Want To Earn More Money? Job Hopping Can Boost Your Pay by More Than 30%
If your idea of a successful career means earning the best salary possible, then be prepared to jump from job to job on a regular basis.
Pay raises of 30% or more are nearly twice as common among people who switched jobs more than three times in five years vs. those who didn’t switch at all, according to a new analysis from the JobLeads career platform.
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Why does frequent job hopping boost your pay by nearly one-third? Keep reading to find out.
What Most Workers Do
For its analysis, JobLeads surveyed 600 U.S. workers and analyzed 46.2 million active U.S. job postings from the first quarter of 2026. Its aim was to determine whether people can earn more money job hopping than they would staying with the same employer for a long time.
In this case, “job hopping” means switching employers “often and repeatedly.” What it doesn’t mean is occasionally moving into a new role with your current employer.
One thing JobLeads found is that more than half (52%) of U.S. workers changed employers at least once in the past five years. About 25% did it twice, while only 9% did it three or more times. The latter group best represents what the term “job hopper” actually means.
The average person in the 9% group is “noticeably younger” (average age 39) than someone who hasn't switched at all in five years (average age 49), according to JobLeads. Millennial and Gen Z respondents were up to 13 times more likely to have switched three-plus times than Gen X or boomer respondents.
Greater Negotiating Power
A key finding from the JobLeads study is that if you switch jobs more than three times in a half-decade, you’re much more likely to see your income grow by 30% or more than if you stick with the same job.
One reason frequent job hoppers earn more is that they have greater leverage when it comes to negotiating.
For example, workers who switched jobs twice in five years were the “most likely of any group” to have used a competing offer or market-rate research to renegotiate their current pay.
That kind of negotiating power can boost your income in a hurry.
Think Before You Hop
Although frequent job hopping can lead to bigger pay, the vast majority of U.S. workers still don’t do it. Moreover, employees aren’t necessarily convinced it’s the most lucrative career path.
When workers were asked directly what delivered their biggest career pay raise — an internal promotion or switching employers — the answer was “close to a coin flip.”
Higher pay isn’t the only motivation for switching jobs, however. Here are some other important reasons, according to a recent blog from National Bank of Arizona.
Pursue leadership opportunities
Gain new skills and experience
Find better work-life balance
Access stronger benefits packages
Relocate or work remotely
Even if you can earn more money switching jobs frequently, it might not always make the most financial sense.
As National Bank of Arizona noted, there are a few hidden costs to consider before taking a new job — especially if it involves moving, which means paying relocation and related costs.
Beyond that, you might end up with less comprehensive health benefits, a smaller 401(k) plan employer match, more expensive daily commuter costs or fewer promotion opportunities that lead to higher pay down the road.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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