Severance Multiplier by Tenure
Severance is typically 1-4 weeks per year of service. Tech industry trends higher (2-4 weeks), retail lower (1 week). This tool benchmarks your offer.
| Annual salary | — |
| Tenure | — |
| Weekly salary | — |
| Industry | — |
| Level | — |
| Total severance estimate | — |
Severance multipliers vary by industry, level, and company practice. Standard ranges: 1-2 weeks per year (retail, junior), 2-4 weeks per year (tech, senior), 4-8 weeks per year (executive). Tenure × multiplier × weekly salary = total.
Standard Industry Multipliers
Tech: 2-4 weeks/yr (IC), 3-6 (mgr), 6-12 (exec). Finance: 1-3 weeks/yr (IC), 4-8 (exec). Retail/non-profit: 1-2 weeks/yr. Manufacturing: 1.5-3 weeks/yr. Always negotiate.
Negotiation Leverage
Better terms when: laid off without cause, no documented performance issues, signing extended non-compete or non-solicit, sensitive role with knowledge of trade secrets, you're a recent acquisition's key employee.
WARN Act Federal Requirement
Companies 100+ employees must give 60 days notice of mass layoffs (WARN Act). If less notice, employees entitled to 60 days pay regardless of severance offered. Often packaged together.
Severance vs Unemployment
Severance generally doesn't reduce unemployment (varies by state). NY, CA, NJ allow concurrent collection. Confirm with state UI agency before signing release of claims.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: DOL WARN Act, ADEA OWBPA.