The 9.6% average is a good bonus percentage benchmark, but it isn't one-size-fits-all. You should shift this percentage based on industry factors and what's feasible for your company.
The typical bonus amount can range from 1% to 15% of an employee's salary, usually depending on a number of factors such as industry, company performance, and individual or team accomplishments. The average bonus for employees continues to rise over time. In 2020, the average employee bonus was only 8.1%.
Bonuses are additional incentives offered to employees on top of their regular salary, often aimed at increasing productivity and enhancing employee retention. Most bonuses can be categorized as either discretionary (not guaranteed) or nondiscretionary (guaranteed, as shown in your employment contract).
One of the most common types of bonus is an annual bonus, which employers give out once a year. Annual bonuses are usually based on your overall performance, although companies who use profit-sharing rewards may distribute bonuses based on company success and profits.
The typical bonus amount can range from 1% to 15% of an employee's salary, usually depending on a number of factors such as industry, company performance, and individual or team accomplishments. The average bonus for employees continues to rise over time. In 2020, the average employee bonus was only 8.1%.
Simply put, these bonuses are awarded based on how well the company performs as a whole. A typical profit-sharing bonus would be 2.5% to 7.5% of payroll, and bonuses might be given across the board or in larger proportions of compensation for high earners within your organization.
Create a written document outlining the employee bonus plan's details. Give all employees this information so they understand how and why bonuses are given. Provide details on the bonus types in your plan, why they exist and how employees can earn these bonuses, especially if a bonus is tied to a specific outcome.
Year-end bonuses are usually calculated as a percentage of an employee's salary. For example, if an employee makes $100,000 a year, they can be offered a 20% bonus, which would equate to $20,000. Each company will determine how their bonuses are calculated.
An annual bonus of 5-10% of your yearly salary is standard in a lot of industries, just as a 5-10% annual raise is considered standard. However, if you work on commission, you may see a significantly higher percentage. Your industry, company revenue, location, and level also heavily inform what's expected.
Some don't use bonuses at all. Some hand out equal bonuses to every employee, or at least ensure that every employee gets some. Some use bonuses as a reward for good work, and may only give them to top-ranked employees, people who meet certain performance criteria, etc.