Definition

Noun: A salary increase is a specific amount or percentage by which an employee's regular pay is raised. It represents additional money earned for work performed, typically granted periodically or based on performance.

Examples of Usage

• The company announced an annual salary increase of 4% for all staff.
• Her excellent project results were rewarded with a substantial salary increase.
• Negotiating a salary increase can be an important part of career development.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in line for a salary increase": To be due or likely to receive a raise.
  • After a successful year, she is in line for a salary increase.
• "across-the-board salary increase": A raise given to all employees in a company or group, not based on individual performance.
  • The union negotiated an across-the-board salary increase.

Variants and Related Words

• Raise (n): A common synonym for a salary increase, especially in American English.
  • He asked his boss for a raise.
• Pay rise (n): A common synonym, especially in British English.
  • Public sector workers are demanding a pay rise.
• Wage hike (n): Often used in journalistic or informal contexts, sometimes specifically for hourly or blue-collar workers.
  • The factory workers went on strike for a wage hike.

Synonyms

• Pay raise
• Wage increase
• Pay boost
• Increment (often used in formal or institutional contexts)

Related Phrases

• Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA): A specific type of salary increase intended to keep pace with inflation.
  • The contract includes an annual cost-of-living adjustment.
• Merit increase: A salary increase awarded based on an employee's individual performance.
  • The bonus is separate from your potential merit increase.

Noun

1. the amount a salary is increased
   • he got a 3% raise
   • he got a wage hike