I am a security engineer at a tech company in the greater boston area. I started at 72k 2 years ago and i make 73k now (tough times on company meant low/no annual raises) I have a masters degree with 2 years of experience and 2 SANS certifications and online tools say 86k is the average compensation for my profile. 6 months ago around 20% of people in R&D were laid off as the company was restructured. I survived that and the company is starting to get back on its feet. I could probably make 100k in a new job but i do not want to leave as my company is about to file an EB2 green card. What percentage of raise can i ask for in 3 months given my experience? To get to 86k would mean an 18% raise which seems too high. Would it be wise to ask for it when the company has just started to recover?
Interview. Don't assume other companies won't sponsor your green card. You have a lot more leverage when you are negotiating an offer.
I know other companies will sponsor my green card but they will have to sponsor my h1b again. That'll just waste another year. I would prefer job security of a green card over high compensation
Ask whether other ways of comp are possible? If you believe in the company, ask whether stock options can be part of the comp as a raise. If you don’t because of the current financial situation, get out because they might not make it
Find a new company
Interview other companies, even if you don’t want to move it will give you some leverage on negotiating salary, worse case a plan b. When you start interviewing you will be surprised how market has changed
This company has no money to pay you. Find a new company that will pay you more and start the green card process immediately.