Calculator · INTERACTIVE
Salary growth projection
Compound your raises forward and see the real-dollar value over time.
100% client-side. We never send your inputs to a server.
US 30-year average ~3%.
| Year | Nominal salary | Real (today's $) |
|---|---|---|
| Today | $85,000 | $85,000 |
| +1y | $88,400 | $85,825 |
| +2y | $91,936 | $86,658 |
| +3y | $95,613 | $87,500 |
| +4y | $99,438 | $88,349 |
| +5y | $103,415 | $89,207 |
| +6y | $107,552 | $90,073 |
| +7y | $111,854 | $90,948 |
| +8y | $116,328 | $91,831 |
| +9y | $120,982 | $92,722 |
| +10y | $125,821 | $93,622 |
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Methodology
How it works
We compound your annual raise rate forward each year: nominal = current × (1 + raise%) ^ years. Real (purchasing power) salary divides nominal by cumulative inflation: real = nominal / (1 + inflation%) ^ years.
US 30-year average inflation is around 3%. Periods of higher inflation (1979-1982, 2021-2023) erode raises faster. A 4% raise in a 5% inflation year is a real-dollar cut.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between nominal and real salary?
- Nominal is what your paycheck will say. Real is the equivalent purchasing power in today's dollars. Real is the meaningful number for whether your standard of living is rising.
- What if I expect raises only some years (job changes)?
- Compound annual rate captures the average. If you expect a 30% jump every 4 years and 3% in between, your effective annual rate is roughly 9.7%. Adjust the input to match your expected path.
- Why is the real value lower than nominal?
- Because inflation erodes the purchasing power of each dollar over time. A $100,000 salary today does not buy what $100,000 bought in 2010.
This calculator is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, tax, or career advice. Estimates use simplified models that may not reflect every situation. Consult a licensed professional before making compensation, tax, or career decisions.