How to Ask for a Raise (and Actually Get It)

Before you change jobs for more money, it’s worth asking for it where you are. Here’s how to ask for a raise with a clear plan and a proven script.

When to ask

• After a major win or completed project
• During performance review season (or a few weeks before budgets are set)
• When your responsibilities have grown
• When market data shows you’re underpaid

Avoid asking during layoffs, budget freezes or high-stress moments for your manager. Timing is one of the most important parts of how to ask for a raise.

Build your case

1. List your achievements with numbers — revenue, savings, efficiency, customer results. Evidence is the backbone of how to ask for a raise successfully.
2. Show expanded responsibilities beyond your original role.
3. Research market pay for your title and location.
4. Decide your number — a specific figure or percentage.

Script

Thanks for meeting with me. Over the past year, I’ve led the migration of our reporting to Power BI, which cut monthly reporting time by 60%, and I’ve taken on training three new analysts. Based on these results and market data for similar roles, I’d like to discuss increasing my salary to $92,000. What would it take to make that happen? A clear script removes much of the anxiety around how to ask for a raise.

Tips

• Schedule a dedicated meeting rather than asking in passing Preparation is what separates confident requests from nervous ones when you learn how to ask for a raise.
• Focus on value, not personal expenses
• Practice your talking points
• Bring a one-page summary of achievements
• Listen and ask questions

If the answer is no

• Ask what specific goals would earn a raise and when to revisit Knowing what to do after a "no" is part of how to ask for a raise like a professional.
• Request a written development plan
• Negotiate non-salary benefits: title, training, flexible work
• If nothing changes, it may be a sign it’s time to look for a new job

Prepare a “brag document”

Throughout the year, keep a running list of wins: projects delivered, problems solved, compliments from customers, metrics improved and new responsibilities. When raise time comes, you’ll have concrete evidence ready instead of trying to remember everything. Research is the first step in how to ask for a raise with a specific number.

Raise vs. promotion

A raise increases pay for your current role; a promotion changes your level and responsibilities. If you’re already performing at the next level, ask about a promotion — it often comes with a larger pay increase and a stronger title for future job searches. A short recap email is an underrated part of how to ask for a raise.

How to research what you should be paid

1. Check salary data for your exact title, experience level and location on several salary websites.
2. Look at job postings in states and cities with pay transparency laws, which publish salary ranges.
3. Talk to recruiters — they know current market rates.
4. Ask trusted peers in similar roles.
5. Review your company’s pay bands if they’re available internally.

Aim for a clear number supported by at least three sources. Your company type shapes how to ask for a raise and when.

Raise request email (to schedule the meeting)

Subject: Time to discuss my role and compensation

Hi Jordan,

Could we set up 30 minutes in the next couple of weeks to talk about my role, recent results and compensation? I’d like to share what I’ve accomplished this year and discuss my growth here.

Thanks,
Alex

A one-page raise summary

Bring a short document to the meeting:

Section	Example
Key results	Led migration of reporting to Power BI; saved 60 hours/month
Revenue or savings	Identified $180K in vendor savings
Expanded scope	Trained 3 new analysts; took over budgeting for the team
Recognition	Customer and leadership feedback
Market data	Comparable roles in Dallas: $88K–$98K
Request	Increase base salary to $92,000

What to say when your manager pushes back

“There’s no budget right now.”

I understand. Could we agree on a specific timeline to revisit this — say, at the start of next quarter — and what I’d need to achieve to get there?

“You’re already at the top of your pay band.”

That makes sense. What would it take to move to the next level? I’d love to map out a plan for promotion.

“Let me think about it.”

Of course. When would be a good time to follow up?

“We give raises only during annual reviews.”

Thanks for explaining. Can we make sure this is part of my review discussion, and is there anything I can provide now to support the case?

Alternatives if salary can’t move

• Title change or promotion path
• One-time bonus or spot award
• Additional PTO
• Remote or flexible schedule
• Paid certifications or conference attendance
• More visible projects that build your case for next time

Mistakes to avoid

• Comparing yourself to specific coworkers’ pay
• Threatening to quit unless you’re prepared to
• Citing personal financial needs instead of value
• Asking without data
• Accepting a vague “maybe later” without a follow-up date

When asking isn’t enough

If you’ve asked professionally, delivered strong results and still see no movement, the fastest way to reach market pay is often a new job. Changing employers frequently brings a larger increase than an internal raise. Start by updating your resume with your latest wins, and learn how to negotiate salary when the offer comes.

Timing tips by company type

• Large corporations usually set raise budgets months before annual reviews. Ask two to three months before review season so your request can be included.
• Startups may move faster but have tighter cash. Ask after a funding round or a major company win, and consider equity.
• Small businesses often decide raises informally. Ask after a strong quarter or a project that clearly saved or earned money.
• Government and unionized roles follow set pay scales; focus on step increases, reclassification or promotion.

Practice the conversation

Rehearse with a friend playing a skeptical manager. Practice stating your number without apologizing, and practice pausing after you’ve made your request. Confidence comes from preparation — and so do better outcomes.

Sample follow-up email after the meeting

Subject: Thank you — next steps on compensation

Hi Jordan,

Thanks for meeting with me today. To recap, we discussed my results this year — including the Power BI reporting migration and onboarding three new analysts — and my request to adjust my salary to $92,000. You mentioned you’ll review this with finance and get back to me by March 15.

Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide in the meantime.

Best,
Alex

A short recap email creates a record of the conversation, confirms the timeline and makes it easy to follow up politely if the date passes.

Raise FAQ

How often can I ask for a raise? Typically once a year, or when your role significantly changes. Asking every few months without a change in scope can hurt your credibility.

Should I mention a competing job offer? Only if you’re genuinely willing to accept it. Using an offer purely as leverage can backfire and damage trust.

Is it okay to ask for a raise after a bad year for the company? Timing matters. If the company is cutting costs, consider asking for a clear plan and timeline instead, or focus on non-salary benefits for now.

What’s a realistic raise? It varies by company, role and market. A standard annual adjustment is often modest, while raises tied to promotions or significant market gaps can be considerably larger.

Body language and tone in the meeting

Sit up straight, make eye contact and speak at a steady pace. State your number once, clearly, and then pause — resist the urge to fill the silence or immediately lower your request. Keep the tone collaborative rather than demanding: you’re asking your manager to partner with you on recognizing your contributions. Phrases like “help me understand” and “what would it take” keep the conversation productive even if the initial answer isn’t yes.

Asking for a raise remotely

If you work remotely, schedule a video call rather than asking over chat or email. Turn your camera on, share your one-page summary on screen if helpful, and send a recap email afterward. Remote employees can be less visible to leadership, so a clear, well-documented case matters even more.

How to ask for a raise: key takeaways

Here is a quick recap of how to ask for a raise to save or share:

• Learning how to ask for a raise starts with documented results.
• Time your request before budgets are set.
• Use market data and a specific number.
• If the answer is no, get clear criteria and a date.

For official labor-market data and more career research, see the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor. Ready to put this into practice? Make sure your resume matches every job you apply for with the HiReXL ATS Resume Optimizer.

Frequently asked questions

How much of a raise should I ask for?

Base it on market data and your contributions. Many people ask for a meaningful increase above standard annual adjustments, especially if they're below market.

Is it okay to ask for a raise by email?

It's better to request a meeting by email and have the conversation in person or on video.

What should I do if my raise request is denied?

Ask for clear criteria and a timeline, request a development plan, and consider non-salary benefits. If nothing changes, explore other opportunities.