Negotiate your salary when you change jobs
The best way to increase your salary is to change jobs. The average salary increase for those who changed jobs in 2022 was 13 per cent. Those who did not change jobs received an average salary increase of 5 per cent.
The job market for engineers is very healthy. There is great demand for engineers. When you change jobs, you have a strong negotiating situation and good conditions to raise your salary. With increased opportunities to work from home and remotely and record low unemployment for engineers, you have a good starting point for both changing jobs and being able to negotiate a good salary.
Change jobs, develop your skills and raise your salary
There are so many reasons to change jobs. No matter what your reasons are, we know you will get a higher salary. Changing jobs is one of the best ways to increase your salary.
Salary statistics when changing jobs in 2024
The salary statistics from Engineers of Sweden for 2024 show that those who changed jobs within the private sector, to another employer, received an average salary increase of 10.2 percent. Those who changed positions within the same company had an average salary increase of 11 percent. This can be compared to an average salary increase of 5.5 percent for those who did not change jobs.
In the public sector, the differences were even greater, with 11.9 percent for those who changed jobs externally compared to 8.6 percent for those who changed internally. Within municipalities and regions, the salary increases were lower, but even here the salary increase was higher for those who changed jobs.
Strong negotiating position when changing jobs
If you change jobs, you have great prospects for improving your salary. It is important that you prepare for a discussion about your salary so that your demands are in line with the market level in the sector.
The employer's salary proposal will be based on the current salary levels at the workplace and will be linked to how sought-after your skills and experience are. Before you accept a new salary, check the Saco Lönesök database, which contains statistics on the salaries of 74,000 engineers. This will help you to assess whether the employer's proposal is in line with the current market level. Create room for negotiation with your salary demand. The 90th percentile in the salary statistics may also be a reasonable market salary for you. Use the salary statistics.
If there are union representatives at the workplace, they may be named in the job advertisement. Contact them to find out more about the salary level. You can also contact Engineers of Sweden’s member support service if you are unsure about what the market rate is is and what salary level you should ask for.
What salary should you ask for when you apply for a new job?
Here are some tips on what salary you should ask for when you apply for a new job.
By matching your skills and experience step-by-step against the requirements set by the employer for the position, you will create a solid starting point for your arguments and lay the groundwork for getting a good salary. Ask for a market-level salary that corresponds to the skills and experience that the position requires.
Prepare to deflect questions about your previous or existing salary. The salary and salary development you have previously had is not relevant when you discuss pay with a new employer. Put simply, new job: new salary. Ensure your salary demand is appropriate for the market and sector, and that it matches the qualifications required for the position.
If there are union representatives at the workplace, they may be named in the job advertisement. Contact them to find out more about the salary level.
The Saco Lönesök salary database contains the salaries of 74,000 engineers, so you can see how you compare with others in the same profession. Create room for negotiation and go high with your salary demands. The 90th percentile in the salary statistics may also be a reasonable market salary for you. Use the salary statistics.
Based on how well your skills and previous experience match the position, you can create a strong negotiating position. You need to prepare a salary demand. And be prepared to both state it and be able to justify it.
Ensure that you have the "right" salary level from the start. Avoid promises of future increases as an argument for why you are being offered a lower salary now.
Also, ensure that you are included in future salary reviews.