My first “real” job was as a staff accountant at an accounting firm. Back then, I was at the bottom of the ladder and didn’t earn much—let’s just say my starting salary wasn’t anything to brag about. But fast forward six or seven years from that first paycheck, and I was making over $XX,XXX plus another $100,000!
I’m telling you this because even if you’re not in a high-paying field like law or medicine, you can still hit six figures in your 20s. You just need to know what you want and go after it.
Earning well early in your career sets you up for lifelong wealth-building. Time is your biggest ally when it comes to creating passive income streams.
Now, I’m not some ultra-high earner, but I’ve done pretty well in accounting—a field where the average salary is around $75,000 (at least according to government stats). And I want to share what I’ve learned about getting ahead at work. So, without further ado, here are my eight tips for growing your salary as an employee.
1. I Worked Harder Than Anyone Else
I’ve always put in maximum effort at every job. It’s just how I’m wired—I won’t drop a task until I’ve examined it from every angle. Honestly, I outworked most people I knew.
Before buying my first place, I lived with roommates in rented homes. Nearly all of them told me at some point that I “work too much” or called me a “workaholic.” But in my book, “workaholic” is just a term lazy people invented to feel better about themselves!
Don’t shy away from hard work. Don’t worry about being the “weird” one who’s always grinding. The people mocking your work ethic? They’ll end up poorer and working harder later in life. Put in the hours now, build your financial foundation, and future you will be grateful.
2. I Always Aimed for the Next Level
In public accounting, there’s a standard career path: staff accountant → senior accountant → manager → senior manager, and so on.
When I was a staff accountant, I made it my mission to perform at a senior accountant’s level. That often meant being the first in and last out of the office. But I didn’t mind—I wanted to operate above my pay grade.
I kept this mindset with every promotion. I never settled into complacency. And this hustle got me noticed—my bosses gave me raises and promotions faster than my peers.
3. I Respected Everyone and Kept My Mouth Shut
I’ve seen so many careers derailed because people couldn’t show respect—to their bosses, peers, and subordinates. Being well-liked matters, especially when you’re lower on the ladder.
Respecting others means not snapping at them (and trust me, I’ve had to hold my temper). There’s no room for outbursts unless you’re in the C-suite (which most Millennials aren’t yet). It also means no gossip. Word spreads fast, and once you’re labeled a backstabber, good luck fixing your reputation.
4. I Wasn’t Afraid to Walk Away
My first office had about 15 people, and promotions were rare. Even though I was well-liked there, I moved to another branch where advancement was quicker. That decision changed my career.
A few years later, when growth slowed at that office, I jumped to a bigger company—and instantly got a 20% raise.
Don’t fear leaving. Don’t worry about hurt feelings. This is your life, career, and financial future. If you’ve built good relationships, people will be happy for you when you find a better opportunity.
5. I Wasn’t Afraid to Almost Leave
After a year or two at the bigger company, I interviewed elsewhere and got offers. Then I went to my employer and said I was considering a $115K offer—$25K more than my $90K salary.
At first, they said they couldn’t match it. But when they realized I was serious about leaving, upper management came back with $120K—a 33% raise without switching jobs or taking on more work!
6. I Handled Criticism Well
No one likes being criticized—it stings. But some of my biggest career lessons came from sitting in a boss’s office, listening to feedback, and keeping my mouth shut.
Early in my first accounting job, my manager, Anita, tore into me for a rushed, unchecked report. She said I’d done a “very poor job” and needed to “triple-check everything” until I had more experience.
It hurt—I’d always been a top student and had never been called out like that. But I took it to heart. After that, I triple-checked everything for two years, and Anita never had to criticize me again.
7. I Didn’t Waste Time
Just yesterday, my boss mentioned a coworker who’s “always on his phone.” Don’t be that person. If you have downtime, ask how you can help. Check in with your superiors—and even their bosses.
Early on, I built a relationship with a higher-up named Blake by volunteering for side projects. While others goofed off, I was in Blake’s office, laying the groundwork for my career.
8. I Took Great Notes
Most jobs involve verbal instructions—lots of them. Write everything down (laptop, phone, whatever). If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. A good boss won’t mind repeating themselves.
I always bring my laptop to meetings when getting instructions—I want to get things right the first time. Now that I’m the one giving directions, I insist my team takes notes too.