Time: > 1 - 2 hours

STEP 1: Research salary benchmarks for your role or desired role using reliable sources. Create a spreadsheet to log data, noting the median salary, range (e.g., 25th–75th percentile), and factors like experience level or company size.

Examples include:

• Online platforms like Glassdoor, PayScale, or LinkedIn Salary to find salary ranges for your job title, industry, and location.
• Industry reports from professional organizations or government data (e.g., U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for U.S.-based roles). 

STEP 2: Analyze how your current salary compares to the collected data. Calculate:

• The percentage difference between your salary and the market median.
• Key skills or certifications that higher-paid professionals in my role possess. 

STEP 3: List skills or qualifications that could justify a higher salary based on research. 

• Technical skills (proficiency in Salesforce for a sales role).
• Leadership or soft skills (project management, stakeholder communication).
• Certifications or advanced training tied to higher pay. 

STEP 4: Determine 2–3 skills to develop to boost your market competitiveness.

STEP 5: Schedule a 30-minute meeting with your manager to discuss your salary and career growth. Prepare by:

• Summarize your research findings.
• Highlight your contributions to build a case.
• Draft questions like: “What skills or achievements would position me for a salary increase to align with market rates?” 

STEP 6: Create a plan to take action on steps leading you towards your desired salary and/or career path.