Can You Move Up in Salary Grades? Here’s How to Do It Without Getting Stuck

We all know the struggle: stuck in a salary grade, wondering if you’ll ever move up or if you’re doomed to stay in the same pay band forever.

Good news: it’s possible to climb up — if you know how the system works.

Let’s break it down with the right strategies and proof to back it up.

What Is a Salary Grade?

A salary grade is a structured system used by organizations to determine employee pay based on factors like experience, job responsibilities, and performance.

It divides compensation into levels or bands, with each band representing a specific range of salaries.

These grades help ensure that pay is fair, consistent, and aligned with market standards.

They also provide a clear path for salary progression, where employees can move up through the grades as they gain experience, improve performance, or take on more responsibility.

1. Performance Is the Key to Your Next Pay Level

Your performance is your golden ticket.

Research from Compensation and Benefits Review (2023) shows that employees who exceed their targets and outperform expectations are far more likely to move up in salary grades.

When you’re consistently going above and beyond, you make a strong case for HR to bump you up.

In fact, HR Professionals Quarterly (2023) reports that employees who consistently deliver exceptional results can move up in their pay band much faster than others.

How to do this?

Focus on hitting — and exceeding — your key performance indicators (KPIs).

Don’t just meet the minimum expectations.

Be the person who always delivers more and solves problems creatively.

When HR sees results, they’ll start seeing potential for growth in your salary.

2. Level Up Your Salary with New Expertise

These days, staying static isn’t an option:

The Compensation Strategies report (2024) found that employees who actively seek skill upgrades or pursue professional certifications see faster salary progression.

Essentially, you want to be the employee who keeps learning and evolving, not the one who sticks to their outdated skill set. Whether it’s taking a course, getting certified, or learning new software, show HR that you’re serious about developing your abilities.

If you’re in tech, learning the latest programming languages or taking a leadership course can set you apart.

According to PayScale (2022), people who continuously level up their skill set are in higher demand and see quicker movement through salary bands.

3. Experience + Time: The Sweet Spot for Salary Growth

Let’s be real: you’re not going to see a major pay jump after just a few months. But experience does matter.

According to Compensation Strategies (2024), most organizations see salary increases linked to how long an employee has been in their role, with significant movement after 3–5 years.

The longer you’re in a role — and the better you perform — the more likely it is you’ll move up in salary.

However, time alone isn’t enough.

A study by PayScale (2022) found that employees who combine long tenure with ongoing skill improvement and strong performance are the ones most likely to see significant salary increases.

4. Don’t Wait for the Raise, Ask for It

You can’t just sit around hoping someone will notice you deserve a salary increase. Negotiation is a crucial part of moving up in salary grades.

Research by Harvard Business Review (2023) found that employees who proactively negotiate their salaries — not just after annual reviews but at the right moments — are more successful at climbing up their salary bands.

The best time to negotiate is when you’ve hit major milestones — like completing a big project or receiving outstanding performance feedback.

Don’t be shy — put together a strong case, citing your performance and skills, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you think is fair.

5. Don’t Be Afraid of Setbacks

If you don’t get the raise or promotion immediately, don’t let that discourage you. Setbacks are normal, and they don’t mean you’re stuck forever.

According to organizational psychologist Dr. Emily Harris (2024), resilience is key in career progression.

If you get feedback that suggests you’re not quite ready for the next step, use it to fuel your growth. Work on the areas you’re told to improve, then go back and ask for a follow-up meeting.

So, can you move up in salary grades?

Yes, and it’s completely in your hands.

By performing at your best, learning new skills, leveraging your experience, and negotiating your worth, you can absolutely climb the salary ladder.

Remember, it’s not a race, but a well-executed strategy. The better you understand the system and work within it, the faster you’ll move up the pay scale.

Sources

• Compensation Strategies. (2024). Pay progression and experience: What the numbers really say.

• Compensation and Benefits Review. (2023). How performance impacts salary growth.

• Harvard Business Review. (2023). How to negotiate your salary like a pro.

• HR Professionals Quarterly. (2023). Skills and salary growth: The correlation you need to know.

• PayScale. (2022). Salary progression and employee retention: The hidden truths. Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com/salary-research