Architects: How to ask for a pay rise in 2025

Securing a salary raise while staying with your current employer requires strategic timing and a well-prepared approach.

Whether you're an Enterprise Architect, Solution Architect, or Chief Architect, leveraging the right opportunities can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Here's a guide, including timing tips and key considerations.

1. Understand Your Market Value

Before initiating salary discussions, research where you stand in the market. Use tools like industry reports, salary comparison sites, and professional networks to determine fair compensation for your role and expertise. Pay special attention to high-demand roles like Data Architect or Security Architect, where salaries are often higher due to skills scarcity.

2. Reference the Pay Transparency Directive

The Pay Transparency Directive (applicable within the EU) promotes equal pay for equal work, empowering employees with rights to access salary information. Even if you're outside the EU, this shift toward transparency is a global trend. Use this framework to advocate for fair compensation by highlighting the market standards for your position.

3. Best and Worst Times to Ask for a Raise

Best Times to Negotiate a Raise

• After a Major Success: Showcase your involvement in the completion of a successful project, emphasizing your contribution to its outcomes.
• During Financial Prosperity: Approach the discussion after the company announces strong financial performance or achieves a major milestone.
• Contract Renewal: Use contract renewal discussions to align your salary with your role’s value and current market trends.
• When Offered More Responsibility: If you're being asked to take on additional responsibilities, this is a prime moment to request an adjustment to your compensation.
• During a Quiet Period: Seek a meeting when your manager's schedule is less hectic, ensuring they can give your request thoughtful consideration.

Worst Times to Negotiate a Raise

• Amid Financial Difficulties: Avoid initiating salary talks following the announcement of poor financial results or the loss of a key client or contract.
• During Salary Freezes: If the company is in a pay or recruitment freeze, your request may be deferred or denied regardless of merit.
• At the Start of the Week or Quarter: Steer clear of Monday mornings or busy periods when your manager may have limited focus on your discussion.
• At the End of the Week: Friday afternoons can be unproductive for these conversations, as many people are wrapping up their week or preparing for the weekend.

4. Highlight Key Skills and Contributions

To strengthen your case, showcase your impact and skills:

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in architecture frameworks, design tools, and certifications like TOGAF or AWS Solutions Architect.
• Leadership Abilities: Highlight successful mentoring, team leadership, or cross-departmental collaboration.
• Problem-Solving Success: Provide examples of innovative solutions you've implemented that saved costs, increased efficiency, or addressed critical challenges.
• Strategic Value: Illustrate how your work aligns with and supports the company’s strategic goals, such as digital transformation or cybersecurity enhancements.

5. Tips for Negotiating Effectively

Prepare Your Pitch

• Document specific accomplishments and their measurable impact.
• Use language that ties your contributions to the company’s goals.

Practice Active Listening

• Understand your manager’s perspective and address any concerns they raise.

Be Flexible

• Propose a salary range rather than a fixed number, allowing room for negotiation.

Consider Additional Benefits

• If a salary increase isn’t immediately possible, negotiate for perks like bonuses, flexible work arrangements, or professional development opportunities.

6. The Bigger Picture: Long-Term Growth

While salary is important, ensure that your current role supports your career trajectory. Seek opportunities to lead major initiatives, develop expertise in high-demand areas, and position yourself as an indispensable resource within your organization.

Conclusion

Negotiating a salary raise as an architect is about demonstrating your value, choosing the right moment, and making a compelling case.

By preparing thoroughly and timing your discussion strategically, you can improve your chances of securing the pay you deserve while continuing to grow within your current company.