What's fair for a raise?

Question

I have worked for a company for coming up on 2 years. In that time, I have received neither a review nor a raise. I plan to ask for a review on my 2 year anniversary with the company. I make $14.50 an hour and it's just not going to cut it anymore. I do a good job and I work hard. The cost of living in Alaska compared with what I make is a joke. I have been working in the real estate industry for 3.5 years now. 14.50 was great for starting out but now...?
What do you all think is fair for a raise?

I was thinking 17.00? Is that too much?

Again, I have not been REVIEWED OR GIVEN A RAISE. I work in a branch office and we have no branch manager...so it's hard to show MERIT to the president who gives us reviews and raises when he works in a different office. We are supposed to have annual reviews and a review after 90 days. I had neither. Another woman in our office worked here for 4 years with no review and no raise, so I know it's not just me.

Answer 1

There was a study done recently as to why women tend to be paid less then men. Half of it is in the negotiating. Lets say I was your manager and offered you 15.20 an hour, you might just jump at that.

Just don't be afraid to go up, you worked hard for this company, you gave them 2 years and they haven't given anything back, it's their turn to pay up.

Tell them that you worked hard and you deserve 17 and hour, they may try to lower down to 16, but you can probably start off with 16 an hour, with your experience.

Girl Power!

Answer 2

FIRST: raises are based on quality of performance--called MERIT. Were you REVIEWED and not given a raise ? Most companies review after 90 days and then annually. Your employer must have some policy on reviews and salary increases. Talk to Human Resources regarding what the POLICY is, and talk to your boss about the actual review and increase you want. Be prepared to DOCUMENT why you feel you deserve one...just time going by is NOT a good enough reason. If you are in a UNION, talk to your Shop Steward about the contract you are under and its guidelines on salary or wage increases.

Answer 3

I would begin by researching the average salary paid by similiar competeting companies for similiar job descriptions that you are providing. Provide more than one example of compensation, including benefits, other employees are paid for the same or similiar contributions to the company. A proficiency review from your employer should be provided at least every 6 months. So, my action would be to inform your direct supervisor of their responsibility to provide you with document that defines your competence, reliability, accuracy, attendence, and as a whole, satisfactory compliance that is demanded by the description of your position. Then, while you cannot demand a contract, perhaps you can suggest that incremental salary increases accompany a positive position review. The monetary salary increments can be determined by negotion between you and your supervisor. After over three years of positive production for the current firm you are working for, I think a salary increase of $5.00 an hour is not unreasonable. Start at $7.50, and niggle to $5.00. First however, before requesting the salary increase, just mention that you will find it beneficial if they provide you with a document that not only defines areas they see you as needing to improve, but the areas that they see you as postively fulfilling. If you have to seek a different position similiar to the one you are now engaged in, a document from your firm, defining your qualities, and contributions to the success of their progresses, will be invaluable. Go for it. Oh, one more thing, ask for a contract. It should provide both your company and you with a security gurantee. Read it carefully.

Answer 4

if it has been two years I would ask for about 10%