How to ask for a raise at work

1. Gather evidence and data.

Pay increases are great, but asking for a raise because you need to pay off your student loans isn’t something your boss will care about. When you ask for a raise, it’s important to present solid facts as to why you deserve a raise. Simply saying “I would like a raise” won’t be enough. Collect evidence to prove your raise is justified. For example, maybe your most recent performance review was off the charts. Have you increased company sales? Have you taken on additional tasks in the last year? Were you crucial in getting new clients or retaining clients for the company? Did you play a major role in an important? Having facts to back up your request for a raise will increase your chances of getting one.

2. Think about the future.

Getting a raise isn’t necessarily one-sided. Your boss will want to see that you care about the company and want to see it succeed. Think about what you can do for the company in the future and make sure to bring it up when you ask for a raise. If your boss knows you see a future with the company and want to help it grow, you’re more likely to get a raise.

Turn data into insights with Excel

Make better decisions backed by data and insights

Learn more

3. Do your research.

Do your research on what other people in your role or field are making. You can use this information to leverage getting a raise. Knowing what other people are making can also help you gain the confidence to ask for a raise in the first place, especially if you’re underpaid. You’ll get more accurate information by researching salaries by position and city. The cost-of-living ranges from city to city, and you don’t want to ask for a raise that’s too low or too high. Asking for a raise that is too high can make you look arrogant or naïve. Once you meet with your boss, be sure to ask for the specific percentage or dollar amount that you want to be added to your salary.

4. Rehearse ahead of time.

You’re more likely to get a raise if you’re confident. When you’re confident, you are showing that you know your value in the company. Rehearsing or even writing a script on how you will ask your boss for a raise will build your confidence once it’s time to ask. It can help to rehearse ahead of time with a friend or mentor. Be prepared to answer any questions your boss may ask.

5. Schedule a meeting.

Schedule a time to speak with your boss to ask for a raise. It’s best to have this meeting in person, but if it can’t be in person, a video call is the next best option. If your meeting is in person, be sure to ask for a raise in a private place, like their office. If you already have a touch base or performance review scheduled, you can also opt to ask for a raise then.

Additional tips to ask for a raise

Here are some additional things that should be considered before asking for a raise.

• Consider the health of the company. If you know the company isn’t financially doing well or there are layoffs happening, there likely isn’t the budget for you to get a raise.
• Wait for your boss to be in a good mood. It can be hard to tell how your boss is feeling when you schedule a meeting with them in advance. If you recently aggravated your boss or they’ve overall been in a bad mood lately, you may want to wait to ask for a raise. You’re more likely to get a raise when your boss is in a good mood.
• Consider your company’s benefits. Salary is important, but it’s not everything. If your company has outstanding benefits, know that you may not receive the exact raise that you asked for.
• Don’t ask for a raise more than once a year. If you just started your job, you may want to wait six months to one year to ask for a raise.
• Keep track of your achievements. If you haven’t already been tracking your work achievements, now is the time to start. It’ll be much easier to ask for a raise when you already know all the great things you’ve done at work.

Asking for a raise can feel intimidating at first, but it will be rewarding in the long run. Now that you have the tips to ask for a raise, you can ask for one with confidence.

---