Why Job Hopping For Big Salary Bumps Is Fading
Summary
The days of using job hopping for big salary increases may be over as new data signals a seismic shift in the career playbook. Just a few years ago, switching jobs meant paydays as high as $50,000 for Gen Zers, but now, the market is rewarding those who dare to stay put.
Job Loyalty Is the New Hustle
A fresh report from Korn Ferry reveals the rise of "job hugging," where workers cling to their positions amid economic instability, layoffs, and the growing shadow of artificial intelligence. It's a strategy that’s making waves for all the right (and wrong) reasons: the once-explosive pay bump from changing jobs has cooled off, and sticking with the current employer is suddenly trendy again.
Key Takeaways- The average salary increase for job hoppers has normalized to around 7%, compared to previous years when increases topped $50,000.
- Most employees, especially Gen Z, plan to stay in their current roles for the next six months, marking a radical shift from the recent era of rapid career moves.
Why the Tide Has Turned
Several factors are at play in this transformation. A 2023 Resume Builder poll found 62% of Gen Z and millennials switched jobs for more pay, and back then, 80% of those saw salary boosts—20% by $50,000 or more. Now, the narrative is dramatically different. Korn Ferry and Bank of America Institute both highlight stagnating wages and shrinking opportunities, with AI and market uncertainty forcing candidates to rethink strategies.
Salary data from the Atlanta Fed further validates the change: job switchers only managed a 0.2% edge over loyal employees in recent months, whereas two years ago, the difference was 2.2%—a plunge from the 7.7% boost job hoppers previously enjoyed. Most workplace experts now recommend building skills and leveraging internal opportunities, rather than risking a move that may not deliver expected gains.
This is more than just a shift in numbers. Job hopping has gone from being seen as ambitious and strategic to sometimes a red flag for recruiters. That means skill development, career advancement, and adaptability are now the new benchmarks for winners in today's volatile job market.
The job market of 2025 is a different beast. Big salary jumps from job switching have lost their luster, and Gen Z—the pioneers of job hopping—are leading the charge in staying faithful to their current employer. In a world gripped by AI, layoffs, and wage stagnation, the next big career move might be no move at all.
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