PayRaiseCalc

3 Percent Raise Calculator

A 3% raise is the most common annual increase. See exactly how much more you'll earn per hour, week, and month — and whether it actually beats inflation.

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How Much Is a 3% Raise?

A 3% raise means your pay increases by 3 cents for every dollar you currently earn. On a $50,000 salary, that's $1,500/year or $125/month. On $75,000, it's $2,250/year or $187.50/month.

3% Raise on Common Salaries

Current SalaryNew SalaryMonthly IncreaseWeekly Increase
$40,000$41,200+$100+$23.08
$50,000$51,500+$125+$28.85
$65,000$66,950+$162.50+$37.50
$80,000$82,400+$200+$46.15
$100,000$103,000+$250+$57.69

Is a 3% Raise Good?

A 3% raise is considered average — it typically matches or slightly exceeds inflation. If inflation is 3.2%, a 3% raise actually means a slight decrease in purchasing power (-0.2%). Check the "Real Raise" indicator above to see your true gain.

3% Raise Compounded Over 5 Years

A consistent 3% annual raise compounds: after 5 years, a $65,000 salary becomes $75,349 — a total gain of $10,349 (15.9% cumulative increase). Use the projection table above to see your specific numbers.

FAQ

Is 3% a cost of living raise?

Yes, 3% is typically considered a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) designed to keep your purchasing power steady with inflation. It's not usually considered a performance-based merit increase.

Should I negotiate a 3% raise?

If 3% is being offered as a merit raise (not COLA), consider negotiating higher. Top performers typically receive 5–10%. Use the scenario comparison above to see the long-term difference.

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