How To Ask For a Raise At Work » 11 Effective Tips & Scripts (2024)

Those are wise words to live by, especially knowing that we spend 90,000 hours at work in our lifetime. While I agree with the previous quote, thinking about how to ask for a raise at work is intimidating.

No wonder; speaking about money is always a sensitive topic, right?

People get uncomfortable and nervous, but that shouldn’t stop you from asking for more compensation if you feel like you earned it from all the years of working and dedicating yourself to a specific company.

You have two choices when you want to be paid more for your work.

1) You can search for a higher-paying job, which can be super nerve-wracking and a hassle sending out your résumé and cover letter and scheduling interviews.

On the other hand, you can obtain new opportunities with a different employer.

2) If you like your current job and boss and believe you can grow in your current position, then there’s no shame in asking for a raise.

Often, employers don’t know that you’re dissatisfied with your paycheck until you speak up.

I’ll say it: asking for a higher salary doesn’t make you greedy.

You shouldn’t be afraid to approach your manager, although most people don’t know what to say when the time comes. You’ll know how to be successful when discussing your compensation with the knowledge you obtained after reading this article.

So if you’re wondering how to ask for a bigger paycheck every two weeks, don’t worry. I got you covered.

In this article, I’ll break down the steps you should take beforehand andhow to ask for a raise at work. I’ll give you pointers on asking for a raise if you work remotely and what to expect if this is your first job after graduating from college and you want to rake in some more cash.

Keep reading if you want to nail the next meeting with your boss and walk away with a higher paycheck and a skip to your step.

Ask yourself: do I deserve a raise?

We all want more money. That might be a cold approach to these things, but it’s true. Money is a necessary aspect of everyday life and makes the world go round.

If you want a raise, you have to prove your worth. How? Supporting your case with facts and figures instead of feelings will help in the long run.

Ask yourself the following questions employers also consider when you approach them looking for more pay. No sweat. Asking for a raise is common. So, don’t worry that your manager will fire you on the spot.

If you answered at least half of these questions in the positive, great! You meet several expectations and have a better idea of whether or not your employer will be more receptive to you proposing a salary increase.

Let’s move on to learninghow to properly ask for a raise.

If the company isn’t doing well, then it’s not the time to ask for more money.

Take heed to warning signs, like cutbacks in spending or layoffs.Learn more about the financial health of the company and look at reports.Even if you discover that the company is thriving, this information will help when you speak with your manager.

Be mindful of the manager’s workload. Managers are people, too. Think about their position and what success looks like for them.If they’re stressed or focused on too many things, then they probably won’t be too open to questions about pay raises.

Respecting their time and responsibilities shows that you’re in tune with their moods. You know how to identify when to help them. They’ll appreciate that maturity and postponing a pay raise will give you a boost when the time comes.

Understand that managers have priorities, like meeting deadlines, handling budgets, interacting with peers, and furthering their position at the organization. Pay attention to cues and other signs that hint at whether they would be open to discussing a salary range if things are going well or not so much.

For example, the end of the fiscal year, or the 12-month period used for tax purposes, is a time to keep in mind. Companies use this period to make hiring and budgeting plans. Note the cycle and get a head start when discussing with your manager.

January and February are months when staff returns from vacation and companies get new budgets. What does that mean? Employees will ask for bigger salaries, so you won’t be alone. However, you shouldn’t bet all your horses on asking for a raise during this time of year.

Finally, say you completed a significant task or project. If the company is doing well and the manager isn’t swamped, you can schedule a time to ask for a raise if the opportunity isn’t presenting itself and you have to take matters into your own hands.

Reflect on your recent achievements and overcoming hurdles. If you exceeded an important goal, then there’s no harm in asking for a raise.

Look at salary trends to determine how much of a raise you should request. Every job has market value, and you should know the specific salary range.

Research your job title. Take a look at the salaries and trends. Choose the state and metro area where you work to get a pay rate that reflects your city. Of course, your education, experience, and other factors contribute to your paycheck.

Regardless, you learn more about your job and understand the monetary value of your work. From there, compare and contrast the averages to what you’re earning. If they aren’t lining up, then you know that there’s an inconsistency that you and your manager need to address.

Just because you feel like you’re ready for a raise isn’t enough to convince higher-ups. Have reliable salary data at the ready about the industry, position, location, and experience level. With that, you should be able to prove that you need to make more than you are currently.

In short, coming up with reasons to ask for a raise will make the manager better respond to your request than simply saying: “I need more money.”

From there, identify a target salary range. Normally, 3% is the average pay increase, with 4% or 5% being generous.

You could ask for more, but I recommend starting lower so you don’t scare off the possibility of any increase entirely. The ideal starting point is 3%, but the wage may differ based on the jurisdiction, and you can also consult your employer for salaries.

You can ask other people in the workplace, both men and women, about their salaries. This conversation can be weird, but going directly to the source is the best way to determine a reasonable number.

It all depends on how you phrase the question. Here’s a good example of how you could approach your coworkers.

“Hi, [name]. I’m preparing to ask for a raise and promotion similar to your position. I’m interested in learning more about your salary because I want to make sure my experience matches the correct pay.”

After determining the pay raise, hone in on points you want to make. Write down the salary data based on your research and any details that showcase the value you added to the organization. You can glance down at them on your phone or notepad whenever you need a refresher.

Track your past achievements and recent accomplishments. Data and facts prove your point; you don’t want to meet your manager empty-handed. You can mention how your work has positively affected the company or department.

Gather positive feedback, such as emails from coworkers and clients you received over the past years or months, to prove that you’re worthy of a raise and interact well with peers.

Employers like hearing what you’ll bring to the company both now and later, knowing you want to continue growing alongside them in the upcoming years.

Don’t just pop out of nowhere or ask for a raise without setting an appointment. Your manager probably won’t appreciate that and would prefer to have a head’s up at least a few days in advance.

Asking for a raise is better in person and in private. If your manager isn’t in the same location as you, opt for a video call instead. The best conversation is in a room with a closed door and not in the workplace or common areas. (I’ll talk more about asking for a raise in an email later.)

If a performance review is approaching, you may not need to invite the manager to a separate meeting. Once they schedule the review, make a note and give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Let your manager know what you plan to discuss.

Here are a couple ofexamples of how to ask your boss for a raise.

You can gain better insight into their perspective based on their reaction. If they react positively, then you’re good to go. If they react negatively, consider gathering feedback on your last project or any advice they have for your current tasks.

Did you know that the best time of day to talk about pay raises is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.?This way, the manager has time to start the day, catching up on emails or other correspondence, but you avoid the end of the day’s tiredness.

You want to feel confident and relaxed, so it’s up to you when you decide to approach them. Opt for earlier if you want to tackle this head-on. If you like waiting until there are only a few hours left in the workday, then that’s a viable option too.

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.”

That sounds nice, right? Show that you’re excited and ready to discuss the company goals, your responsibilities, and most importantly, your salary. It’s better thansorry for taking your timeorI didn’t mean to bother you.

After greeting your manager positively, follow with specifics and gauge if they want to converse more. Describing further details helps establish why they should increase your salary figure. Cite research and close with examples that justify the raise.

You could also add that your job has been going well and you’re enthused about your responsibilities. These points naturally allow you to progress into increasing your salary.

Rehearse your script. Record yourself (as hard as it is to listen to your voice sometimes) or phone a friend. Have them listen to you and give any feedback on what you could improve on.

Recognize that fear and anxiety are natural when discussing money. Writing a script is a way to manage those feelings.

Practice makes perfect! You should know what to say so you don’t stumble later. Stick to your script even when you’re nervous.

Focus on the professional instead of personal reasons why you deserve a raise. You don’t want to complain about gas prices for the commute or that you have debt that needs paying off.

Managers look to invest in enthusiastic, dedicated, and loyal employees. Approach a discussion about pay with your manager by describing your excitement for the company’s future.

Incorporate your perspectives on a completed project and how well you work with your teammates. Last but not least, highlight how your efforts contribute to the company’s success.

“Over the past few months, I have planned and supervised several company events. Attendee feedback improved from previous years, going up by [%]. These achievements have improved customer satisfaction, and a salary increase of [%] is appropriate based on my research.

I looked at average salaries for this industry, job title, and location. I considered my years of experience that have added significant value to the company. Since my last salary increase, I have excelled in expanding my skill set. I can continue working on new projects and benefit the organization with additional compensation.

What do you think? Does that sound fair?”

Once you completed the previous steps, you’re ready to ask for a raise!

Your manager will carefully consider your request and ask follow-up questions. Don’t get flustered. You can discuss the raise more with them and continue to show evidence of why you’re asking for more money.

They’ll most likely inquire about your recent accomplishments or the research you’ve completed. Reference the evidence you collected to strengthen your point if you feel intimidated.

Once this happens, you can converse more with them, using evidence and suggestions.

You can also learn more (remember to be polite) if they reject you entirely. Consider asking them how you could improve your performance or skills. See if a raise could happen in the future and what you can do to help make that more certain if they say that a pay increase isn’t possible because of the current budget.

If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back, calm down, and think about how you can make a win-win situation for you and your boss.Communicate the value you will bring to the company and ask what your employer will do for you in exchange.Of course, negotiation takes time to prepare and work in your favor.

However, once you get it down, your boss will see how much you dedicate to the organization’s success. Negotiation can bring you salary increases, promotions, more flexibility, and other incentives that help you feel more valued in the company.

Be clear with what you want once you enter a negotiation and have a backup plan if the first thing you want doesn’t cut it. You can always lower the amount if they’re hesitant or resistant to the raise request.Ask for alternatives instead of a pay raise if that’s too difficult to secure for the company.

The manager might offer you more vacation time or flexible hours instead which, depending on your circ*mstance, could be just as good.

Overall, negotiation helps you approach your manager for a pay raise. It helps establish that you’re both adults and you’re not a subordinate pleading for more money. Voice what matters to you, and you may get what you want or have to consider another position elsewhere.

No matter how the situation turns out, you should show the manager appreciation for taking the time to speak with you.

A few hours later or the next day, send an email that recaps your reasons for asking for a raise. Include a summary of your conversation.

If they need to consult with someone else about your raise, the email makes it easier for them to speak on your behalf. The email records the conversation and why the manager accepted or rejected your proposal.

If you request a raise at a later date, then you can also reference the previous details to refresh why they declined you in the first place and how to ask for a raise more successfully.

Just as there are tricks to help you along the way to a higher paycheck, there are things you should avoid. Look at the following tips and learnwhat to not say when asking for a raise.

You should be confident in yourself and your abilities.Avoid language choices like, “I’m not sure you’ll agree,” or “This may not be accurate.” Be straightforward and assert your beliefs, sharing why you deserve a raise and backing up that claim with ironclad information.

Avoid making your question too broad or too general. If you aim for a huge pay raise, you might not hear back.You should request a specific amount, rather than hop around a number.That way you feel justified when sharing your salary request and are proud of yourself for taking a risk and speaking what’s on your mind.

Leave your personal needs out of it. You may have extremely valid reasons for why you need a raise, but those rarely crop up in the negotiation process.

An increased salary relies on merit and past successes. While your manager may want to support you, they have a hard time justifying a raise to their supervisors unless they have a work-related reason.

You should base a raise on mutual benefit. It’s all about balance. What do the manager and the company gain out of paying you more? Be assertive but don’t give ultimatums like, “I need a raise or I quit” unless you’re ready to move on to another job. Even then, you want this company as a good reference without a sour taste in their mouths over your last interaction.

Great! You survived the intimidating encounter with your boss and it went quite well. Now what?

The manager might make a final offer that’s lower than what you expected. You can choose to take the increase, even if it’s not to your liking, since something is better than nothing. Or, you could further negotiate a number that meets you both halfway.

If you feel like you’re not being compensated fairly or aren’t making progress, then it might be time to search for a new job. After considering these red flags, you can see if another employer may value your skills more.

Ultimately, you decide what’s best and you’re in charge of your career. You decide what to do next to earn what you deserve. Research employers to see how employees rate them for compensation, benefits, job security, and advancement before burning bridges and submitting your two-week notice.

You can always try again in a few months to see if anything’s changed. Additionally, you can encourage others to ask for raises.

Women are less likely to ask for a raise than men and are always hesitant to approach managers for more money because of their position, how long it took to climb the ladder to where they are now, or simply lacking confidence in their abilities.

But anyone in the workplace, regardless of gender, should request a pay raise if they put in the time, effort, and energy to accomplish small and big goals.

Everyone should be paid fairly for their work. Boosting the awareness of a bigger paycheck could influence the manager to consider the possibility more.

You, your peers, and your managers will all benefit because you recognize the valuable accomplishments you bring to the table. No one should feel uncomfortable discussing money in the workplace and it strengthens your relationships even if it’s a bit uncomfortable at first.

Most of the time, you have to ask for a raise as an employee. But bringing up that subject can be awkward and hard if you’re unsure where to begin. Sending a message can avoid a possibly tense in-person conversation.

Sending an email about a pay raise is the easiest way to ask your manager for more money when you work remotely.An email gives them time to consider the best response and not put them directly on the spot. Written communication is sometimes easier for people to explain their rationale for a higher salary. Plus, it’s less stressful.

But, that doesn’t mean it’s the best way to go about this situation.

A manager needs time to think about your request, evaluate your progress, and analyze the contributions you made to the company overall. They have to wonder:will this lead to mass requests from other employees?If they decline others, will there be morale issues?

They also have to think about the message they’re sending to you and your peers if they grant your request. Many managers value their employees and want them to succeed and keep them on the payroll.

Higher-ups have to determine whether you’re worth this commitment based on your work history and how often you contribute.

Even though you’re writing an email, request an in-person (or video call) meeting to discuss your compensation, preferably as the subject line. Briefly explain why you deserve a salary increase, any additional responsibilities you’ve taken in your role, and the skills or certifications you’ve acquired since being hired.

Employers want to know that you enjoy what you do for the company. If you come across as an unhappy employee who wants more money, they might be more hesitant to accept this proposition.

Show that you want an opportunity to discuss a bigger paycheck, but you can offer much more in return.

Yes! Recent college graduates frequently don’t ask to be better compensated.

A lot of people don’t know that sometimes your employers don’t automatically increase your salary after a few years. Some do, some don’t. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions, better your wages, and seek improvement in your work environment after all of your hard work in school.

Asking for a raise doesn’t necessarily affect the company’s perspective of you negatively. The worst outcome is that your boss says “No“, but they’ll probably gain more respect for your assertiveness and honesty.

If they say “Yes” and the budget is in good standing, then you get more money. That’s worth the risk, wouldn’t you agree?

Follow the previous suggestions. Only ask for a raise if you’re underpaid and you know the worth of your work. Come to the meeting prepared with research, talking points, and average salaries for the job you’re doing to compare.

Another possibility is to start searching for similar jobs at other companies. Then, if you get an offer, approach your current employer with the possibility of a raise, asking to match what the rival company offers.

If you heed the advice in this article, you can come up with a unique way to ask for a raise. There’s no clear-cut formula; use what works for you. Take advantage of your personality and experience. Be unique and flexible, and you’re sure to have a good experience discussing a raise.

If everything takes a turn for the worst, stay positive and continue working hard. Then in a few more months, you can return to the question of how much can I ask for a raise?

That’s it! If you feel slightly intimidated now, you’re not alone. Tons of people ask for pay raises, and you have plenty of time to write out what you’ll say to your boss. The world won’t end if they say no. You’re a good employee, and they’ll recognize that if you continue to put 110% into your responsibilities.

You now know how to ask for a raise when you are underpaid. Feel free to create a script from the ideas provided to you.

There’s no one right way to approach asking for a bigger paycheck since every situation is different, but there are steps you can take that help you shine brighter than the rest!

I’m curious to know if you’ve used any of these techniques in the past. Have they worked? If you’re a manager, do you agree with the previous recommendations?

How many people have succeeded in using these steps? Did you have a bad or good experience with a previous employee asking for a raise?

Share your ideas, thoughts, questions, and concerns. I’d love to hear from you!

If you know someone who’s looking for a better salary, send this article to them and help them earn the best salary they can get for the hard work they put in every day!

Hopefully, you better understand how to ask for araise at worknow. Go out there and secure some extra cash. You’ve got this!

Consider sharing with a friend: