Don’t ask, don’t get: Millions of Aussies ask for a pay rise, majority successful
Millions of Australians have asked their employer for a pay rise over the past year, according to a report by Finder.
Finder's State of Women's Wealth Report 2025 reveals 1 in 5 (19%) Australians – equivalent to 2.8 million people – requested a salary increase in the last year.
Of those who asked, 4 in 5 (84%) were successful in receiving a pay increase of some sort.
But while the average pay rise was worth $3,388, shockingly, men received almost double the rise in pay as women.
The report found men secured $3,990 on average, compared to $2,424 for women.
Men were also more likely to have asked for a raise in the first place, with 24% asking for a pay bump compared to 14% of women.
Sarah Megginson, report author and personal finance expert at Finder, said while the numbers can give employees confidence, it's concerning to still see such a stark gender pay gap in the increases granted.
"The fact that just over 80% of those who asked for a raise were successful should encourage more Australians to have that conversation with their employer.
"One of my favourite sayings is 'questions are free'. The answer is always no if you don't ask, so putting your hand up is always going to boost your chances of a better outcome.
"But it's really worrying that women not only received smaller raises on average, but were also less likely to ask in the first place.
"This underscores the need for more confidence in salary negotiations and for employers to address pay equity proactively."
The lack of asking for a pay rise could be connected to feelings about job security.
A Finder survey of 1,232 working Aussies between September 2024 and April 2025 found that women are more likely to feel insecure in their job (15% versus 10%).
Megginson encouraged all Australians to not only review their current salary but also their current financial products.
"Remember – 'don't ask, don't get' extends beyond your salary – it's also the approach you should take when it comes to your insurance, savings account or energy bill.
"If you aren't sure where to start, check what you are paying versus the best offers available."
Check out Finder's State of Women's Wealth Report 2025.
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