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Guide · Managers and employees
How to ask for a raise
Asking can feel awkward. Here’s how to make a clear, fair case.
Pick the right time
After a strong result or at review time, not in the middle of a crisis. Ask for a meeting about it, so they aren’t caught off guard.
Cool down, then talk ›What you might want to sayHey, while I’ve got you, can we talk money?
Porcupine · Soft start-up“While I’ve got you” catches them off guard. Asking for time next week lets them come ready.
What might land betterCould we set up time next week to talk about my salary?
Show what you’ve done
Specific results, new responsibilities, numbers. Facts are easier to weigh than feelings about fairness, so write down two or three before the meeting.
Describe, don’t diagnose ›What you might want to sayI’ve been working really hard.
Porcupine · Explain the impact“Working really hard” is hard to measure. New accounts brought in 10% under budget is a result they can point to.
What might land betterThis year I took on the new accounts and brought them in 10% under budget.
Name a number
A clear ask is easier to answer than a hint.
Honest and hearable ›What you might want to saySo, um, I was wondering if maybe there’s any chance of a little more money at some point?
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“A little more money” leaves the amount to them. $68,000, with the reasons behind it, is clear.
What might land betterBased on my work on the new accounts and what similar roles pay, I’d like to talk about moving my salary to $68,000.
Hear what they say
Ask what’s possible, and what it would take if the answer is “not yet.” Listen to the whole answer before you respond.
Understand before answering ›Look for options
If salary is fixed for now, a title, training, more flexibility or a date to revisit can help.
Us against the problem ›Stay calm if it’s a no
Thank them, ask what would change the answer, and agree on when to talk again.
Cool down, then talk ›What you might want to saySo all that work means nothing?
Porcupine · Show you’re open“All that work means nothing?” turns a no into a hurt. Thanks, a question about what would change it and a date to talk again keep the door open.
What might land betterThanks for being straight with me. What would you need to see, and could we talk again in three months?
The common mistake
Making the case about what you need
Rising rent or a friend’s salary may be real reasons you’re asking, but they’re hard for a manager to act on. Your results, and what the role pays elsewhere, give them something to take to whoever approves it.
Describe, don’t diagnose ›If it doesn’t go the way you hoped
What they might say, and what you could say back.
If they sayThere’s no budget right now.
You could sayI understand. When does next year’s budget get set? I’d like my salary to be part of that conversation.
If they sayThat number is too high.
You could sayWhat range would you see for this role? I’d like to understand how you’re thinking about it.
If they sayWe’ll look at it at your review.
You could sayThat’s good to hear. Could we agree now on what I’d need to show by then?
Putting it together
The whole message, before and after.
What you might want to saySo, um, I was kind of wondering if there’s any chance of a little more money at some point? No worries if not.
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“At some point? No worries if not” is a hint with an exit built in. Your results, what similar roles pay and a number make it a real ask.
What might land betterI’d like to talk about my salary. This year I took on the new accounts and brought them in under budget, and similar roles are paying around $68,000. I’d like to talk about moving my salary there.
Run a Quills Check on yours
Write what you want to say to your coworker, however it comes out. I’ll show you if the quills are up, and a version with them down.
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Common questions
What if they say there’s no budget right now?
Ask what it would take, and when you can revisit it: “What would you need to see from me, and could we talk again in three months?” You can also ask about other options, like a title or training.
Should I mention another job offer?
Only if it’s real and you’d take it. Otherwise, stick to what you’ve done and what the role is worth.
How do I know what number to ask for?
Look at salary sites, job listings for similar roles, and what people in your field share. Pick a number you can explain.
Know someone this would help?
Send them this guide. The link shows its title and one of its examples.
Find the words with Porcupine
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Guides are general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. If you’re afraid of how someone might react, put your safety first and talk to someone you trust (Safety first).