Is a workplace promotion really a promotion if it doesn't come with a raise? The short answer is no, but that isn't stopping a growing share of U.S. employers from offering workers what's known as a "dry promotion."
Also known as a no-raise promotion, a dry promotion is when a worker gets an upgraded title and more job responsibilities, but without an upgrade in compensation. The trend isn't new, but tends to resurface when the economy falters, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article noting that the number of employers offering people new job titles in lieu of commensurate raises has increased 5% since 2018, to 13% in 2024.
Like a bar that doesn't serve alcohol, dry promotions lack the heady ingredient that most clearly signals how much a business values an employee — money. So how should workers respond when their boss asks them to take on a greater role without also getting a bump in salary?
Gender Disparity in Job Promotions
According to job coaches, there is a noticeable trend where women feel more pressure than men to accept dry promotions without discussing the issue with their managers. The coaches highlight that women often feel compelled to say yes to promotions even when they believe they deserve more, as they fear missing out on future opportunities or lack the confidence to negotiate for better terms.
This pressure is reflected in a recent survey by Glassdoor, where two-thirds of female professionals expressed dissatisfaction with their salaries. The survey also revealed that women, regardless of their level of education, earn 20% less than their male counterparts for similar job roles.
Exploring the Upsides
While many individuals on platforms like Reddit criticize dry promotions for being unjust, job coaches suggest that there might still be advantages to accepting such promotions. Despite the lack of a salary increase, a dry promotion could serve as a stepping stone to a more senior position, leading to higher pay in the long run.
"Remaining with the organization and allowing it to bestow goodwill upon you because they perceive you as a team player," Smith explained. "This provides you with networking opportunities, a higher job title, and the chance to meet individuals you may not have encountered in your previous position — thus, it serves as a platform for networking and potential career advancement."
Even if these outcomes are not achieved, employees can still gain a more prestigious job title and a broader set of skills, which could open doors with other employers in the future.
"You can highlight this title on your LinkedIn profile or resume, showcasing that you attained this position even if it didn't come with a financial increase at the moment," Smith noted. "Recruiters and other companies will take notice of this, providing you with better opportunities and the chance to receive fair compensation elsewhere."
