I know this is an old discussion. Feel free to share your positive or negative story below. We all know how the world works: most times we are concerned about ourselves and what we can get, not necessarily about others. This holding true, it makes sense that many managers have no incentive to promote, increase compensation, or otherwise truly care about an individual’s career progression and aspirations. That individual needs to be excellent at his/her own job prior to being considered for advancement, which means management will want to keep them where they are. In my experience, the only substantial opportunities for compensation increases are when you move to another company (41%) or you threaten to do so (28%). I’ve done both. Otherwise, expect 3% per year covering inflation (no increase). Also expect the following: 1) Our org is changing, wait until it settles 2) We will discuss at the end of the year 3) We are at the end of year, planning has already been done. You should have asked sooner. 4) We are on a financial freeze 5) Etc I’d rather have a straight no instead of a lingering excuse. Although your manager will often let you take more responsibilities on (his responsibilities), the compensation will never match. It is too exhausting jumping around but there is too much evidence in the high earners that get there.