What a 15% Raise Really Means
Moving from $100,000 to $115,000 represents a 15.0% increase — roughly $1,250 more per month before taxes. While this is above the typical annual merit raise of 3-5%, it is a modest jump that may not fully compensate for the risks of switching jobs. You would earn an additional $7.21 per hour and $288 per week. Consider whether the new role also offers better growth trajectory, improved benefits, or a shorter commute that adds non-salary value to the move.
Break-even Timeline
Switching jobs has real costs: lost tenure, unvested benefits, learning curve, and potential probation periods. Assuming approximately 3 months of transition costs (reduced productivity, lost bonuses, job search expenses), you would break even on the switch in roughly 10 months. With a 15.0% raise yielding only $1,250 extra per month, the payback period is meaningful. Make sure the new role offers compelling non-financial reasons to switch — career growth, better management, or skills development — that justify the disruption.
Is a 10-15% Raise Worth Switching Jobs?
A 15.0% raise from $100,000 to $115,000 adds $15,000 per year — or about $1,250 per month before taxes. After federal and state income taxes (which will vary based on your bracket and location), the actual take-home increase is likely closer to $900 to $975 per month. This is a real improvement, but it requires context: is the new role also a step up in title, scope, or career trajectory?
The average worker who switches jobs earns 5-10% more than those who stay, according to wage tracker data. Your 15.0% jump falls in the upper range of typical job-switch raises at this income level. If you are currently at $100,000, an internal promotion would likely yield 8-12%, making the external $115,000 offer only marginally better. The differentiator is often the compounding effect: a higher base now means all future percentage raises are calculated on a larger number.
Before accepting a 15.0% raise to switch, calculate your full compensation gap. Compare 401k matching (even a 1% difference on $115,000 is $1,150 per year), health insurance premiums, PTO days (each worth $442.31), and any unvested equity or bonus you would forfeit. If the total package difference is less than $7,500, the switch may not be worth the disruption and risk.
Once you decide, use our job offer comparison calculator to compare the full compensation packages, or the 50/30/20 planner to budget your new income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth leaving $100,000 for $115,000?
Moving from $100,000 to $115,000 is a 15.0% raise worth $15,000 more per year, or $1,250 more per month before taxes. Financially, the move pays for itself in approximately 10 months after accounting for switching costs (lost bonuses, learning curve, job search time). The $7.21 per hour increase is meaningful at any income level. However, also weigh non-financial factors: team quality, management, career growth, commute, and work-life balance. If the new role is comparable or better on those dimensions, the financial case is clear.
How much more is $115,000 vs $100,000 after taxes?
The $15,000 gross difference between $100,000 and $115,000 translates to approximately $10,800 to $11,700 after federal and state taxes, depending on your filing status and state. That is roughly $900 to $975 more per month in take-home pay. You can reduce the tax impact by increasing pre-tax 401k contributions or HSA contributions at the higher salary — every dollar contributed pre-tax saves you 22-32 cents in taxes at this income level.
Should I take a 15% raise at a new company?
A 15% raise ($100,000 to $115,000) is above the typical 3-5% annual merit increase. This is in the range of what job-switchers typically earn, so it represents a fair market adjustment. Before accepting, compare total compensation: 401k match differences, health insurance premiums, PTO days, and any unvested equity you would leave behind. If the total package is within $4,500 of the base salary difference, the move makes financial sense. Use the calculator above to model the full comparison.