Pay rise vs inflation calculator (U.S.)
Official inflation in U.S. was 3.7% in September 2026. A pay rise has to be at least 3.7% just to keep up with prices.
Real pay change after inflation: -0.7%
Common pay rises against inflation in U.S.
| Pay rise | After inflation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | -2.6% | Falls behind |
| 2% | -1.6% | Falls behind |
| 3% | -0.7% | Falls behind |
| 4% | +0.3% | Beats inflation |
| 5% | +1.3% | Beats inflation |
| 7% | +3.2% | Beats inflation |
| 10% | +6.1% | Beats inflation |
How this is calculated
- Real change = (1 + pay rise) ÷ (1 + inflation) − 1, using the latest official 12-month inflation rate. Vernumo does this calculation.
- Your own cost of living depends on what you buy and where you live. Taxes and deductions are not included.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · September 2026 · Latest value