How to Ask for a Raise: A Step-by-Step Guide With Scripts

You've been doing great work. You've taken on more responsibility, solved problems nobody else wanted to touch and maybe trained a couple of new hires. Meanwhile, your paycheck hasn't changed much, and every trip to the grocery store reminds you that prices have. You know you should ask for a raise. But the thought of actually doing it makes your palms sweat.

You're not alone. Many people never ask for a raise, often because they're afraid of seeming greedy, being turned down or damaging their relationship with their boss. But asking for fair pay is a normal, professional part of working life. Done well, it can make a real difference to your finances and your sense of being valued. Here's how to prepare and what to say.

Why it's worth asking

• Your pay affects your lifetime earnings. Future raises, bonuses and retirement contributions are often based on your current salary, so a raise now compounds over time.
• Employers often expect it. Many managers have budgets for raises but won't offer them unless asked.
• It signals ambition. Asking thoughtfully shows you're invested in your work and your growth.
• Inflation erodes pay. If your salary doesn't keep up with rising costs, you're effectively earning less. Our guide to inflation explained breaks this down.

When to ask for a raise

Timing matters. Good times to ask include:

• Before budgets are set. Many companies plan budgets months before the new fiscal year. Ask your manager when salary decisions are made.
• During or before a performance review.
• After a big win, like completing a major project, landing a client or receiving strong feedback.
• When your role has grown, like taking on more responsibility or managing people.
• After a year or more without a pay adjustment.

Times to avoid, if you can:

• During layoffs or budget cuts
• When your manager is clearly overwhelmed or stressed
• Right after a mistake or poor review

Step 1: Research your market value

Know what people in similar roles earn. Look at:

• Salary websites that collect pay data by job title and location
• Job postings, especially in places with pay transparency laws that require salary ranges in listings
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which publishes wage data by occupation
• Professional associations, which sometimes publish salary surveys
• Trusted peers and mentors in your field

Look at your job title, responsibilities, experience, industry and location. Aim for a realistic range, not a single number.

Step 2: Build your case

Your raise should be based on value, not need. While rising rent is real, managers respond more to evidence of your contributions. Gather:

• Achievements, with numbers where possible: "Increased sales by 15 percent," "Reduced processing time by two days," "Managed a $50,000 project budget"
• New responsibilities you've taken on
• Positive feedback from clients, colleagues or leaders
• Skills or certifications you've gained
• Problems you've solved

Keep a running "wins list" throughout the year so you're not scrambling to remember. It also helps with imposter syndrome.

Step 3: Decide what to ask for

• Pick a specific number or range, based on your research. Many experts suggest aiming toward the higher end of what's reasonable, leaving room to negotiate.
• Know your minimum, the lowest amount you'd accept.
• Think about alternatives, like more vacation, flexible hours, remote work, professional development funding, a title change or a bonus.

Step 4: Schedule the conversation

Don't spring it on your manager in a hallway. Request a meeting:

"Hi [name], I'd love to set up some time to talk about my role and compensation. Would you have 30 minutes next week?"

Step 5: Practice

Rehearse what you'll say, out loud. Practice with a friend, in front of a mirror or with an AI tool. Practicing helps you stay calm and confident.

What to say: a sample script

Opening: "Thanks for meeting with me. I really enjoy working here and I'm excited about where the team is heading. I'd like to talk about my compensation."

Your case: "Over the past year, I've [major achievement], [another achievement] and taken on [new responsibility]. I've also [skill or extra contribution]."

The ask: "Based on my contributions and research into market rates for similar roles, I'd like to ask for a salary of [amount], or an increase of [percentage]."

Close: "I'd love to hear your thoughts."

Then stop talking. Silence can feel awkward, but give your manager space to respond.

How to handle the response

If they say yes

Thank them, and ask for confirmation in writing, including the amount and when it takes effect.

If they say "let me think about it"

That's common. Ask: "When would be a good time to follow up?" Send a short email summarizing your request and achievements.

If they say "not right now"

Ask questions:

• "What would I need to accomplish to earn a raise?"
• "Can we set specific goals and revisit this in three or six months?"
• "Is there flexibility on other benefits in the meantime?"

Then follow up and document the goals in writing.

If they say no

Stay professional. Ask for feedback. Then consider whether the role still meets your needs. Sometimes the best way to get a raise is to find a new job, but don't threaten to leave unless you're prepared to.

Negotiating more than salary

If salary is fixed, you might negotiate:

• Extra paid time off
• Flexible hours or remote work days
• Professional development or tuition support
• A better title
• A one-time bonus
• Earlier review dates
• Stock options or retirement contributions

Handling the nerves

Feeling anxious about asking for a raise is completely normal. A few things that help:

• Prepare thoroughly. Confidence comes from knowing your facts.
• Reframe it as a business conversation, not a personal favor.
• Calm your body. A few slow breaths before the meeting help. Try box breathing.
• Remember the worst case. Usually, the worst outcome is a "no," and you're no worse off than before.

Raises and your financial plan

When you get a raise, consider putting part of it toward savings or debt before it gets absorbed into everyday spending. Increasing your retirement contribution or emergency fund savings by even a few percent can make a big long-term difference. Our guides to the emergency fund and investing with little money can help.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Asking without evidence. "I deserve more" is less persuasive than specific results.
• Focusing only on personal needs. Rising rent is real, but your case is stronger when it's about value and market rates.
• Comparing yourself to named coworkers. It can come across as gossip or resentment. Focus on your own contributions and market data instead.
• Making threats. Ultimatums can damage trust if you're not truly ready to leave.
• Asking by email only. A face-to-face or video conversation is usually better, followed by an email summary.
• Giving up after one "no." A "not now" can turn into a "yes" later if you agree on goals and follow up.

Pay transparency is changing the game

A growing number of U.S. states and cities now require employers to include salary ranges in job postings. That makes it easier than ever to research what your role is worth. If you notice that new job postings for your role at your own company list a higher range than you earn, that's useful information to bring, calmly and factually, to your conversation.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to ask for a raise?

Good times include before budgets are set, during performance reviews, after a major achievement or when your role has grown significantly.

How much of a raise should I ask for?

Base your request on market research for your role, location and experience. Aim for a specific number or range, with room to negotiate.

What should I say when asking for a raise?

Explain your contributions with specific examples, share your research on market rates, ask for a specific amount and then listen to your manager's response.

What if my boss says no?

Ask for feedback and what you'd need to achieve to earn a raise, set a timeline to revisit, and consider negotiating other benefits.

Should I mention a competing job offer?

Only if it's real and you'd be willing to take it. Using an offer as leverage can work, but it carries risk.

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