Raise and pay rise estimate
Pay Rise Calculator
Estimate the practical value of a pay rise by comparing old salary, new salary and the likely change in take-home pay. The focus is not career advice; it is the money that may actually reach the bank account.
The figures on this page are planning estimates. They are designed to help interpret salary movement, not replace an employer payslip, HMRC, IRS, payroll software or personal tax advice.
Calculator inputs
Compare old and new salary
Estimated result
After-tax difference
This looks like a useful increase, but the monthly figure is the one to compare with real bills, savings and housing costs.
How to read this page
A pay rise is worth reading in three ways: the gross increase, the estimated after-tax increase, and the monthly amount left for real budget decisions. This page is built for the third question.
| Step | What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Current salary | Estimate current take-home pay. | This is the baseline before the raise. |
| New salary | Estimate take-home pay after the increase. | This shows the practical change. |
| Monthly difference | Compare the net monthly gain. | This is usually the number that affects budgeting. |
What a pay rise calculator should show
The useful output is not only the percentage raise. It should show the estimated monthly take-home change, the retained share after tax and whether the gain changes the budget materially.
Why monthly gain matters
Many pay rises sound larger annually than they feel monthly. Once tax and payroll deductions are applied, the budget effect may be a smaller change to rent, savings, transport or debt repayment capacity.
When to use a separate salary page
If you need a full salary-after-tax estimate for a single salary level, use the UK, US or state salary pages. This page is for comparing two salary points.
Practical examples
| Example | What it shows | Planning takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Small raise | A few hundred per month gross or less. | Useful for inflation, bills or savings, but may feel subtle after deductions. |
| Moderate raise | A clear salary step or role adjustment. | Monthly take-home change may be enough to alter savings or housing planning. |
| Large raise | Promotion, job move or major market adjustment. | Tax bands, benefits and retirement choices deserve closer review. |
UK and US planning context
| Context | What can affect the increase | Useful route |
|---|---|---|
| UK salary increase | Income Tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, student loans, salary sacrifice and tax code changes. | UK salary after tax |
| US salary increase | Federal tax, FICA, state tax, filing status, benefits, retirement contributions and withholding. | US salary after tax |
| High-income raise | Tax thresholds, phase-outs, state tax and planning choices can make the retained share less intuitive. | Six-figure salary planning |
Related salary increase tools
Authority and planning guides
Pay Rise Calculator FAQ
What is the difference between a pay rise and salary increase?
They are often used interchangeably. Both mean comparing current pay with a higher salary or rate of pay.
Does a pay rise get taxed more?
Only the additional income is exposed to the marginal tax and payroll deduction pattern. Your whole salary does not suddenly move into one higher rate.
Can I use this for UK and US salaries?
Yes. The calculator includes simplified UK and US estimate modes for planning.
What should I check after using the calculator?
Check your payslip or paycheck, pension or retirement deductions, benefits, student loans, state tax and tax assumptions.
Bottom line
A salary increase is most useful when it is translated into after-tax monthly income and then compared with real commitments. Use the calculator or guide as a decision baseline, then check actual payroll details before relying on the result.
Job offer and affordability tools
Use these tools when a new salary needs to be tested against tax, housing, commuting, bills, moving costs and monthly affordability.