Compare what you'll earn over 5 years at an MSP vs corporate vs government. See the real cost of staying.
$85,000
$50K$200K
5
1 yr30 yrs
MSP (5yr total)
$442,000
0% average annual raise
Corporate (5yr total)
$510,000
3% annual raise
Government (5yr total)
$552,500
3.5% annual + step increments
$110,500 more over 5 years working outside an MSP
That's $22,100 per year β a 26% pay gap
Year-by-Year Projection
| Year | MSP | Corporate | Government | Gap vs Corporate | Gap vs Government |
|---|
Methodology: Based on industry research showing MSPs average 0-1% annual raises vs 2-4% in corporate and 2-5% in government with structured pay scales. Government includes regular step increments based on years of service. Does not factor in bonuses, overtime, or non-salary benefits (superannuation is similar across all three sectors). The MSP "loyalty tax" is well-documented β switching employers every 2-3 years is often the only way to get a meaningful raise in the MSP sector. Learn more in our Salary Black Hole deep dive and 2026 MSP Salary Guide.
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Editorial note: This article separates sourced facts, submitted experiences, and analysis. Check the linked sources, and contact the editorial desk if you find an error or need a correction.
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