Self-Worth at Work Quick Reference
Two-axis pay framework, W2 vs 1099 math, the pre-raise checklist, and how to actually ask.
Two Questions, Not One
How you get paid vs. who handles taxes
Hourly and salary describe how you're paid. W2 and 1099 describe who handles the taxes. Each combination has its own math.
Hourly W2
Per hour, taxes withheld, employer pays half FICA. Overtime above 40hrs.
Salary W2
Fixed annual, taxes withheld, full benefits. Default for knowledge work.
Hourly 1099
Per hour, no withholding, full SE tax. Bigger gross, smaller net.
Project 1099
Per deliverable, no withholding, full SE tax. Common in creative/consulting.
The Tax Reality
W2 vs 1099: what each really costs
W2 Employee
The employee path
- Withholding handled. Federal, state, FICA come out automatically.
- Half FICA paid for you. Employer covers 7.65% of payroll taxes.
- Benefits included. Health, retirement match, PTO, life/disability.
- Easy mortgage qualification. Two pay stubs + W-2 usually enough.
1099 Contractor
The contractor path
- Quarterly estimated taxes. No withholding means you owe in chunks.
- Full SE tax: 15.3%. On 92.35% of net earnings. Half is deductible.
- Self-funded benefits. Health, retirement, PTO are yours to handle.
- Mortgage qualification differs. Two years of returns, lender sees net (not gross).
Run Before You Book The Meeting
The pre-raise seven-point checklist
How to open the conversation
"Over the past year, I have delivered X, Y, and Z. Based on market research for this role and my contributions, I would like to discuss raising my salary to $X."
What's absent matters. No "deserve," no "need," no "feel," no "fair." Replace those frames with contributions and a number. Then stop talking. Let the silence work for you. Bring a one-page summary of accomplishments and market data.
Where To Find Your Number
Market rate research sources
If you can't find 3 data points within 10% of each other, you don't have a market rate yet. Keep researching.
BLS Handbook
Median wages by occupation. Federal baseline.
Glassdoor
Self-reported salaries by role and company.
Payscale
Adjusted for experience, location, certifications.
Levels.fyi
Tech-focused. Total comp breakdowns by level.
LinkedIn Salary
Self-reported with location/experience filters.
Peers + associations
People in your role at other companies. Most reliable.
This Month
Your four action steps
Mode 01 for your total comp + true hourly. Mode 02 if 1099 is on the table.
BLS plus two others. Confirm they cluster within 10% of each other.
Specific, with numbers. One page. Your evidence for the meeting.
30-min meeting. Practice the ask out loud. Bring your one-pager.
See your real total comp and the 1099-vs-W2 break-even math.