💼 Career Growth Simulator
See your lifetime earnings and career trajectory. The Career Growth Simulator models salary growth, promotions, raises, and total career income over decades.
Your Career Trajectory
What is the Career Growth Simulator?
The Career Growth Simulator projects your lifetime earnings and salary trajectory based on your current compensation and expected growth pattern. Most people underestimate their lifetime income — and the cumulative impact of raises, promotions, and career changes.
This tool helps you see the long-term financial implications of career decisions: stay in the current role vs. switch, pursue an advanced degree vs. start working, take a salary cut for fulfillment vs. maximize earnings.
The Career Math
Salary compounds with raises and jumps with promotions:
Lifetime earnings is the sum of all annual salaries. The simulator projects both.
How to Use This Simulator
- Enter your current salary and expected annual raise percentage.
- Set your promotion frequency and the typical raise at each promotion.
- Choose the time horizon (typically years until retirement).
- Click "Project My Career" to see your salary trajectory and lifetime income.
Benefits of Visualizing Career Growth
Most career advice focuses on the next step — the next role, the next raise. This simulator zooms out to the full arc. It shows that the cumulative effect of consistent raises and periodic promotions produces a much larger lifetime income than most people realize.
It's also useful for comparing paths. Run scenarios: stay in current role, switch jobs, pursue an MBA, freelance, start a business. The different lifetime earnings are concrete, not vague.
Frequently Asked Questions
What raise should I expect?
3-5% is typical for inflation-matching raises. Job switches often produce 10-20% jumps. Promotions typically deliver 10-25% depending on level. Industry matters: tech and finance have higher growth than education or non-profits.
How often do real promotions happen?
It varies by company and level. Entry-level: 2-3 years. Mid-career: 3-5 years. Senior: 4-7 years. Executive: 5-10 years. The simulator uses your input to model your specific situation.
What if I switch careers?
Run the simulator with the new career's starting salary and growth pattern. The cumulative impact of switches over a 30-40 year career is significant.
Does this include taxes?
No, this is gross salary. To estimate net, apply your effective tax rate (typically 20-30% for middle-class earners).
What about inflation?
The result is in nominal dollars. To see real purchasing power, divide by (1 + inflation)^years. Most planners assume 2-3% long-term inflation.
Related Simulators
- Future Wealth Simulator — total picture.
- Productivity Growth Simulator — work output.
- Life Progress Timeline — full life arc.
- Decision Outcome Simulator — compare paths.