{"id":409,"date":"2026-06-13T05:47:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T05:47:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T04:00:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T04:00:54","slug":"how-to-know-if-being-underpaid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Know If You Are Being Underpaid"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suspecting you are underpaid is common. Knowing for sure and acting on it is less common. Here is how to do both.<\/p>\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#Research_the_market_for_your_specific_role\" >Research the market for your specific role<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#Talk_to_people_in_similar_roles\" >Talk to people in similar roles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#Get_an_outside_offer\" >Get an outside offer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#Act_on_what_you_find\" >Act on what you find<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#Read_next\" >Read next<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#How_long_does_a_recruiter_spend_looking_at_a_resume\" >How long does a recruiter spend looking at a resume?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#What_do_recruiters_look_for_first_on_a_resume\" >What do recruiters look for first on a resume?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#Should_I_include_a_summary_at_the_top_of_my_resume\" >Should I include a summary at the top of my resume?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#How_many_bullet_points_should_each_job_have\" >How many bullet points should each job have?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-know-if-being-underpaid\/#Get_a_free_honest_resume_review\" >Get a free, honest resume review<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Research_the_market_for_your_specific_role\"><\/span>Research the market for your specific role<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Levels.fyi for tech roles, and direct conversations with peers. Research the specific combination of your role, your level, your location, and your industry. A 20 percent salary difference between industries is not unusual.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Talk_to_people_in_similar_roles\"><\/span>Talk to people in similar roles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most accurate salary information comes from direct conversations. If you have trusted professional relationships with people doing similar work, asking about compensation ranges is increasingly normalized, especially in tech.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_an_outside_offer\"><\/span>Get an outside offer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The clearest validation that you are underpaid is an offer from another company that is significantly higher than your current compensation. This gives you both information and leverage. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/when-to-walk-away-from-job-offer\/\">when to walk away from a job offer<\/a>.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Act_on_what_you_find\"><\/span>Act on what you find<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you confirm that you are underpaid, do something about it. Having the conversation with your manager is always the first step. If that does not produce results, you have the information you need to make a decision about staying or leaving.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Read_next\"><\/span>Read next<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list atr-read-next\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-follow-up-job-application\/\">How to Follow Up After a Job Application (Without Being Annoying)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-explain-being-fired-in-interview\/\">How to Explain Being Fired in an Interview<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-network-at-industry-events\/\">How to Network at Industry Events Without Being Awkward<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_a_recruiter_spend_looking_at_a_resume\"><\/span>How long does a recruiter spend looking at a resume?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recruiters typically spend 6-10 seconds on an initial scan. They look for job title relevance, company names, and whether the most recent role is at the right level for the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_recruiters_look_for_first_on_a_resume\"><\/span>What do recruiters look for first on a resume?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most recruiters look first at your most recent job title and company, then check dates for gaps or progression, then assess whether the experience level matches what they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_include_a_summary_at_the_top_of_my_resume\"><\/span>Should I include a summary at the top of my resume?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, for experienced candidates. A 2-3 sentence summary that speaks directly to your target role helps recruiters understand your value instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_bullet_points_should_each_job_have\"><\/span>How many bullet points should each job have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3-5 bullets for recent roles, 1-2 for older ones. Each bullet should describe an accomplishment or outcome, not just a task or responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most candidates accept the first offer they receive because they are afraid of losing it. In my experience, that fear is rarely warranted. Employers expect negotiation. The initial offer is almost always a starting point, not a final number. Hiring managers typically have a range approved before they make a call, and they rarely rescind an offer because a candidate asked a reasonable question about compensation.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The single most effective negotiation tool is market data. Not what your friend earns or what you think you deserve, but documented salary ranges from sources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights, and Levels.fyi for technical roles. When you anchor your ask to external data rather than personal need, you reframe the conversation from &#8220;I want more&#8221; to &#8220;the market rate for this role is X, and I am asking for X.&#8221; For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/gender-pay-gap-job-seekers\/\">gender pay gap<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Total compensation is another area where candidates consistently leave value on the table. Base salary is one component. Signing bonus, annual bonus targets, equity vesting schedules, vacation time, remote work flexibility, professional development budgets, and health benefits all carry real monetary value. Before you accept or decline an offer, calculate the full package across at least two years to get an accurate picture of what you are actually being offered.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The timing of your negotiation conversation matters. The moment of highest leverage is after you have received an offer and before you have accepted it. Once you accept, your leverage drops significantly. During that window, approach the conversation collaboratively rather than adversarially. Something as simple as &#8220;I am really excited about this role and I would love to make this work, could we talk about the base?&#8221; signals enthusiasm while opening the door to dialogue. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-handle-being-laid-off\/\">handle being laid off<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_a_free_honest_resume_review\"><\/span>Get a free, honest resume review<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At AskTheRecruiter.com, a real recruiter reads your resume and gives you a live, specific review. No generic feedback. No AI filler. Find out exactly where you stand.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/get-your-resume-reviewed\/\">Get My Free Resume Review<\/a><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"atr-schema-jsonld\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does a recruiter spend looking at a resume?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Recruiters typically spend 6-10 seconds on an initial scan. 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Learn how to find out, what to do with the information, and how to act on it effectively.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7843,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[29,27,20],"class_list":["post-409","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-salary-negotiation","tag-job-offer","tag-recruiter-tips","tag-salary-negotiation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=409"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9147,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/409\/revisions\/9147"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}