While it’s difficult to predict how the tech industry and broader economy will fare over the next 12 months, one thing is certain: companies everywhere will continue to try to do more with less. Even when the economy is booming and companies are flush with cash, tech teams still need to fight for resources—and for tech professionals, that can mean a battle to convince their managers to pay out higher salaries and better benefits.

If you’re heading into 2025 with the intention of getting a raise, here are some quick tactics to help you achieve that goal.

Leverage Market Trends and Data

Understanding current market trends and salary benchmarks is critical. Employers are more likely to respond to evidence-based requests rather than vague demands. Use resources like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Dice’s regularly updated Tech Salary Report to research pay scales for your role and geography. If your expertise is in a high-demand area such as AI, cybersecurity, or cloud computing, emphasize how your skills align with current hiring trends.

During your conversation with your manager, you might want to frame your research like this:

"I've researched current salary data for similar roles in the market, and professionals with my skills in [e.g., AI/DevOps] are earning between $X and $Y. Given my contributions and the demand for these skills, I'd like to discuss aligning my compensation with market standards."

Highlight Measurable Achievements

In uncertain economic times, companies prioritize investments that directly impact their bottom line. Highlight your specific contributions, such as cost savings, revenue generation, or successful project delivery. If you've automated processes, reduced downtime, or increased system efficiency, quantify these achievements.

Here’s an example of how you might frame that to your manager:

"Over the past year, I implemented a system upgrade that reduced downtime by 25 percent, saving the company approximately $50,000. Given these measurable results, I believe my contributions justify a salary adjustment."

Position Yourself as a Valuable Asset

Frame your request around your value to the company’s strategic goals. Employers are more willing to negotiate if they see you as an integral part of future success. Stay informed about your company’s key challenges, such as expanding digital capabilities or enhancing cybersecurity, and position your skills as solutions to these problems.

Positioning yourself as a vital gear in the machine is pretty straightforward:

"As the company expands into new markets, my expertise in scalable cloud solutions will be critical to supporting this growth. I'd like to discuss how my role can evolve to meet these demands and how my compensation can reflect the increased responsibility."

Negotiate Beyond Base Salary

If your employer is hesitant about increasing base pay, explore other aspects of the compensation package. Consider negotiating for bonuses, stock options, professional development funds, remote work stipends, or additional vacation days. These perks can significantly enhance your total compensation.

For example: "I understand budget constraints may limit salary adjustments right now. Would it be possible to explore alternative benefits, such as a performance bonus or additional professional development opportunities, to reflect my contributions?"

Build a Strong Case with Soft Skills

While technical skills are essential, soft skills such as communication, leadership, and adaptability are increasingly valued. If you’ve taken on leadership roles, improved cross-departmental collaboration, or mentored junior team members, emphasize these contributions to show your well-rounded value.

This is a great tactic because many managers and executives are looking for tech professionals who can help lead teams and manage other employees. It pays to highlight those abilities in any discussion; for example: "In addition to my technical contributions, I’ve taken on mentoring responsibilities and facilitated cross-team collaboration, which has improved project delivery times by 15 percent. I believe these efforts demonstrate my leadership potential, and I’d like to discuss how my compensation can reflect my expanded role."

Other Tips for Negotiating

• Timing is crucial: Aim for discussions after successful project completions or during performance reviews.
• Confidence matters: Practice your negotiation pitch to ensure you come across as assertive but not aggressive.
• Be flexible: Prepare to offer creative solutions if the employer cites budgetary limitations.

Negotiating a higher salary in 2025 requires more than just asking for a raise—it’s about showcasing your unique value in a way that aligns with your company’s goals. By using data, emphasizing your achievements, and presenting yourself as a strategic asset, you can successfully navigate even the most uncertain economic environments.