Real Wage Calculator
Calculate your real wage adjusted for inflation. See how your purchasing power has changed over time with inflation adjustments.
A pay raise doesn't always mean you're better off – if inflation is higher than your raise, you've actually lost purchasing power. This calculator shows your real wage growth adjusted for inflation.
Calculator
Common use cases
- Evaluating job offers and raises
- Salary negotiation preparation
- Tracking purchasing power over time
- Understanding economic conditions
How to use
- Enter your current annual wage
- Enter your previous annual wage
- Input the inflation rate over the period
- See your real wage change
FAQ
What is real wage vs nominal wage?
Nominal wage is the dollar amount you earn. Real wage adjusts for inflation to show actual purchasing power.
My raise was 3% but inflation was 5%. Am I worse off?
Yes, your real wage decreased by approximately 2%. You need at least a 5% raise to maintain purchasing power.
Where can I find inflation rates?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation.
This calculator provides illustrative estimates for planning purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.