This inflation-adjusted salary calculator shows what a past salary is worth in today’s dollars and whether your pay has kept up with prices. It uses official US Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) annual averages from 1980 to 2025, and projects the salary you need to keep pace in future years.
How it works
Salary in later dollars = earlier salary × CPI in later year ÷ CPI in earlier year
Your real raise compares your current salary with that inflation-adjusted figure. A positive real raise means your buying power has grown.
US inflation in recent years
| Year | CPI-U annual average | Change from the year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 240.007 | 1.3% |
| 2017 | 245.120 | 2.1% |
| 2018 | 251.107 | 2.4% |
| 2019 | 255.657 | 1.8% |
| 2020 | 258.811 | 1.2% |
| 2021 | 270.970 | 4.7% |
| 2022 | 292.655 | 8.0% |
| 2023 | 304.702 | 4.1% |
| 2024 | 313.689 | 2.9% |
| 2025 | 321.943 | 2.6% |
Worked example
A $50,000 salary in 2015 equals about $67,916 in 2025 dollars. If you now earn $62,000, your real pay has fallen by about 8.7%.
Using it for a pay review
Bring the figures to a salary conversation: show the inflation since your last raise and what your pay would need to be just to stand still. Also compare with market rates for your role.
Frequently asked questions
What inflation data does this use?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI-U (all urban consumers) annual averages. The 2026 average will be added once it is published in January 2027.
Can I use it for the UK, Canada or Australia?
The historical figures are US data. For other countries, use the future-inflation projection with your own country’s inflation rate.
What is a real raise?
Your raise after inflation. A 3% raise with 3% inflation is a real raise of about zero.
Why does my own inflation feel different?
CPI is an average basket. If you spend more on rent, childcare or travel, your personal inflation rate may be higher or lower.
Related calculators
Sources
Last reviewed: October 2026. For information only; not financial, tax or legal advice. Results are estimates.