Money at Work: How to Grow Your Career and Earn More
Feeling Needed Is Not the Same as Moving Up
Many of us work hard and feel needed where we are. People come to us with questions. We know how everything works. If we are out sick, things fall apart.
That feels good. But here is the hard truth: being the only person who can do your job can keep you stuck. If you are the single point of failure, your boss may not want to move you, because no one else can do what you do.
This post is part of the Money at Work series. It is about one of the biggest ways to have more money at work: growing your career so you can earn more.
How to Earn More at Work: Ways Your Pay Can Grow
Most raises come in one of two ways:
Cost-of-living raises: Small raises that help your pay keep up with rising prices. They help, but they usually do not move you ahead.
A new or bigger job: A promotion, a new role, or a higher-paying position. This is where the bigger pay jumps usually happen.
Other than cost-of-living raises, the main ways to increase your pay are to:
Increase your education
Earn certifications
Cross-train and learn other jobs
Apply for higher positions, even ones outside your current role
Let's Do the Math
These examples are made up, just to show the difference.
Cost-of-living raise: If you make $40,000 a year and get a 3% raise: $40,000 × 3% = $1,200 more a year.
Promotion: If you move to a job that pays 10% more: $40,000 × 10% = $4,000 more a year.
Hourly jobs: If you go from $15 an hour to $18 an hour, that is $3 more an hour. $3 × 40 hours × 52 weeks = $6,240 more a year.
Small steps up can add up to big money over time.
Education Pays
Education is one of the strongest ways to grow your pay. Here is what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found for 2025 median weekly pay, along with how many people in each group were out of work:
Less than a high school diploma: $770 a week (6.1% unemployed)
High school diploma: $966 a week (4.3% unemployed)
Some college, no degree: $1,062 a week (3.8% unemployed)
Associate's degree: $1,135 a week (3.0% unemployed)
Bachelor's degree: $1,578 a week (2.8% unemployed)
Master's degree: $1,876 a week (2.6% unemployed)
Professional degree (like a lawyer or doctor): $2,294 a week (1.9% unemployed)
Doctoral degree (a PhD): $2,307 a week (1.8% unemployed)
More education usually means more pay and less chance of being out of work.
Let's Do the Math
To turn weekly pay into yearly pay, multiply by 52 weeks.
High school diploma to associate's degree: $1,135 − $966 = $169 more a week. $169 × 52 = $8,788 more a year.
High school diploma to bachelor's degree: $1,578 − $966 = $612 more a week. $612 × 52 = $31,824 more a year.
Bachelor's degree to master's degree: $1,876 − $1,578 = $298 more a week. $298 × 52 = $15,496 more a year.
High school diploma to master's degree: $1,876 − $966 = $910 more a week. $910 × 52 = $47,320 more a year.
High school diploma to doctoral degree: $2,307 − $966 = $1,341 more a week. $1,341 × 52 = $69,732 more a year.
These are middle numbers for the whole country, not a promise. Your field, your location, and your experience matter too. But they show how much education can change your life.
Master's Degrees and Doctorates
A master's degree usually takes one to three years after a bachelor's degree. A doctorate can take several more years. These degrees can lead to leadership roles, specialized jobs, and higher pay.
I earned my master’s degree, an MBA. If you are thinking about a master's or doctorate, look for programs that let you keep working, like online or evening classes. And check whether your employer will help pay for it before you sign up for loans.
Let Your Employer Help Pay
Many employers will help pay for school through tuition reimbursement. Some pay for certifications too. That can save you thousands of dollars. Just learn the rules first, like what grades you need and whether you have to stay with the company for a certain time after.
Certifications Can Open Doors
You do not always need a full degree. Certifications can show you have a skill and help you qualify for better jobs. Some fields, like IT, project management, health care, and skilled trades, have certifications that can lead to higher pay.
Many employers will pay for the certification test if you pass, and some even give bonuses. Look on your company intranet or ask HR what your company offers.
Cross-Train So You Are Ready
Cross-training means learning how to do other jobs on your team. It is good for the team, and it is good for you.
When a position opens, you already know some of the work.
Your boss sees that you are willing to learn.
You can teach others your job, so you are not stuck as the only one who can do it.
Teamwork works both ways. When you teach someone your job, you make it easier for your company to let you move up.
Use Your Company's Job Portal
Most companies have an employment portal where they post open jobs. Check it often.
At many companies, current employees who qualify, have a good work ethic, and have good attendance get first preference for open jobs. Your company already knows you. That is a big advantage.
Companies also have a reason to hire from within. LinkedIn found that employees stay 41% longer at companies that regularly hire from within. Good companies want to grow their own people.
Look for an Upgrade Every 2 to 3 Years
Do not wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder. Every 2 to 3 years, look for your next step up in the company. That might be:
A promotion in your department
A lead or supervisor role
A job in a different department that pays more
A new role that uses skills you have been building
Be the Employee They Want to Hire
Start now, before there is an opening.
Learn what the next job needs. Read the job description for the position you want. What education, certifications, or skills does it ask for? Start working on them now.
Dress the part. Dress for the job you want, not just the job you have.
Show up. Good attendance and being on time matter more than many people think.
Do great work. A strong work ethic gets noticed.
Ask for more. Volunteer for projects that help you learn new skills.
Tell your boss your goals. Many bosses are happy to help if they know what you want.
When the job opens, you want them to think, "Of course we should hire them."
Apply for Jobs You Are Not Used To
Do not count yourself out just because a job is outside your current role. Many skills move from one job to another, like leading people, solving problems, managing projects, and talking with customers.
Where I worked, we had an electrical engineer supervisor who became the IT supervisor. That is a different field, but the leadership and problem-solving skills carried over.
If a job pays more and you meet many of the requirements, apply. The worst they can say is no, and even a no can teach you what to work on next.
Working in Government Contracting? Look for Jobs That Get You a Clearance
If you work for a government contractor, or want to, a security clearance can be one of the biggest pay boosts in your career. A security clearance means the government has checked your background and trusts you to work with classified information.
You cannot apply for a clearance on your own. A clearance is sponsored by an employer or a government agency for a job that needs one. That is why it matters to look for jobs that will sponsor your clearance. Once you have it, many other cleared jobs open up to you.
The Main Levels
Secret: The most common clearance.
Top Secret: A higher level with a deeper background check.
TS/SCI: Top Secret plus access to special compartments of information, common at intelligence agencies.
Polygraph: Some jobs also require a polygraph (lie detector) test. This is often required for intelligence work.
The Higher the Clearance, the Higher the Pay
Here is the average total pay by clearance level from the 2026 ClearanceJobs Security Clearance Compensation Report:
Secret: $107,439
Top Secret: $126,839
TS/SCI: $139,261
TS/SCI with a counterintelligence (CI) polygraph: $148,128
Full-scope (lifestyle) polygraph: $149,875
Let's do the math:
Secret to Top Secret: $126,839 − $107,439 = $19,400 more a year
Top Secret to TS/SCI: $139,261 − $126,839 = $12,422 more a year
No polygraph to CI polygraph: The report found people with no polygraph averaged $118,680, while people with a CI polygraph averaged $148,128. That is $148,128 − $118,680 = $29,448 more a year
These are averages that include many experienced workers, so starting pay may be lower. A clearance alone is not a golden ticket. Your skills, experience, education, and certifications still matter. But a clearance can make you much more valuable.
Examples of Jobs That Often Sponsor a Clearance
Many cleared jobs are not just for engineers and spies. Here are some examples of jobs at government contractors that often require or sponsor a clearance:
IT help desk and computer support
Network and systems administrators
Cybersecurity analysts
Administrative assistants and office managers
Security assistants and facility security staff
Project coordinators and project managers
Logistics, supply, and warehouse specialists
Technical writers and trainers
Maintenance and facilities workers on secure sites
Finance, contracts, and human resources staff
If you are already at a contractor, look on the job portal for positions that say "must be able to obtain a clearance." That means they may sponsor you.
Protect Your Clearance
A clearance is something you have to keep. Pay your bills on time, be honest on your forms, follow the rules, and report changes in your life when you are asked to. Money problems and dishonesty are common reasons people have trouble with their clearance.
Track Your Wins
Keep a simple list of your wins at work: projects you finished, problems you solved, money you saved, people you trained, and kind words from customers or coworkers. When it is time for a review, a raise, or a new job, you will have proof of the value you bring.
Ask for the Raise
If you have taken on more work, earned a new certification, or finished a degree, ask about a raise or a new title. Bring your list of wins. Ask your boss, "What would I need to do to reach the next level?" Then write down the answer and work on it.
Things to Watch Out For
Do not burn out. Growing your career takes time. Pick one or two steps at a time.
Read the education rules. If your company pays for school, know the rules about grades and staying with the company afterward.
Look at the whole job. A higher-paying job may have longer hours, more travel, or different benefits. Make sure it fits your life.
Keep your current job strong. Your current work is your best reference.
Not Sure? Check With Your HR Department
Every company is different. If you are not sure what education, certification, or career benefits your company offers, or about any benefit in the Money at Work series, check with your HR department. Ask them:
Where do you post open jobs?
Do current employees get first preference?
Do you pay for school or certifications?
What do I need to qualify for the next level in my job?
Are there training or mentoring programs I can join?
Do any jobs here sponsor a security clearance?
Small Steps to Grow Your Pay
Growing your career can feel like a huge goal. The heart of Surviving Life Lessons is breaking big problems into small, manageable steps. Here are some SMART-style examples:
"This week, I will look at my company's job portal and find one job I would like in the next 2 to 3 years."
"This month, I will write down what education, certifications, or skills that job needs."
"By the end of this month, I will ask HR about tuition or certification benefits."
"This quarter, I will ask my boss if I can cross-train on one new task."
"Within 30 days, I will teach one coworker how to do part of my job."
"This month, I will search my company's job portal for jobs that sponsor a security clearance."
If a step feels too big, make it smaller. If a time frame feels too short, give yourself more time.
Making These Steps Fit Your Life
Every person's life, family, and schedule is different. A parent with young kids may grow more slowly than someone with more free time, and that is okay. A small step every few months is still progress. Look at your own life and choose the steps that fit right now. You can also learn from others who have moved up. That is why we have free community groups, where people share what helped them grow their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make more money at my job?
Other than cost-of-living raises, the main ways are to increase your education, earn certifications, cross-train, and apply for higher positions, including jobs outside your current role.
How often should I look for a promotion?
Many people find it helpful to look for their next step every 2 to 3 years, and to start preparing before a job opens.
Do companies prefer to hire their own employees?
Many do. Employees who qualify and have a good work ethic and attendance often get first preference. Check your company's rules.
Can I switch to a different kind of job at my company?
Yes. Many skills, like leadership and problem-solving, carry over to new roles. If you meet many of the requirements, apply.
Does a security clearance increase your pay?
Usually, yes. The 2026 ClearanceJobs report found that average pay rises with each clearance level, from about $107,000 for Secret to about $139,000 for TS/SCI.
Can I get a security clearance on my own?
No. An employer or government agency has to sponsor your clearance for a job that needs one. Look for jobs that say they will sponsor you.
Where to Go From Here
Growing your career is easier when you have people cheering you on. At Surviving Life Lessons, we believe in life survivors helping life strugglers. Our Saving, Budgeting & Frugal Living Group is a place to talk about growing your income and making it go further, and our Debt & Money Struggles Support Group understands what it feels like when your paycheck is not enough. You can also browse our Community Groups Catalog to find every group that fits where you are right now.
Next, read Money at Work: A Simple Guide to Your Work Benefits or Money at Work: Rebuilding Your Future With Education and Career Paths.
Your Story Matters
We need your nice comments below! Your thoughts, experiences, and lessons learned might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.
Drop a comment, Say Hello, and join the conversation.
Need More Personalized Support?
Everyone's journey is unique. If you're looking for personalized guidance, encouragement, or one-on-one support, explore our services to find the option that's right for you. We're here to help you take your next step with confidence and hope.
Helpful Resources for Your Journey
Explore our collection of books, journals, coloring books, and printable PDFs designed to encourage, inspire, and support you every step of the way.
References
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Education pays, 2025", https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2026/data-on-display/education-pays.htm
LinkedIn Talent Blog: "Employees Stay 41% Longer at Companies That Do This", https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/blog/internal-mobility/2020/employees-stay-41-percent-longer-at-companies-that-do-this
ClearanceJobs: "From Secret to TS/SCI to Full-Scope Poly: How Security Clearances Impact Compensation", https://news.clearancejobs.com/2026/05/13/from-secret-to-ts-sci-to-full-scope-poly-how-security-clearances-impact-compensation/
ClearanceJobs: "The 2026 Security Clearance Compensation Report", https://about.clearancejobs.com/hubfs/pdfs/2026_ClearanceJobs_CompensationReport.pdf
ClearedJobs.Net: "Levels of Security Clearance: Confidential, Secret, Top Secret", https://blog.clearedjobs.net/levels-of-security-clearance/
About the Author:
Deborah Ann Martin is the founder of Surviving Life Lessons, a published author, poet, speaker, and trainer with over 20 years of management experience across multiple industries. An MBA graduate, U.S. veteran, single mother, and rare cancer survivor, Deborah brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her writing on resilience, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Her mission is to empower others with practical wisdom and real-life insight to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose.
.png){kind=small}
Comments