How to ask for a raise at work: 5 steps for success

You might have worked at your company for a long time. Or maybe you’ve recently taken on more responsibility. Whatever the reason, if you want to ask your boss for a raise, a little preparation could set you up for success.

What you’ll learn:

• Compiling a list of your accomplishments and researching salaries of comparable jobs can give you evidence to support a raise request.

• You might have more luck asking for a raise when your company is in good financial health or after an important achievement.

• A face-to-face meeting when asking for a pay raise may help you to get your points across with the most success.

Building a solid case for a raise could help you more than just asking your manager without providing details. Here are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Make a list of your achievements. A written list of your achievements and contributions could show your boss why you deserve a pay increase. You might focus on the positive impact and results you’ve had on your team and the wider company.

• Research comparable salaries for your job. If you can get a sense of the industry standard or the average salary for similar jobs, you can compare how closely your current salary lines up and determine a realistic amount to ask for.

• Practice what you plan to say. Rehearsing before you meet with your boss might help you feel more comfortable and confident.

There’s no set answer to how much of a pay increase you should ask for. According to employment website Indeed.com, the average raise percentage at most companies is 3%-5%. If your raise request also involves a new title, it might be worth asking for more.

When you ask for a raise could be crucial to your success. Here are some potential times:

• During your performance review

• After taking on more responsibilities or completing a big project

• When your manager isn’t too busy or stressed

• When your company is in good financial health

Having a face-to-face conversation, whether in person or by video chat, isn’t always easy. But it could help you ensure all your points are heard. 

You can set a date in whatever way is typical for your organization. Maybe that’s adding a meeting directly to your manager’s digital calendar or emailing to request a meeting.

In your request, you can let your boss know you want to discuss salary and provide a high-level overview of why you feel you deserve a pay increase.

Once you’ve made  your case, your manager may ask questions. It might also be helpful to prepare for your manager to give you a decision on the spot by considering your next steps:

• If they say yes: If you’re happy with the offer, that’s great. If it’s lower than you were expecting, you could think about how to negotiate your new salary.

• If they say maybe: Your manager might not be able to give you an answer during your meeting. The decision might require approval from higher-ups, human resources or the finance team. In that case, the conversation about your salary may have to continue beyond the initial meeting.

• If they say not right now: If they say there’s no budget for it, you could ask your boss to clarify next steps or schedule a later date to discuss.

• If they say no: A “no” can be disappointing to hear, but it doesn’t have to shut down the conversation. You could ask if the decision might be revisited in the future. You can also ask whether working toward any particular goal might help you achieve a raise later.

Sending a professional thank-you email that sums up the key points of the discussion, including next steps or mentions of future discussions, gives you and your manager a record of the meeting.

Asking for a raise can be nerve-wracking. Speaking confidently about your talents and accomplishments to your superior might feel intimidating or even unnatural at first. But advocating for yourself and ensuring you’re being fairly compensated for your work is an important component of professional life.

Once you’ve successfully asked for and received a raise, you might wonder how best to manage your new income. It’s never too early—or too late—to start thinking about saving for retirement.