How to earn more in your current job without changing roles

When people want to earn more, the default assumption is that it requires finding a new employer or starting something new on the side. Both of those things take significant time and energy. Before going down either route, it is worth checking whether there is additional income available within your current employment that you are not taking full advantage of.

Claim all the tax relief you are entitled to

Most employed people do not claim all the tax relief they are entitled to. If you work from home, you may be eligible to claim working from home relief. If you use your own vehicle for work travel, mileage allowance relief may apply. If you buy and wash a uniform or protective clothing yourself, laundry expenses can be claimed. Professional subscriptions required for your job may also be tax-deductible. These reliefs do not require a pay rise or a new job. They require a claim, which can be backdated for up to four years.

Check your employee benefits and make sure you are using them

Employee benefits packages often contain significant value that most employees never access. An employee discount scheme might save you hundreds of pounds per year on things you already buy. A cycle-to-work scheme reduces the cost of a bike through a salary sacrifice arrangement. Health cash plans cover dental and optical costs. A company gym discount or wellbeing allowance. Reading your benefits portal properly, possibly for the first time, can feel like getting an effective pay rise through reduced spending rather than increased income.

Maximise your pension contributions if your employer matches them

If your employer matches pension contributions and you are contributing below the matching threshold, you are not taking your full compensation package. Increasing your contributions to the level required to get the maximum employer match is an immediate and guaranteed return on the additional amount you put in, and it reduces your taxable income at the same time.

Look for overtime, on-call, or additional responsibilities

Not every employer offers it, but many have overtime rates, on-call allowances, or additional payments for taking on specific responsibilities. If this exists in your workplace and you have not explored it, it may be worth a conversation with your manager, particularly if you have financial goals you are working toward. It is not always possible or practical, but it is often overlooked as an option.