How to ask for a raise: a researched number, a short case and a clear ask.
A raise conversation goes better when it's planned like a project: the right timing, a number based on market data, and evidence of what you've delivered, presented in a few minutes.
Ask for a raise in a scheduled meeting with your manager, ideally before budgets or reviews are set. Research market pay for your role and location, choose a specific number, and prepare three or four concrete results that show your value. State the ask clearly, then listen. If the answer is no or not yet, ask what would need to happen and agree a date to revisit it in writing.
Build your case
Timing
Ask before budgets are set or at review time, after a clear win, or when your responsibilities have grown. Avoid moments of company crisis.
Market data
Check official pay ranges for your occupation and state on TryHired's career pages (BLS data), and use the salary negotiation planner to set your number.
Results, not effort
List outcomes since your last raise: revenue, savings, time saved, problems solved, responsibilities added.
Your number
Pick a specific figure or a narrow range you can justify from market data and your results.
The other options
If salary is fixed, a title change, a bonus, training budget, flexibility or a review date can still be agreed.
The conversation
- Book a meeting with a clear subject, such as 'my compensation'.
- Open with appreciation and your intent.
- Share three or four results briefly.
- State your number and the market basis.
- Pause and listen.
- Agree next steps and a date in writing.
4 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you use anything.
Meeting request
When to use: To your manager, a week or two ahead.
Hi [Name], could we set aside 30 minutes in the next couple of weeks to talk about my role and compensation? I'd like to share what I've delivered this year and discuss next steps. Thanks, [Your name]
What to say in the meeting
When to use: Your opening, in your own words.
Thanks for making time. I've really valued [aspect of the role]. Over the past [period], I've [result 1], [result 2] and taken on [new responsibility]. Based on that and on market pay for [role] in [location], I'd like to discuss an increase to [$X]. How do you see it?
Raise request email
When to use: When your manager prefers writing, or as a follow-up to the meeting.
Subject: Compensation review Hi [Name], Thank you for our conversation. As discussed, over the past [period] I've [result 1], [result 2] and [result 3]. Based on these results and market data for [role] in [location], I'm requesting an adjustment of my salary to [$X]. I'd appreciate knowing the next steps and timing. Best, [Your name]
If the answer is 'not now'
When to use: To agree a path and a date.
I understand. Could we agree what I'd need to achieve for an increase to be approved, and set a date, perhaps [month], to review it? I'll send a short note summarising what we agreed.
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Everything on this page is free to use without buying anything.
When to ask
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before budgets or reviews are set | Good timing; ask early. |
| Just delivered a clear win | Good timing; reference it. |
| Responsibilities grew significantly | Ask for a re-evaluation of the role. |
| Company is in a crisis or freeze | Ask for a review date instead. |
| You have an outside offer | Decide first whether you'd actually leave. |
The same move, done two ways
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | 'I've been here three years and my rent went up, so I think I deserve a raise.' |
| Strong | 'Since last spring I took over vendor management and cut renewal costs. Based on that and market pay for analysts in Denver, I'd like to discuss an increase to $82,000.' |
Why it matters: Personal needs are real but don't help a manager justify a raise. Results and market data give them the case to take upstairs.
Mistakes to avoid
- Asking with no number.
- Making it about personal costs instead of value.
- Springing it in a corridor conversation.
- Leaving without agreed next steps.
Keep going
Questions people ask
How much of a raise should I ask for?
When is the best time to ask for a raise?
Should I ask for a raise by email?
What if my manager says no?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The steps, scripts and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates, success rates or shares of employers, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer, recruiter or manager will act: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, background-check disputes, pay classification or a termination, talk to an employment attorney, the U.S. Department of Labor or your state agency.
- Outcomes: no message, plan or program can promise an interview, a raise or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 4, 2026.