Severance Benchmark Data

Why this page exists

If you Google "how much severance is normal," you get a law firm blog post that says "it depends" and a phone number. By design. The legal industry profits from keeping this vague — workers sign whatever's put in front of them because they have zero reference point.

This page changes that. Below is structured data on what people in different roles, at different tenure levels, typically receive. Built from published industry benchmarks, real numbers shared publicly by workers in forums, and anonymous submissions from people who used our scoring tool. More people submit, sharper the data gets.

None of this is legal advice. It's benchmark data — the thing you look at before you decide whether to call a lawyer.

How to read this data

The table below shows severance ranges in weeks of pay. "Low" means the bottom of what people report — you can do better. "Typical" is the range most people fall into. "Generous" is above average — if you're here, your package is solid.

These numbers assume base industry and company size. Technology and finance tend to run about 15-20% above these ranges. Retail, education, and nonprofit tend to run 15-20% below. Large companies (2,000+ employees) generally offer more than small companies. If you want a comparison that accounts for your specific industry and company size, use the scoring tool — it does the math.

Severance Benchmark Reference Table

Role Level	Tenure	Low (weeks)	Typical (weeks)	Generous (weeks)
Individual Contributor	5 years	2-3	5-8	10+
Individual Contributor	10 years	5	10-15	20+
Individual Contributor	15 years	8	15-23	30+
Individual Contributor	20 years	10	20-30	40+
Manager	5 years	4	8-10	13+
Manager	10 years	8	15-20	25+
Manager	15 years	11	23-30	38+
Manager	20 years	15	30-40	50+
Senior Manager / Director	5 years	5	10	15+
Senior Manager / Director	10 years	10	20	30+
Senior Manager / Director	15 years	15	30	45+
Senior Manager / Director	20 years	20	40	60+
VP / Executive	5 years	8	10-15	20+
VP / Executive	10 years	15	20-30	40+
VP / Executive	15 years	23	30-45	60+
VP / Executive	20 years	30	40-60	80+
C-Suite	5 years	10	15-20	30+
C-Suite	10 years	20	30-40	60+
C-Suite	15 years	30	45-60	90+
C-Suite	20 years	40	60-80	120+

Source: SeveranceScore benchmark model based on published industry standards, publicly shared worker reports, and anonymous user submissions. Data updated as submissions accumulate.

Industry and company size modifiers

The table above shows base ranges. Your industry and company size shift those numbers meaningfully.

Industries that tend to pay more: Technology (roughly 20% above base), Finance and Banking (roughly 15% above), Professional Services (roughly 10% above). Tech severance often includes equity considerations — stock vesting acceleration can be worth more than the cash component.

Industries that tend to pay less: Retail and Consumer (roughly 20% below base), Education (roughly 15% below), Government and Nonprofit (roughly 20% below), Manufacturing (roughly 10% below).

Company size matters: Companies over 2,000 employees tend to offer 10-15% more than the base ranges. Companies under 100 employees often offer 20% less — not because they're cheap (though some are), but because smaller companies genuinely have less financial flexibility and are less likely to have established severance policies.

What the data doesn't tell you

Look — benchmarks give you a comparison, not a verdict. Your situation has factors no dataset captures. Performance history, circumstances of your termination, potential legal claims, what state you're in, what exactly you're being asked to waive in that agreement.

What the data does tell you is whether you're in the ballpark. Significantly below typical with meaningful tenure? Worth a conversation — either with your employer or with an attorney. In range or above? Still review the non-cash terms before signing.

Starting point. Not ending point.

How to use this data

Find your role level and tenure in the table. Check the typical range. If your offer falls below it, read our guide on negotiating. If you want a more precise comparison that factors in your specific industry and company size, use the scoring tool — it takes two minutes and doesn't ask for your name or email.

If you're not facing a layoff right now but you think one might be coming, bookmark this. Knowing the numbers before you need them is the best leverage you can have.