what is the average cost of living raise?
410214
Yes, the typical COLA increase is 3.5%. Some organizations link it to inflation, so it could vary (1-4%). It does put into perspective the "typical" raises the most employers give, where the range is usually (0-5%). If you recieve a 3-4% increase in the past few years, chances are that your purchase power is actually declning. The average housing and transportation (and healthcare) costs have increased 5-15% per year, so a 3% raise would mean that you would be farther away from your dream of being able to buy that house, or afford a car. Now I must go and cry myself to sleep...
623997
Asked off the bat abourt minimum wage the average joe would most definitely be in support of rasing the thing out the waaaaaaaazzzzzoooooo. When one really thinks about rasing the minimum wage in each city we realize that not everyone will directly benefit from a raise. For instance, a recent study shows that most individuals that take a minimum wage job move up in pay to a position  that is above both the state and the federal minimum wage within three months. If one was to raise the federal minimum wage I believe that it would cause an overall pay raise, thus having no affect at all because of the raise in living that would quickly follow. Although this hypothisies hasn’t been proven due to a lack of searching skills, I have found that some others will side with me on this belief. \n\nAnother issue that is along the lines of minimum wage,and is just as promonent, is a term called living wage.  Although there isn’t exactly a  set figure on what a living wage is, a general definition for some one living in Vermont  would be that minimum wage is a salary that a single individual or family can live off of with 5% left over for spending. Its clearly a serious issue. Companies see more and more young, unexperienced individuals entering their businesses, and there for it is easier for them to keep their wages a level that is very low.\n\nI believe that it is very important for one to keep in mind the type of work that is under the minimum wage blanket. Typically the individual that is being paid minimum wage is doing all of the difficult jobs. Many of the individuals that work as cashiers for example are often required to stand in one posistion for hours at a time. Although the work isnt as phsycially  demanding as general labor, many workers suffer from a wide variety of physcial aliments.\n\nSo, from the limited amount of information that Im going to bother to provide you with, one becomes rather lazy in 90’ weather, you should be able to make your own decision on where you stand on the minimum wage issue. I for one believe that we should evaluate each situation on an individual basis and go from there. What do you think?  To get back to your question the federal minimum wage is $5.75 and Vermont’s is $ 7.25
1036156
I saw in the News yesterday a refusal to a proposal to raise the minimum wage, which is currently 5.15 (Dollars) an hour. It is the National min. wage. Sorry to tell you this.
707216
would you stay or would you ask for a raise?
678017
Dear _______\n\nI have enjoyed working for you the past 4 years.  I have gained much knowledge and experience.  In that time I have been a loyal employee and have a good record of employment with you.\n\nMy current rate of pay is $_________ per _____.  I have not had a raise since _______.  During that time, my expenses for gas, and mileage have continued to increase, so it costs me more to do the same work for you as before.\n\nI am asking for a cost of living wage increase.  I think $_______ is reasonable.  That is only a ______% increase from what I am making now.  It is in line with what other companies are paying to someone working with my experience.\n\nThank you in advance for responding quickly to my request.\n\nI am available to discuss this in your office at your earliest convenience.\n\nSincerely,\n\nYour Faithful Employee
24183
I think the average is usually 15% but many give 20% or \nmore. It's definitely on the increase. 10% was the old standard a decade or more ago.
652519
Somewhere near 36% more.  Hey, more is more.  Even 1% more will pay off in the long run because in most degree level jobs you get raises based on what you currently make so your even getting bigger raises than those high schoolers.
476924
The United States Congress is currently considering a law that would increase minimum wage to about $7.25. I am just above the current minimum wage and would love to make $7.25, the only problem is economic effects that this could have on the country. Due to the huge rise in wages companies would have to pay out, they would be forced to raise prices to make up for that difference. That would cause the standard of living to increase, which would have a negative impact on our economy and perhaps bringing us back to this same issue. Again I do believe in a high minimum wage, but perhaps (and hopefully) smaller increases over a long period of time would remedy this problem.
711309
Generally, no. BUT, it wil ldepend on your company.\n\nIf there is a corporate pay scale, then they may adjust all scales accordingly, but not $1.70 worth. \n\nFor example, if the starting pay where you are is 5.15 and the second level is $8.00 and they raise the starting pay to 6.85, the second level may adjust to start at 9.00. \n\nit's hard to say. \n\nBut if your company does not employ minimum wage workers, then any substantial raise is HIGHLY unlikely.
895990
Raising the minimum wage will not improve anyone's quality of life.  Ohio just raised theirs.  Know what happened?  A huge nat'l pizza chain raised their pizza prices by $1 exactly, every single pizza.  Increasing the minimum wage will do nothing.  It's symptomatic of the democratic view.  People look to the gov't to improve their lot in life instead of doing it on their own.\n\nTo achieve those things you mentioned, we need our manufacturing jobs back.
826124
Case in point MN raised minimum wage to 6.15 an hour (with soc, and medicare and other taxes that is 7.08 an hour.  I had 104 employees of which 68 were minimum wage wait staff.  Their take home pay was about $150 a night in tips plus the $30 in wages for a total of $46,800 a year on average.  The 20% increase in the minimum wage cost all 104 employees their jobs.\n\n(note: this was a upscale restaurant and bar.  Two weeks before they passed the mim wage the Democratic also passed a smoking ban for the city, my daily bar business drove or walked five blocks away across city lines to be able to drink and smoke.\nIn addition my clientele was not minimum wage earners so the wage increase did not effect them.)
581460
i live in Connecticut (which i believe its still billed as 'richest state per capita income') and the minimum wage is $7.40 per hour.\ni think next year it goes up to 7.65, and last year it went up from 7.10
760203
i got a 15% increase once hired on full time. You can discuss salary with them. Your current company doesnt now what u get paid. find out what people in your position get paid and work from there. Salary has to be discussed when going permanent.
256335
The cost of living went up and thus, the SSA was trying to help people stay up with the increased cost.
1006685
Because EVERYONE thinks they deserve a $3,400 cost of living raise.  They're just the only ones who can make it happen.
746672
It could be from $20 to about $50. depending on your health, smarts, looks etc.
860256
Of course this sounds like a good idea - when does not making more money not sound like a good idea? Only thing is, with employers having to jump minimum to $7.25, we'll end up seeing the results in higher product and living costs so minimum wage earners are back to not making enough for living expenses.