How to Increase Your Salary as a 20-Something

I recently came across a TikTok which interviewed senior college students about their anticipated salary after graduation. Almost all the students expected six-figures for their first job. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) data, the 2025 projected salary for new graduates is a little less than $69,000. Entry-level job salaries vary by profession with engineering graduates having a larger projected salary than other fields of work. The cost of living is another factor to consider with any job listing. For example, salaries in California are much higher than salaries in Alabama so this can account for the variations.

After graduating from college with a master’s in engineering, my salary was $65,000 and I was so excited. However, due to the pandemic and the extreme growth in the city I was residing, I learned this was not enough very soon. My first job gave me a 10% cost of living increase after a year which was helpful at the time. But, as months went on, I realized I was working to pay my bills, which was good but not great. I eventually got a side-hustle to earn more cash. After some thought, I decided to switch jobs with the hopes of obtaining a higher salary. In the next job I was earning about $6,000 more, but after taxes I barely felt the increase. Eventually, I moved around again and ended up reaching six-figures at another company.

The number one method to earning more money is to switch jobs. Once you get experience at one company, you can take those skills and transfer them to your new role whether the skills are technical or non-technical. Also, depending on your field of work, obtaining certificates, licenses, or anything related to professional development can help you to leverage a higher salary.

Over the years I have seen co-workers or superiors work at companies for 15, 20, 25+ years. While this may have been the best approach for them, I do not think this approach can work for the younger generations. Due to technological advances, the social climate, and external factors, companies have exhibited unstable practices especially over the last five years.

Often, we can have a sense of loyalty or an emotional connection to our job, but unfortunately, they do not feel the same. A business is a business, and their main goal is to make money. Therefore, our goal in our jobs should be the same. A job is transactional, the company is paying you to perform a service and when your goals no longer align with what they can provide, then it is time to leave. This can be regarding salary, flexibility, health, or any issue you deem important in your life. I have witnessed time and time again co-workers being passed over for a promotion for an external hire because many companies have larger budgets for hiring than for retention.

While it is possible to be promoted internally at the same company, I have seen first-hand how this process can take longer with no guaranteed positive outcome. However, I have also seen some great companies where people feel valued and recognized. Ultimately, it is up to us to decide our goals and how we can achieve them best.

How long do you think a person should stay at a company? Let me know below!

How long should a person stay at a company?

• 0-6 months
• 6-12 months
• 1-2 years
• 3-4 years

See All Options