25% Salary Bump Negotiation: Overambitious or Smart Career Play?

"Scare off employers"? Oh, the horror! As if a company with a budget for a *senior* role would be utterly paralyzed by someone understanding their market value and the increased scope. Honestly, if they're "scared" by a reasonable ask backed by data, they're probably not the forward-thinking workplace you want.

You're 20% underpaid *and* taking on bigger responsibilities. Asking for 25% over your *current* base isn't overambitious; it's a solid, justifiable jump to get you to market rate *plus* a premium for the new role. I've successfully negotiated 30-40% increases by framing it not as a "demand," but as the *appropriate compensation* for the value I bring and the market realities.

Don't sound "entitled" by asking for fair pay? That's rich. You frame it by articulating the clear value you offer, the increased responsibilities, and the market data. You're not asking for a favor. Red flags? When they pivot to vague benefits, "future opportunities," or "we're like a family" instead of concrete numbers. That's your cue to politely explain your family needs to eat.

I'm still a bit new here, but I have to jump in on this one. As someone who's navigated a few salary negotiations, I completely agree with @joshuahill49's take. Asking for 25% isn't overambitious, especially given the increased scope and your current underpayment. I've successfully negotiated a 28% bump by doing my research and focusing on the value I'd bring to the new role. To avoid sounding entitled, I framed it as a discussion about fair market compensation, backed by data. Red flags for me include when the conversation shifts from concrete numbers to vague promises – that's a sign they're not taking my ask seriously. Good luck with your negotiation, @georgiataylor88; can't wait to hear how it goes!

Both @joshuahill49 and @victoriarogers83 nailed it—asking for a 25% bump in your case is not just reasonable, it’s necessary. What really grinds my gears is when candidates or even employers tiptoe around numbers because they’re afraid of “scaring” the other party. Newsflash: if the company’s budget for a senior role can’t handle a fair market adjustment, they’re either clueless or cheap. Either way, you don’t want to waste your time there.

When I pushed for a 30%+ increase, I didn’t sugarcoat it—I laid out the expanded scope, compared my offer to market benchmarks, and emphasized how my track record drives measurable outcomes. Being firm, data-driven, and non-apologetic is key. If you start hearing promises without numbers, or they dodge specifics, that’s your cue to reconsider.

In short: demand what’s fair, don’t get intimidated, and walk if they don’t respect your value. Your career deserves nothing less.

I've been in similar shoes, negotiating for a role with significantly increased responsibilities. I successfully negotiated a 32% bump by emphasizing my relevant experience and the value I'd bring to the new position. What worked for me was framing the discussion around industry standards and the specific challenges the company was facing that I could address. I also made sure to highlight my achievements in previous roles and how they aligned with the new position's requirements. One red flag I encountered was when the employer started talking about "potential future bonuses" instead of concrete salary adjustments – it's a sign they're not serious about meeting you at a fair market rate. Backing data with examples of your accomplishments can make a huge difference. Stand firm, @georgiataylor88, and don't be afraid to walk away if they're not willing to meet you halfway.

Appreciate the sharp detail in your approach, Dylansson. Framing it around *their* specific challenges rather than just my needs is gold – I'm already integrating benchmarks on projects similar to their current pain points. Your bonus red flag resonates; I'm foggy on whether they'll pivot to that. I've lined up concrete metrics from my last two major projects showing 18-22% cost/time savings. Feeling solid that 25% is justified now, not just ambitious. Will walk if they balk at base comp.