Salary Simulator
Future take-home across salary growth scenarios
| Year | Salary | Monthly Net | Increase | Tax Burden |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my take-home go up at the same rate as my salary?
No. As your salary rises into higher tax brackets, take-home pay grows proportionally less than the gross raise. This gap is shown in the 'Gross vs Net Raise' insight card — the government captures an increasing share of each additional won earned.
What happens when my tax bracket changes?
Korea uses a progressive income tax system. Tax rates by taxable income (as of 2025): 6% up to ₩14M, 15% up to ₩50M, 24% up to ₩88M, 35% up to ₩150M, 38% up to ₩300M, 40% up to ₩500M, 42% up to ₩1B, and 45% above ₩1B. Only income above the bracket threshold is taxed at the new, higher rate — not your entire salary.
What are the assumptions and limitations of this simulation?
This simulation assumes: ① a constant annual raise rate every year, ② 2025 tax rates throughout, ③ unchanged number of dependents, and ④ no non-taxable allowances. Actual salary growth depends on performance reviews, promotions, and company policy.
How are the 5 scenarios structured?
Five fixed raise rates: Steady (2%), Growth (4%), Leap (6%), Surge (8%), and Dream (10%). Clicking a scenario card automatically syncs the raise-rate slider, and all five are shown simultaneously on the chart.
How can I use this for salary negotiations?
Set your target take-home first, then work backwards to find the raise rate you need. Keep in mind that negotiating a raise just below a tax bracket threshold maximizes the real impact on your take-home — every extra ₩1 earned just above a bracket line is taxed at a higher rate.