To ask for a raise, research what your job pays, list your results with numbers, ask your manager for a meeting about pay, state a specific number backed by those results, and follow up in writing.
Indeed describes a 3 to 5 percent raise as average and up to 10 percent as typically acceptable in your current job.
AdvertisementBelow are 7 steps, four word-for-word samples, a table of what to say, what to do if the answer is no, and a 10-point checklist. All dollar figures in the samples are fictional.
How to Ask for a Raise: 7 Steps
Quick jump: TimingResearch payList resultsYour numberAsk for a meetingIn the meetingFollow up
Step 1. Pick the Right Time
Indeed suggests asking before the budget is final, during a performance review, or just before the fiscal year-end raise cycle, which it says is commonly the end of December. Right after you finish a major project or beat an important goal is also a strong moment. Hold off if you see warning signs such as spending cuts or layoffs, or if your manager is under heavy stress.
Step 2. Research What Your Job Pays
Compare pay for your job title in your state or metro area. CareerOneStop, a U.S. Department of Labor site, has a free Salary Finder that shows wages by occupation and location. Pick a figure toward the top of the range you find, and keep the page or screenshot with you.
Step 3. List Your Results With Numbers
Write a one- to two-page summary of what you delivered this year: reviews, awards, finished projects, savings, sales, customer praise. Numbers make each item easy to remember. Lead with the results that helped your manager and the company most.
Step 4. Choose One Specific Number
Indeed describes a 3 to 5 percent increase as average, and says up to 10 percent is typically acceptable in your current job, with more possible if local pay for the same role is much higher. It also suggests a specific figure, such as $58,250 rather than a round $60,000. Decide your number before the meeting so you can say it clearly.
Step 5. Ask for a Meeting
If you are not in a review, book time at least two weeks ahead and tell your manager the topic is compensation. Indeed suggests a calm day such as a Thursday or Friday. The first sample below shows a short email you can send.
Step 6. Make Your Case in the Meeting
Open with the purpose, then give your market research, your results and your number, in that order. State your number first and avoid giving a range. Keep the focus on your performance, not on personal costs such as rent or childcare. Indeed also suggests avoiding hedging words such as believe, feel, think, just, only and might. Then stop talking and listen.
Step 7. Follow Up in Writing
Send a thank-you email the same day or the next that recaps the number you asked for and the results behind it. It also becomes your record for next time. If the answer is not now, ask what goals would earn a raise and set a date to talk again, such as in six months.
Sample Emails and Script
These four samples follow Daniel Reyes, a fictional employee who earns $58,000 and asks his manager, Karen Thompson, for $62,000. Change the details to match your own results.
Subject: Meeting request about my compensation
Hi Karen,
I would like to schedule 30 minutes with you in the next two weeks to talk about my compensation. This year I took over the weekly vendor reports and trained two new team members, and I would like to share the results and my plan for next year.
Would Thursday at 2:00 p.m. or Friday at 10:00 a.m. work for you?
Thank you,
Daniel Reyes
“Thank you for meeting with me today. I would like to talk about my salary.
Pay for my job title in our area runs higher than my current salary, based on the Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop data. This year I cut report turnaround from five days to two and trained two new team members, and the vendor reports I took over now save the team about six hours a week.
With those results, I am asking for a raise from $58,000 to $62,000. Does that work for you?”
Subject: Thank you for meeting about my compensation
Hi Karen,
Thank you for meeting with me today to discuss my salary. As we talked about, I am asking for a raise from $58,000 to $62,000, based on current pay for my role in our area and the results I shared: faster reports, two trained team members and about six hours a week saved.
I am glad to send my results summary again if it helps with your review. When do you expect to have an answer?
Best regards,
Daniel Reyes
Subject: Next steps on my salary request
Hi Karen,
Thank you for talking with me about my salary today. You explained that the budget is set for this year, so I would like to agree on a plan for my next review.
Could we set two or three goals for the next six months and meet again in May to talk about pay? I am ready to start on them this week.
Thank you,
Daniel Reyes
What to Say and What to Skip
| Say this | Instead of this |
|---|---|
| I am asking for a raise to $62,000. | I just feel like maybe I might deserve more. |
| Pay for my role in our area is higher than my salary. | My rent went up and I need more money. |
| This year I cut report time from five days to two. | I work really hard. |
| Does that work for you? | Sorry to bother you. |
| What would you consider a fair figure? | Can I get anything at all? |
How Much to Ask For
| Situation | Figure to consider (Indeed) |
|---|---|
| Average raise | 3 to 5 percent |
| Raise in your current job | Up to 10 percent is typically acceptable |
| Local pay for your role is much higher | You can ask for more, backed by your research |
| New job | 10 to 20 percent more than you earn now (not the same as asking for a raise) |
| Promotion or career change | No set percentage; tie it to the new duties and market pay |
Turn Your Work Into Numbers
| Result | How to word it (fictional examples) |
|---|---|
| Saved time | Cut report turnaround from five days to two |
| Saved money | Found a vendor change that saved $9,000 a year |
| Brought in money | Closed $120,000 in new accounts this year |
| Took on more | Took over the weekly vendor reports and trained two new team members |
| Customer praise | Earned a 4.8 out of 5 average on customer surveys |
If the Answer Is Not What You Hoped
| If the answer is… | Your next move |
|---|---|
| Yes | Thank them and confirm the number and start date in writing |
| Not right now | Ask what goals would earn a raise and set a date to talk again, such as in six months |
| A smaller amount | Return to your specific figure and your results, and ask what would close the gap |
| No raise, but other perks | Ask about extra paid time off, flexible hours, a bonus or a title change, as Indeed suggests |
| No change at all | Decide whether to stay, or look at what other employers pay for your role |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Asking without research. Know what your role pays before you name a number.
- Using a range. A range lets the other side pick the low end.
- Talking about personal bills. Keep the case about results and market pay.
- Hedging. Words like “just,” “maybe” and “I feel” weaken a clear request.
- Skipping the follow-up. A short email gives both of you a record.
- Bad timing. Avoid layoff news and your manager’s busiest weeks.
Raise Request Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are ready when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ask for a raise?
Research pay for your job, list your results with numbers, book a meeting, state your purpose and a specific number, listen, then follow up in writing. The 7 steps above walk through each part.
How much of a raise should I ask for?
Indeed describes 3 to 5 percent as average and says up to 10 percent is typically acceptable in your current job. Ask for more only if your research shows local pay for your role is much higher.
When is the best time to ask for a raise?
Indeed suggests a performance review, the months before the budget is final, the weeks before fiscal year-end or right after a big win. Avoid times of layoffs, spending cuts or heavy stress for your manager.
Should I ask by email or in person?
Use an email to book the meeting, then make the request in person or on a video call. Follow up in writing so there is a record.
What should I say when asking for a raise?
Open with the purpose, give your market research and results, then state your number. Samples 1 to 4 above show the wording.
Should I give a range or one number?
Indeed suggests stating one specific number first and avoiding a range, since a range invites the lowest figure.
Should I mention my personal expenses?
No. Indeed advises focusing on your performance and market pay, not on personal costs like housing or childcare.
What if my manager says no?
Ask what goals would earn a raise, set a date to talk again, and send a thank-you email. Indeed suggests a follow-up in about six months and also mentions asking about paid time off, flexible hours or a bonus.
Can I ask for a raise without a performance review?
Yes. Book a meeting at least two weeks ahead and tell your manager the topic is compensation.
Should I mention another job offer?
Indeed notes that a competing offer may lead an employer to pay more to keep you, and also says to be prepared to walk away if the company cannot pay fair market value. Mention one only if you are truly willing to take it.
Conclusion
A raise request works best when it is simple: good timing, solid research, results with numbers, one clear figure and a written follow-up. Use the samples above, work through the checklist and give yourself the best shot at a yes.
Related Reading
- Salary negotiation letter after a job offer
- Salary negotiation in an acceptance letter
- Advance salary request letter samples
- Job offer rejection letter due to salary
Sources: Indeed: How To Ask for a Raise (A Guide With Script Examples); How To Ask for More Money: Tips Before, During and After; How Much of a Raise Should I Ask For?. U.S. Department of Labor: CareerOneStop Wages and Salary Finder.