% | 3-4% | GS schedule and COLA-driven |
| Construction / Trades | 4.5-5.5% | 6-10% | Skilled trades shortage |
The 2025 salary increase budget average is 3.9% (WorldatWork Salary Budget Survey). Inflation-adjusted this represents a real wage gain of only about 0.7-1.1% for most workers.
Pay Raises by Company Size
Average pay raise budgets by company size — 2025
| Company Size | Avg. Raise Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 employees | 3.0-4.5% | More variable; often undocumented structure |
| 50-499 employees | 3.5-4.0% | Structured but flexible |
| 500-4,999 employees | 3.5-4.0% | Formal cycles, defined merit bands |
| 5,000+ employees | 3.0-3.7% | Rigid structures, higher base compensation |
How to Use Benchmark Data in Negotiations
Knowing the benchmark for your industry does not automatically entitle you to that level of raise, but it establishes reasonable expectations. If technology raises average 5% and your employer offers 3%, you now know that offer is below industry norm — and you can say so professionally. Reference specific sources: 'The WorldatWork salary survey shows average tech raises at 5.2% this year — I want to discuss being in that range.'
- Use at least three data points: BLS, an industry survey (WorldatWork, Korn Ferry), and a crowdsourced site
- Filter to your role level, geography, and company size where data allows
- Reference the specific survey name and year: 'According to the 2025 Robert Half Salary Guide...'
- Note whether you are in the top or bottom quartile, not just the average
- Combine benchmark data with documented performance wins for the strongest case
Calculate Your Industry-Benchmark Raise
Enter your salary and target raise percentage to see what reaching the industry average means in dollars.