How to Ask for a Raise at Work (And Improve Your Chances of Getting It)
We’ve all been there—working hard, going the extra mile, and wondering when that effort will translate into a well-deserved raise. Asking for a salary increase can be one of the most nerve-wracking conversations to have at work. But here’s the thing: if you don’t ask, you might not get it. Whether you’re overdue for a raise or just feel ready to level up, knowing how to ask for it in the right way can significantly improve your chances of getting the “yes” you want.
The good news? Asking for a raise isn’t as scary as it seems when you’re well-prepared. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps you can take to make the process smoother, from knowing when to ask to negotiating the amount. Let’s tackle this together so you can step into that meeting feeling confident and ready to advocate for yourself.
Step 1: Know When It’s Time to Ask for a Raise
Timing is everything when it comes to asking for a raise. You want to approach the conversation when your value is clear and the company is in a position to say “yes.” But how do you know when that moment has arrived?
1. Assess Your Accomplishments
Before asking for a raise, take a step back and evaluate your contributions. Have you consistently met or exceeded expectations? Have you taken on additional responsibilities, led projects, or improved your skills? If you can point to specific accomplishments that have positively impacted the company, you’re in a good position to ask for more.
- Example: If you’ve streamlined a process that saved the company time and money or led a project that boosted revenue, those are measurable contributions you can use to build your case.
2. Consider Your Timing
The timing of your request matters. Ideally, you want to ask for a raise after you’ve delivered strong results, completed a successful project, or received positive feedback from your manager. Avoid asking during times of financial instability within the company (like after budget cuts) or when your manager is overwhelmed with other concerns.
- Pro tip: Many companies conduct performance reviews at specific times of the year (often annually or semi-annually), which is a natural opportunity to ask for a raise. However, if your performance review isn’t coming up soon and you feel it’s the right time, don’t wait.
3. Check Market Trends
Before walking into that conversation, do your homework. Research salary ranges for your position and industry. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn can give you a good idea of what others in similar roles are earning, both in your company’s region and industry-wide. This data will be crucial when you’re negotiating the amount you’re asking for.
- Example: If the average salary for your role in your region is $65,000 and you’re making $55,000, you’ve got solid data to back up your request for an increase.
Step 2: Prepare Your Case with Concrete Examples
Walking into a raise discussion without being prepared is like going into a test without studying. The more specific and data-driven your case is, the more compelling it will be to your boss. You want to present clear reasons why you deserve a raise, not just because you’ve “been working hard,” but because you’ve delivered results.
1. List Your Achievements
Create a list of your accomplishments over the past year (or since your last raise). Focus on specific projects or initiatives that have had a measurable impact on the company. This could be increasing sales, reducing costs, improving processes, or receiving client praise.
- Pro tip: Tie your achievements to the company’s goals. For example, if your company has a goal to improve customer satisfaction and you’ve played a key role in that through customer service improvements, make sure to highlight that connection.
2. Highlight Additional Responsibilities
If your role has expanded since you were hired—whether you’ve taken on new projects, trained other employees, or started managing a team—make sure to mention these added responsibilities. Show how you’ve grown in your role and increased your value to the company.
3. Quantify Your Value
Whenever possible, use numbers to back up your achievements. Metrics speak louder than general statements because they clearly show the value you’ve brought to the company.
- Example: Instead of saying, “I’ve improved productivity,” you could say, “I implemented a new project management system that increased team productivity by 20% over the last quarter.”
Step 3: Set a Clear Salary Goal
Knowing what to ask for can be just as important as knowing how to ask. You don’t want to go into the conversation without a clear number in mind. If you ask too little, you might shortchange yourself. If you ask too much without backing it up, you might lose credibility.
1. Research Comparable Salaries
Use online salary tools to research what people in similar roles and with similar experience are making. Look at data from companies of a similar size, in the same industry, and in your region. This will give you a realistic salary range to aim for.
- Pro tip: Don’t just pick the highest number you find. Be reasonable based on your experience, skills, and what you bring to the table.
2. Determine Your Ideal and Minimum Numbers
Go into the meeting with two numbers in mind: your ideal raise and the minimum raise you would accept. Your ideal number should be ambitious but realistic based on your research and accomplishments. Your minimum number is what you’re willing to accept if negotiations get tough.
- Example: If you’re making $50,000 and your research shows that people in your role make between $55,000 and $65,000, you might aim for $60,000 as your ideal raise but be willing to accept $57,000 as a minimum.
Step 4: Practice Your Pitch
Walking into a raise meeting without practicing your pitch is a recipe for nerves and uncertainty. The key to a successful ask is confidence—and confidence comes from preparation. Practicing your pitch will help you stay calm, focused, and ready to respond to any questions or pushback.
1. Structure Your Pitch
Your raise request should follow a clear, logical structure:
Start with gratitude: Begin by thanking your manager for their support and for taking the time to meet with you.
Present your case: Briefly outline why you believe you deserve a raise, focusing on your achievements and added responsibilities. Stick to the facts—this isn’t about emotions, it’s about your contributions.
State your desired number: After making your case, clearly state the salary increase you’re requesting, backed up by your research.
End with openness: Wrap up by expressing your willingness to discuss the details and your desire to continue contributing to the company’s success.
Example: “Over the past year, I’ve taken on new responsibilities in managing the sales team and increased our department’s revenue by 15%. Based on my performance and research on comparable salaries, I believe a salary adjustment to $65,000 would be appropriate. I’m open to discussing this further and would love to continue growing with the company.”
2. Anticipate Questions and Objections
Your manager may ask questions or push back on your request. Anticipate potential concerns and prepare thoughtful responses. For example, if they say the company is experiencing budget constraints, you could ask about revisiting the raise conversation in a few months or inquire about other forms of compensation, like bonuses or additional benefits.
- Pro tip: Practice with a friend or family member to build confidence and refine your pitch. Having a mock conversation can help you get comfortable with the flow of the discussion.
Step 5: Follow Up After the Meeting
Once the conversation is over, your work isn’t done. Following up is a crucial step in making sure your request is taken seriously and stays on your manager’s radar.
1. Send a Thank-You Note
Within 24 hours of the meeting, send a brief thank-you email to your manager. Reiterate your appreciation for the discussion and your excitement about the potential to continue contributing to the company.
- Example: “Thank you again for taking the time to discuss my role and salary today. I’m grateful for your support and am excited about the direction our team is heading. I look forward to continuing to contribute to our success.”
2. Be Patient, But Persistent
Sometimes, your manager may need time to get approval from higher-ups or discuss budget allocations. Be patient, but don’t let the conversation fizzle out. If you haven’t heard back within a week or two, it’s okay to follow up and politely ask if there’s any update on your request.
- Pro tip: Use follow-ups as an opportunity to highlight any new achievements since your initial meeting. This reinforces your value and keeps your request top of mind.
Step 6: Consider Alternatives if You Don’t Get the Raise
Unfortunately, there’s always the possibility that your raise request might be denied, especially if the company is going through financial difficulties. If that happens, don’t be discouraged—there are other ways to negotiate for increased compensation or career growth.
1. Ask for Non-Salary Benefits
If a salary raise isn’t possible, consider negotiating for non-salary benefits like additional vacation days, a more flexible work schedule, professional development opportunities, or even a one-time performance bonus.
2. Discuss Future Opportunities
Ask your manager for feedback on how you can continue to grow within the company and what milestones you need to achieve to be considered for a raise in the future. This shows that you’re serious about your development and provides a roadmap for future success.
- Example: “I understand that a raise isn’t possible right now, but I’d love to discuss what steps I can take to work toward one in the next six months. What goals should I focus on to ensure that I’m on track for a salary review?”
Negotiate Your Worth
Asking for a raise can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and approach, you can increase your chances of success. By timing your request thoughtfully, preparing a strong case, and practicing your pitch, you’ll walk into the meeting with confidence. Remember, asking for a raise isn’t just about the money—it’s about recognizing your value and advocating for your growth. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or have been working for years, there’s always room to grow and move forward.
