Free guide
How to ask for a raise
Updated November 7, 2026. A calm sequence from evidence to ask to follow-up.
Asking for a raise is uncomfortable for most people, which is why many wait until they are already underpaid. You do not need a dramatic speech. You need evidence, a specific number, a scheduled conversation, and a plan for “not this cycle.”
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1. Build a one-page case
List three to five results from the past year with numbers where you can (revenue protected, time saved, customers retained, projects shipped, scope you absorbed). Note new responsibilities that were not in your original job description. Keep it to one page so your manager can skim it before or during the meeting.
2. Pick a specific number
Use inflation since your last raise (BLS CPI at bls.gov/cpi) and market pay for your title and city. Ask for a concrete base figure, not “more money.” Prefer a precise ask over a vague percentage. The free raise calculator can sketch a starting number from salary, time since your last raise, and an inflation rate you choose.
3. Request the meeting the right way
Email or message your manager a few days ahead: you want 25 minutes to talk about compensation and recent impact. Attach or bring the one-pager. Avoid ambushing them at the end of a hard day.
4. Say the ask once, then pause
Open with appreciation, summarize one or two results, state the number, and stop talking. Example: “I'd like to talk about my compensation. Over the past year I [top result]. Based on that and current pay for this role, I'm asking for a base of $X.”
- “There's no budget.” Ask when budgets reset and what would make a yes likely. Request a written review date.
- “Not this cycle.” Confirm the next window, ask what evidence they want by then, and follow up on the calendar invite.
- “Let me check with HR.” Agree on a reply date. Stay available; do not stack new asks while they check.
“No budget,” “not this cycle,” and “let me check with HR” are where most raise talks stall. The Raise Kit has word-for-word replies for each, a one-page case builder, and Call Mode for the live meeting. One-time $29, 14-day refund.
5. Follow up in writing
After the meeting, send a short thank-you that restates any number, title, or review date you agreed on. If the answer was no, keep delivering, update your case, and consider whether an external offer conversation (done ethically) is the next lever.
Related free tools
- Raise calculator
- How to negotiate a job offer
- Hourly to salary calculator
- Total compensation calculator
How much of a raise should I ask for?
Start from two anchors: what keeps your pay even with prices since your last raise, and what the market pays for your role now. Ask for a specific figure at or a little above the higher of the two, tied to results you delivered.
When is a good time to ask?
After a clear win, during performance-review season, or when your responsibilities have expanded. Ask for a meeting about compensation in advance rather than springing it in a hallway.
What if my manager says there is no budget?
Ask what it would take and when budgets are set, then ask to put a review date in writing. A clear "not yet, here is when" is still a useful outcome. You can also ask about title, scope, bonus, or PTO if base is frozen.
Is this career advice?
No. It is practical communication guidance. Use your own judgment and your company's process.
Guidance only, not legal, financial, or tax advice. Results vary. This is a communication aid, not a guarantee of any outcome.