Salary & Pay Calculator
Pay Raise Calculator
Compare an old and new salary to see the raise amount, percentage increase, and annualized dollar impact across pay periods.
What this calculator does
- Built on official FLSA federal labor standards (29 CFR Part 541).
- 100% free, no signup — calculations run instantly in your browser.
- Results include a plain-English interpretation of what the numbers mean.
Salary Comparison
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Raise Impact
Enter both salaries.
0%
Raise percentage
Raise amount (annual)$0
Monthly increase$0
Weekly increase$0
Disclaimer. All results are for reference only and are not professional legal or payroll advice. Calculations reflect the FLSA rule restored May 15, 2026 (29 CFR Part 541). State rules may impose stricter requirements.
How this calculation works
A pay raise is measured two ways: the dollar difference and the percentage increase relative to your prior salary. The percentage matters for comparison because a $5,000 raise means very different things at $40,000 (12.5%) versus $120,000 (4.2%).
When evaluating an offer or annual review, compare the raise against current US inflation. A raise below inflation is effectively a pay cut in real purchasing power, even though the nominal number rises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a raise percentage calculated?
Divide the difference (new salary minus old) by the old salary, then multiply by 100. A raise from $50,000 to $55,000 is a 10% increase.
Is a 3% raise good?
A 3% raise roughly tracks US inflation in typical years, preserving purchasing power. A 5–10% raise generally outpaces inflation and reflects a meaningful real gain. Context — your role, market, and performance — matters most.
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