How to Ask for a Raise at Work (Email/Letter Templates + Scripts)

Build a data-backed raise case: evidence, benchmarks, a clear conversation script, and copy-paste email/letter templates.

Evidence checklist
"How much to ask" guidance
Email + letter templates
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Personalized outputs ready to use in your raise conversation

One-sentence ask

"Based on my expanded scope and market benchmarks, I'd like to discuss adjusting my compensation to $105k-$110k."

2–3 minute script

Full conversation flow: appreciation → impact recap → clear ask → pause → close with timeline

Email template (short + long)

Meeting request email + full raise request email with evidence and ask

Formal letter template

Professional raise request letter for HR or formal review processes

"How much to ask" guidance

Target range calculation based on market data, tenure, and impact level

5 email subject lines

Tested subject lines that get opened and taken seriously

How to ask for a raise (the simple framework)

Asking for a raise doesn't have to be awkward. Follow this proven framework:

  • Timing + evidence + clear ask: Choose the right moment (after wins, before budget cycles), bring quantified impact, and state a specific range.
  • Anchor with a range: Don't ask "Can I get more?" — say "I'm targeting $X–$Y based on market data and my contributions."
  • Show impact (metrics) + expanded scope: Use numbers (revenue, savings, efficiency gains) and highlight new responsibilities you've taken on.
  • Ask for a decision timeline: End with "What's the next step?" or "Can we revisit this in 2 weeks?"
  • If not now: agree on a plan and review date: If the answer is "not yet," ask what needs to be true and set a follow-up date.

This framework works because it's data-driven, respectful, and gives your manager a clear path forward.

When to ask for a raise

Timing matters. Here's when to ask for a raise at work:

✅ Good times to ask

  • After measurable wins: You shipped a major project, hit a big milestone, or delivered clear business impact.
  • After scope expansion: Your role has grown — you're leading more people, owning more systems, or taking on higher-level work.
  • Before budget/review cycle: Ask 4–8 weeks before your company's performance review or budget planning window.
  • Company performance & team needs: The company is hiring, growing, or your team is understaffed and you're critical.

❌ Bad times to ask

  • During layoffs or freezes: If the company just announced cost-cutting, wait.
  • After performance issues: If you've had recent feedback about underperformance, address that first.
  • Right after getting a raise: Wait at least 12–18 months unless your scope changed dramatically.

Pro tip: Don't wait for your manager to bring it up. If you've earned it, ask.

How much of a raise should I ask for?

The right amount depends on your situation, but here's a practical guide:

Common raise scenarios

Market adjustment (you're underpaid)

Target: Market midpoint for your role/level/location. Increase: Often 10–20%+

Strong performance (same role)

Target: 5–10% increase, or up to 15% if you've delivered exceptional impact

Promotion or scope expansion

Target: 10–20% increase, depending on the new level and market benchmarks

Counteroffer / retention

Target: Match or exceed the competing offer (if you have one)

How to calculate your target

  1. Research market rates: Use Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary to find the range for your role, level, and location.
  2. Define your value band: Where do you sit? Low performer = below midpoint. Strong performer = midpoint to 75th percentile. Top performer = 75th–90th percentile.
  3. Express as a range: Don't ask for a single number. Say "I'm targeting $X–$Y" (range width: 5–10% of target).
  4. Think total comp: If base is hard, negotiate bonus, equity, title, or scope instead.

Example: If market midpoint is $110k and you're at $95k, target $105k–$115k and anchor at the midpoint.

How to ask your boss for a raise (conversation script)

Use this 2–3 minute script structure to ask for a raise in person or over video:

Full conversation script

1. Appreciation + set context

"Hi [Manager Name], thanks for meeting with me. I enjoy working on [team/product] and I'm proud of the results I've delivered this cycle."

2. Recap impact (3 bullets)

"Over the past [time period], I've:
• [Win 1 + metric]
• [Win 2 + metric]
• [Win 3 + metric]"

3. Make the ask (range)

"Given this impact and the expanded scope in [area], I'd like to discuss adjusting my compensation. Based on market ranges and my contributions, I'm targeting [range]."

4. Pause + handle objections

Stop talking. Let your manager respond. If they say "no budget" or "not now," ask: "What would need to be true to reach that range, and can we set a clear review date?"

5. Close with timeline

"Is there flexibility to make that adjustment this cycle? If not, what's the next step and when can we revisit?"

Why this script works

  • It's respectful: You start with appreciation and context, not demands.
  • It's data-driven: You lead with impact metrics, not feelings.
  • It's clear: You state a specific range, not "I'd like more money."
  • It's collaborative: You ask for a timeline and next steps, not a yes/no answer.

Pro tip: Practice this script out loud 2–3 times before the meeting. It'll feel more natural.

Ask for a raise email template (copy & paste)

Use these proven email templates to request a raise. Copy, customize, and send.

Template 1: Request a meeting (lightweight)

Subject: Compensation discussion — [Your Name]

---

Hi [Manager Name],

I'd like to schedule a short meeting to discuss my compensation. Over the past [time period], I've delivered measurable impact, including: [Win 1], [Win 2], and [Win 3].

Based on my expanded responsibilities and market benchmarks for my role, I'd like to discuss adjusting my salary to [target range].

Would you be open to a 20–30 minute conversation this week?

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Template 2: After performance review

Subject: Following up on my performance review

---

Hi [Manager Name],

Thank you for the positive feedback in my recent review. I'm proud of the results I've delivered this cycle, including [Win 1], [Win 2], and [Win 3].

Given this performance and the expanded scope in [area], I'd like to discuss a salary adjustment to [target range]. This aligns with market benchmarks for my role and level.

Can we schedule time to discuss this week?

Best,
[Your Name]

Template 3: Market adjustment

Subject: Compensation alignment — [Your Name]

---

Hi [Manager Name],

I'd like to discuss my compensation. I've been researching market rates for [Role] at [Level] in [Location], and I've found that the typical range is [market range].

Given my tenure ([X years]), performance ([recent wins]), and expanded responsibilities ([scope]), I'd like to discuss adjusting my salary to [target range] to align with market.

Can we schedule a conversation this week?

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Template 4: Promotion case

Subject: Promotion & compensation discussion

---

Hi [Manager Name],

I'd like to discuss a promotion to [Target Level] and the associated compensation adjustment.

Over the past [time period], I've been operating at the next level:
• [Scope expansion 1]
• [Scope expansion 2]
• [Impact metric]

Based on this scope and market benchmarks for [Target Level], I'm targeting a salary of [target range].

Can we schedule time to discuss the path forward?

Best,
[Your Name]

Ask for a raise email subject lines

Use these subject lines to get your email opened and taken seriously:

  • ✉️ Compensation discussion — [Your Name]
  • ✉️ Following up on my performance review
  • ✉️ Salary adjustment request — [Your Name]
  • ✉️ Compensation alignment — [Your Name]
  • ✉️ Request for salary review
  • ✉️ Promotion & compensation discussion
  • ✉️ Market adjustment conversation
  • ✉️ Compensation review — [Your Name]
  • ✉️ Salary discussion — [Your Name]
  • ✉️ Request to discuss my compensation

Pro tip: Keep subject lines professional and direct. Avoid "Can we talk?" or vague requests.

Raise request letter template (formal)

Use this formal letter template when your company requires written requests or for HR documentation:

Date: [Date]

To: [Manager/HR Name], [Title]

Subject: Request for Salary Adjustment

Dear [Name],

I am writing to formally request a review of my compensation for my role as [Role]. Over the past [time period], I have contributed to [team/company] through:

• [Impact 1]
• [Impact 2]
• [Impact 3]

Given these contributions, my expanded scope in [area], and market benchmarks for similar roles, I would like to request an adjustment of my base salary to [target range].

I appreciate your consideration and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this request and the next steps.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Salary increment letter sample (HR-style)

Here are two versions of salary increment letters:

Version 1: Employee request letter

Use this when you need to submit a formal salary increment request:

Date: [Date]

To: [HR Manager Name]

Subject: Salary Increment Request

Dear [HR Manager Name],

I am writing to request a salary increment for my position as [Role] at [Company].

Over the past [time period], I have consistently delivered strong performance, including:

• [Achievement 1 with metric]
• [Achievement 2 with metric]
• [Achievement 3 with metric]

Additionally, my responsibilities have expanded to include [new scope/responsibilities].

Based on my performance, expanded scope, and market benchmarks for [Role] at [Level], I respectfully request a salary adjustment from [current salary] to [target range].

I have attached supporting documentation including [performance reviews, project outcomes, market research].

Thank you for considering my request. I would be happy to discuss this further at your convenience.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Employee ID]

Version 2: Salary increment letter (from employer)

This is what a salary increment notification from your company might look like (for reference):

Date: [Date]

Subject: Salary Increment Letter

Dear [Employee Name],

In recognition of your performance and contributions to [Company/Team], we are pleased to inform you that your base salary will be increased from [Old Salary] to [New Salary], effective [Effective Date].

This adjustment reflects your impact in [area] and continued growth in [responsibilities].

Your new compensation details are as follows:

• Base Salary: [New Salary]
• Effective Date: [Date]
• Next Review: [Date]

Thank you for your dedication and continued contributions to our team.

Sincerely,
[Manager/HR Name]
[Title]

Pro tip: Keep formal letters concise (1 page), professional, and focused on impact + data.

Ask for a raise examples (3 realistic scenarios)

Learn from these real-world examples of successful raise requests:

Example 1: Individual contributor strong impact

Background: Software engineer, 2 years at company, current salary $95k, market range $105k-$120k

One-sentence ask: "Based on my impact this year and market benchmarks, I'm targeting $108k-$112k."

Key evidence:

  • • Reduced API latency by 45%, improving user experience for 50k+ daily users
  • • Shipped 3 major features ahead of schedule, enabling $200k in new revenue
  • • Mentored 2 junior engineers, both received positive performance reviews

Email snippet:

"Given this impact and the expanded mentorship responsibilities, I'd like to discuss adjusting my compensation to $108k-$112k, which aligns with market rates for senior engineers with my scope."

Example 2: Role expanded (scope)

Background: Marketing manager, 18 months at company, took on team lead responsibilities, current salary $85k

One-sentence ask: "Given my expanded scope leading a 4-person team, I'm targeting $95k-$100k."

Key evidence:

  • • Now managing 4 direct reports (previously individual contributor)
  • • Grew email list by 40% (15k → 21k subscribers) in 6 months
  • • Led campaign that generated $150k in pipeline, 25% above target

Email snippet:

"Over the past 6 months, my role has evolved from individual contributor to team lead. I'm now managing 4 people and owning our entire email strategy. Based on this scope and market benchmarks for marketing managers with direct reports, I'd like to discuss $95k-$100k."

Example 3: Promotion request

Background: Product designer, 3 years at company, operating at senior level, current salary $92k, senior range $110k-$130k

One-sentence ask: "I'd like to discuss a promotion to Senior Product Designer and an adjustment to $115k-$120k."

Key evidence:

  • • Leading design for 2 product lines (previously 1)
  • • Established design system adopted by 3 teams, reducing design time by 30%
  • • Presenting to executive team monthly (previously quarterly)

Email snippet:

"I've been operating at the senior level for the past 6 months: leading design for 2 product lines, building our design system, and presenting to executives. I'd like to discuss formalizing this with a promotion to Senior Product Designer and adjusting my compensation to $115k-$120k, which aligns with market benchmarks for this level."

Notice the pattern: Clear ask + quantified impact + market anchor = strong case.

Common objections (and what to say)

Your manager might push back. Here's how to respond professionally:

❌ "No budget right now"

What to say:

"I understand budget constraints. Can we discuss what would need to be true to make this adjustment in the next cycle? And can we set a specific review date — say, 3 months from now?"

Next step: Get a commitment to revisit with clear milestones.

❌ "Not the right time"

What to say:

"I appreciate that timing matters. When would be the right time to revisit this? I'd like to align with your budget planning or performance review cycle."

Next step: Lock in a date (e.g., "Let's revisit in Q2 budget planning").

❌ "You need more scope"

What to say:

"I'd love to take on more scope. What specific areas would you like me to own? Can we define those and set a timeline to revisit compensation once I've demonstrated impact in those areas?"

Next step: Document the scope expansion plan and review date.

❌ "Let's revisit later"

What to say:

"I appreciate that. Can we agree on a specific date to revisit? I'd like to make sure this doesn't fall through the cracks. How about [specific date in 2-3 months]?"

Next step: Send a calendar invite for the follow-up discussion.

Pro tip: Never leave without a next step. Always get a date or a clear milestone.

Ask for a raise FAQ

How do I ask for a raise at work politely?

Start with appreciation, present your impact with data, state a specific range, and ask for next steps. Use phrases like "I'd like to discuss" rather than "I demand." Be respectful but confident.

Should I ask in email or in a meeting?

Best practice: Send an email to request a meeting, then have the conversation in person or over video. The email sets context; the meeting allows for dialogue and negotiation.

What if my boss says no?

Ask "What would need to be true to reach that range?" and "Can we set a review date in 3 months?" Don't accept a vague "maybe later" — get a clear milestone or timeline.

Can I ask for a raise after one year?

Yes, if you've delivered measurable impact or your scope has expanded. Many companies have annual review cycles, so 12-18 months is a reasonable timeframe.

How do I ask for a pay rise (UK)?

The process is the same: evidence + market benchmarks + clear ask. In the UK, use "pay rise" or "salary review" instead of "raise." Timing often aligns with annual appraisals.

Can I negotiate bonus/title instead?

Yes. If base salary is constrained, ask for a performance bonus, equity, title promotion, or expanded scope. Think total compensation, not just base.

Should I mention inflation?

You can, but lead with impact and market data. Inflation is a weak argument alone. Say "Given inflation and my performance, I'd like to discuss..." rather than making inflation the main point.

What if I'm underpaid vs new hires?

This is a market adjustment case. Say "I've noticed new hires in similar roles are offered $X. Given my tenure and performance, I'd like to discuss aligning my compensation with market."

How do I document my achievements?

Keep a running list: project outcomes, metrics (revenue, savings, efficiency), stakeholder feedback, scope expansions. Update it monthly so you're always ready.

What's a salary increment letter?

A salary increment letter is either (1) your formal request to HR for a raise, or (2) the company's notification that your salary is increasing. See templates above for both versions.

What if I work remotely?

Same process. Schedule a video call. Remote work doesn't change the fundamentals: impact + market data + clear ask. Some companies adjust for location; research your company's policy.

How to ask for a raise without another offer?

You don't need another offer. Lead with your impact, expanded scope, and market benchmarks. Threatening to leave without a real offer can backfire — focus on your value instead.

Turn your achievements into a raise request that lands well

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