Have you ever thought, "I work hard, I do a great job, so why don't I get paid more?" You're not alone! Asking for a pay raise might feel scary, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, talking about money with your boss is much more common than you might think.
Why I Deserve a Raise
In this guide, we'll walk through exactly how to make a strong case for why you deserve a raise, prepare for the conversation, and handle whatever answer you get — even if it's not the one you wanted.
Why Asking for a Raise Matters
When you feel properly paid for your work, everyone wins. You feel valued and appreciated, and your employer gets to keep a happy employee who wants to stick around. It's worth having the conversation!
The 6-Step Process to Ask for (and Get) Your Raise
Step 1: Know When the Time is Right
Timing can make or break your request. Before asking for a raise, ask yourself:
- Has it been more than a year since my last salary review?
- Has my workload noticeably increased for at least six months?
- Do I have an upcoming performance evaluation?
- Have I been offered another job? (Be careful with this one!)
- The company just had layoffs (they likely don't have more money for raises)
- Your industry is struggling with market trends or events
- Your boss is dealing with a crisis or extremely busy period
Step 2: Decide on Your Number
Be prepared with a specific request based on research, not just a feeling.
What's reasonable to ask for:
- Most common raises fall in the 3-5% range
- Higher percentages might be appropriate if you've taken on significant additional responsibilities or leadership skills
Where to research salary information:
| Research Method | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Salary websites | Average pay for your role and location |
| Indeed salaries | What others in your position earn |
| Job descriptions | Salary ranges for similar positions |
| Company information | If your company has transparent salary bands |
| Industry groups | Typical compensation in your field |
| Colleagues | How your company usually handles raises |
Step 3: Prepare Your Case - Why You Deserve More
This is the most important step! You need to clearly explain why you've earned a raise.
Ask yourself:
- What positive feedback have I received?
- What recent results am I most proud of?
- Where have I taken initiative?
- Where have I made the biggest impact?
Example for office roles:
"Since my last raise over a year ago, I've taken on managing five junior employees. Our team results have increased by almost 10% last quarter. I've also improved our vendor relationships, reducing costs, and our late payments are down by 40%."
Example for healthcare roles:
"Since my last evaluation, our unit has handled higher patient counts without adding staff. My patient satisfaction ratings are higher than average, and I've helped expand our capacity since taking over the extra wing."
Important: Always focus on work you've already done, not future promises, and make your case based on your contribution to the company's success, not personal financial needs.
Step 4: See Things From Your Manager's Perspective
Understanding what your boss might be thinking helps you prepare better:
- Value assessment: How valuable are you to the company?
- Budget concerns: Do they have money for raises right now?
- Fairness to others: How would your raise affect other employees?
- Reasonableness: Is your request appropriate or excessive?
- Retention concerns: Are they worried you might leave?
Remember, good managers want to keep valuable employees. A reasonable, well-supported request won't offend them, even if they can't say yes right away.
Step 5: Be Ready for "No"
If your boss turns you down, don't get upset or give up. Instead:
- Ask what you would need to do to earn a salary increase in the future (training, new skills, more experience)
- Request a timeline for reconsideration
- See if other company benefits might be available instead (flexible hours, extra vacation days)
Step 6: Know When to Look Elsewhere
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a company can't or won't increase your pay. If you've:
- Been turned down multiple times
- Met all the conditions your boss set for a raise
- Confirmed you're underpaid compared to market rates
...it might be time to look for opportunities elsewhere.
But remember: A new job means new responsibilities too. Higher pay comes with higher expectations, so make sure you're ready for that challenge.
Key Takeaways
- Timing matters: Choose when to ask carefully, considering both company and personal circumstances
- Research first: Know what you're worth based on data, not feelings
- Build your case: Use specific examples and numbers to show your market value
- Be professional: Understand your manager's perspective and constraints
- Have a backup plan: Be prepared for "no" and know what you'll do next
- Know your worth: Sometimes the best raise comes from a new opportunity
What Not to Do When Asking for a Raise
- Don't make it about personal financial problems (like needing to pay bills)
- Don't threaten to quit unless you're really prepared to do so
- Don't compare yourself directly to coworkers
- Don't ask during company financial struggles
- Don't demand an answer immediately
Final Thoughts
Asking for a raise takes courage, but it's a normal part of professional life. By following these six steps—getting the timing right, identifying your number, preparing your case, understanding your boss's perspective, being prepared for rejection, and knowing when to move on—you're giving yourself the best chance to earn what you deserve.
Remember that even if you don't get a "yes" right away, the conversation itself is valuable. It shows your boss that you value yourself and your work, and it opens the door for future discussions about your career growth.
What step do you find most challenging when asking for a raise? Let us know in the comments!