CareerReturns · Salary Audit
Am I Underpaid?
Enter your role and salary. See your market percentile in 60 seconds — and exactly how much you're leaving on the table per year.No signup. No email. Just data.
Salary Audit
Underpaidpercentile for your role
Software Engineer · Technology
P25
$110,000
Median
$132,000
P75
$158,000
P90
$185,000
Your salary: $85,000
Gap to P75 / year
$73,000
5-Year NPV
$359,131
Your 3 Options
Ask for a raise now
Internal raises: 5-10%. Low risk, fast.
Get an outside offer
Use it as leverage. External offers: +15-25%.
Switch jobs
Job-switchers earn 17% more on average (Atlanta Fed).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am underpaid?
Compare your salary to the p50 (median) for your exact role, industry, experience level, and location. If you're below the p50, more than half your peers in the same position earn more. This tool does that lookup instantly using 2026 benchmark data from BLS, Glassdoor, and Levels.fyi.
What's the average underpayment gap?
Research from LinkedIn's Workforce Report shows the median underpaid worker earns approximately 12-18% below market rate. For a $90,000 salary, that's $10,800–$16,200/year left on the table — $47,000–$70,000 NPV over 5 years.
What should I do if I'm underpaid?
Three paths work: (1) Ask for a raise — internal raises yield 5-10%, (2) Get an outside offer and use it as leverage for 15-25%, or (3) Switch jobs — the Atlanta Fed Wage Tracker shows job-switchers earn an average of 17% more. The best move depends on how far below market you are and how tenure-locked you are.
Is this different from the salary benchmark calculator?
The salary benchmark calculator is designed for career returners who took a gap year — it models the career break penalty and negotiation scenarios. This tool is for everyone: it answers 'am I underpaid right now' in the fewest possible steps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am underpaid?
Compare your salary to the p50 (median) for your exact role, industry, experience level, and location. If you're below the p50, you're earning less than half your peers in the same position. Below the p25 means you're in the bottom quarter. This tool does that comparison instantly using 2026 compensation benchmark data from BLS, Glassdoor, and Levels.fyi.
What is the average salary gap for underpaid workers?
Research from the Economic Policy Institute and LinkedIn's Workforce Report shows the median underpaid worker earns approximately 12-18% below their market rate. For a $90,000 salary, that translates to $10,800–$16,200 per year left on the table. Over 5 years at a 6% discount rate, the NPV of that gap is $47,000–$70,000.
What should I do if I find out I'm underpaid?
Three paths: (1) Ask for a raise now — prepare with market data and schedule a conversation with your manager. Internal raises typically yield 5-10%. (2) Get an outside offer — this is the most reliable way to get a 15-25% jump. Even using it as leverage in a counter-offer conversation works. (3) Switch jobs — job switchers earn an average of 17% more than those who stay, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Wage Tracker.