Fixed pay counts as soon as it is documented and has actually started. Variable pay generally needs about a two-year history before an underwriter will average it in. Fixed income: no waiting period. A raise to a new base salary or a set hourly wage can be used once it is documented, typically a pay stub plus a written employer verification confirming the new rate. Going from $20 an hour to a fixed $50 an hour, or from an $80,000 salary to a $350,000 salary, counts right away as long as the employer confirms it is a set, non-variable rate. One caveat: the income has to have actually begun. A job you have not started yet, or offer-letter income, comes with its own conditions before it can be counted. Variable income: expect seasoning. Bonuses, commissions, overtime, and tips are averaged, generally over two years, because the underwriter needs to see the money is stable and likely to continue. A 12-month history can sometimes work when other strengths of the file offset the shorter track record, and a declining trend draws extra scrutiny. So a new graduate starting a high fixed salary can qualify on it from day one, while someone whose bump is mostly bonus or commission will usually have to season it first. One more thing worth saying: a raise does not obligate a move. Selling and buying both carry real transaction costs, and a new loan likely means a different rate than the one you have. If your current home still fits your life, confirm the move is actually needed rather than just newly affordable. If you want to see exactly what income qualifies and what you would be approved for, the free Roadmap conversation (about 20 minutes) walks through your real numbers.