When I started programming FT (roughly 8 years ago) I was in a company that, like most, does an annual review/raise process. I'd always push for a second review

When I started programming FT (roughly 8 years ago) I was in a company that, like most, does an annual review/raise process. I'd always push for a second review and raise somewhere in between because the standard process made it difficult to get more than a ~6% raise annually. My goal was (and still is) to get a double digit increase every year. My mid year pushes were non-standard thus HR policies weren't adhered to as strictly and I was able to get what I asked for, assuming my manager was willing to play ball. This goal of double digit annual increases quickly pushes you into the mindset that you fight for raises or leave. The inevitable job hopping will lead you, as it did me, into consulting. So unless you want to consult or change jobs often, shooting for 6-8% increase annually is probably as good as it will get.