For years, job-hopping has been a reliable way to boost your paycheck. A new role at a new company often came with a 10-15% salary increase, outpacing the modest raises of loyal employees. But according to recent insights from SHRM, that trend is shifting in 2025—and the financial edge of jumping ship is shrinking.

Employers are catching on. With talent retention now a top priority, companies are investing more in their existing workforce. Internal promotions, once seen as a slower path to growth, are starting to rival the salary bumps of external offers. Data from SHRM highlights that organizations are offering better raises, enhanced benefits, and clearer career development paths to keep their people from straying.

What’s driving this change? A tighter labor market and the rising cost of recruitment have pushed employers to double down on loyalty. Replacing an employee can cost up to twice their annual salary, making retention a smarter bet than rehiring. Meanwhile, workers who stay are reaping the rewards of negotiated raises and long-term growth opportunities.

Does this mean job-hopping is dead? Not quite. It still has its place for those seeking a drastic career pivot or escaping a stagnant role. But for many, the numbers suggest a new reality: in 2025, staying put might just be the savvier move—for your career and your wallet.