How to Know if Your Salary is Aligned with the Market

One of the most critical questions you can ask as an executive is: "Am I being compensated fairly?"

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Knowing whether your salary aligns with market trends is not just about money—it’s about ensuring your value is recognized, your career trajectory is supported, and your long-term goals are achievable.

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In this article, we’ll guide you through actionable strategies to evaluate your compensation, current trends in the U.S. executive market, and why leveraging expert executive recruiters can be the key to unlocking your full earning potential.

Why Executives Must Stay Informed About Compensation Trends

The U.S. executive market is highly competitive and constantly shifting. In 2023, 70% of executives reported dissatisfaction with their compensation packages, citing misalignment with market trends. This highlights a critical issue: your compensation package could be undervaluing your leadership impact—without you even realizing it.

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As hybrid work reshapes industries and equity-heavy packages dominate, understanding your market value isn’t just important—it’s essential. Your compensation is more than a paycheck; it’s a reflection of your leadership impact and a cornerstone for future opportunities.

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“Compensation isn’t just about salary; it’s about positioning executives for long-term success,” explains Brian Boomsma, a seasoned Executive Recruiter with over 15 years of experience.

Failing to evaluate your worth could mean leaving money—and recognition—on the table.

We’ve tapped into Brian’s expertise to provide actionable strategies that help executives assess and align their leadership value with market expectations.

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Ready to ensure your contributions are fully recognized and rewarded?

Let’s dive into the steps you can take to achieve this alignment.

Key Trends in U.S. Executive Compensation

1. The Growing Role of Equity

Equity-based compensation, such as stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs), now constitutes a significant portion of executive packages. This trend aligns long-term leadership success with organizational performance, particularly in industries like real estate development, where large-scale projects take years to yield returns. Executives managing multibillion-dollar real estate portfolios are increasingly incentivized with equity tied to project profitability, ensuring alignment with stakeholders.

2. Geographic Pay Variations and Remote Work

Remote work has blurred regional pay differences, but certain markets—like New York City, Boston, and Silicon Valley—still lead in executive base salaries. In real estate, where physical market presence can matter, executives in regions with booming housing markets, such as Dallas or Phoenix, are beginning to see compensation levels close to those in traditional hubs. Additionally, firms are adopting national benchmarks, creating opportunities for executives in smaller markets to command competitive packages.

Related Article: Navigating a Passive Job Search: How to Explore New Opportunities Without Disrupting Your Role

If you’re curious about how to discreetly assess other roles while maintaining your current position, this related guide offers valuable strategies for exploring the market while protecting your current role. This approach pairs seamlessly with understanding compensation trends, as it ensures you stay prepared for unexpected opportunities.

3. Performance-Driven Bonuses

Short-term incentives (STIs) have become a cornerstone of executive pay, often accounting for 20-40% of total compensation. In real estate development, bonuses are frequently tied to project milestones, occupancy rates, or sales performance. For instance, an executive overseeing a large residential development may earn substantial bonuses if lease-ups or sales surpass quarterly projections.

How to Determine If Your Salary Aligns with the Market

1. Start with Industry-Specific Benchmarks

Consult reliable compensation reports such as those from The Conference Board, Mercer, or Salary.com. Real estate executives can also access industry-specific data through sources like CBRE or Urban Land Institute, which often include salary surveys tailored to the sector.

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Key Tip: Focus on total compensation, not just base salary, to get a full picture of your earnings relative to peers. For example, base salaries in real estate may seem lower than tech, but equity tied to project success can drive substantial upside.

2. Assess Total Rewards

Your total compensation package is much more than salary. Break down its full scope, including:

●       Base Salary: Is it competitive with peers managing projects of similar scale?

●       Bonuses and Equity: Are your incentives aligned with achievable metrics?

●       Benefits: Do they include industry-specific perks like relocation allowances or housing discounts?

●       Perks: Are you receiving extras like company-paid memberships to real estate associations or travel stipends for project oversight?

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If your total rewards lag behind market averages, this signals an opportunity to renegotiate or explore roles that better match your value.

3. Leverage Executive Recruiters for Real-Time Insights

Recruiters like those at GLC Group specialize in compensation trends within sectors like real estate and development. They can provide context for how your package compares to peers and connect you with opportunities reflecting your leadership value.

Why it Matters: Compensation reports provide averages, but recruiters offer nuanced insights, such as regional pay adjustments or industry-specific perks.

4. Understand the Impact of Location

Geographic pay disparities persist even in remote-friendly industries. Executives in high-cost markets like New York or San Francisco may earn 15-20% more than those in smaller cities—but this gap is narrowing. Tools like Cost-of-Living Calculators help evaluate whether your compensation matches both your lifestyle and market expectations.

5. Regularly Evaluate Your Career Value

Even if you're not actively job searching, conducting periodic assessments ensures you remain competitive. Consider:

●       Discussing Compensation with Trusted Recruiters: Gain real-time insights into market shifts.

●       Networking with Industry Peers: Learn from their experiences with compensation changes.

●       Updating Benchmarks Annually: Stay current with market conditions to avoid stagnation.

The Role of Recruiters in Salary Alignment

Partnering with a trusted executive recruitment firm like GLC Group provides the tools you need to align your compensation with market trends.

Here’s how GLC Group supports executives:

●       Market Expertise: We stay updated on trends specific to industries like real estate development, ensuring you’re informed about compensation norms.

●       Access to Hidden Opportunities: Many roles, particularly in real estate, are never publicly posted. We connect you with exclusive opportunities tailored to your goals.

●       Confidentiality: We prioritize discretion, ensuring your current role is protected during exploratory discussions.

●       Negotiation Support: Our recruiters advocate for your value, ensuring your package reflects your leadership impact.

Practical Tips for Negotiating Your Executive Compensation

Build a Strong Case

Leverage industry reports and recruiter insights to justify your requests. Highlight measurable achievements. For example:

●       "Increased leasing rates by 25% on a major development, driving$10M in additional revenue within six months."

Timing is Everything

Key moments to discuss or renegotiate include:

●       Annual Performance Reviews: Tie requests to measurable outcomes.

●       After Major Successes: Use achievements to demonstrate leadership value.

●       During Role Transitions: When taking on expanded responsibilities.

Ready to Take Control of Your Compensation?

Your compensation should reflect the leadership and expertise you bring to your organization. At GLC Group, we specialize in navigating compensation trends, connecting executives with hidden opportunities, and securing competitive packages.

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Take the first step toward aligning your compensation with your value. Contact GLC today to start a confidential conversation with one of our Executive recruiters.

Related Articles to Explore

●       Staying Market-Ready: The Benefits of a Passive Job Search

●       3-Year Career Check-Up: Your Blueprint for Strategic Growth

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