How to Ask for a Raise: Simple Tips That Get Results

If you’ve never asked for a raise before, it can feel intimidating. But learning how to ask for a raise is one of the most important financial skills you can develop. It’s not about being demanding or ungrateful. It’s about standing up for your value, communicating clearly, and making a strong case based on what you’ve already accomplished. Most employers won’t offer more money unless you ask, and those who do are rare.

This guide walks through every step of the process so you can prepare, make your case, and walk in with confidence. From timing and communication to knowing when to walk away, you’ll learn what to say and how to say it.

Article highlights

• The best way to ask for a raise is to schedule a meeting, share clear accomplishments, and request a specific amount.
• Strategic timing and a confident tone increase your odds of success.
• If your employer isn’t willing to meet your value, switching jobs is often the fastest path to higher pay.

How to ask for a raise

The best way to ask for a raise is to set up a formal meeting with your manager, show the results you’ve delivered, and clearly ask for a specific pay increase. Keep your request focused on your contributions and be direct about what you’re hoping to earn.

This doesn’t have to be a confrontation. You’re not demanding anything, you’re starting a professional conversation. A simple and respectful way to start might be: “Over the last year, I’ve taken on several new responsibilities, completed multiple high-impact projects, and consistently hit my performance goals. Based on that, I’d like to talk about adjusting my salary to reflect that growth.” Then pause and let your manager respond. It may feel awkward at first, but confidence goes a long way. You’ve earned the right to ask.

Signs you’re ready for a raise

You’ve taken on more responsibility

If you’re doing more than your original job description without any increase in pay, that’s a clear signal. Maybe you’re mentoring new team members, managing more projects, or stepping into leadership tasks, even informally. Your title may not have changed, but your role has.

Your performance speaks for itself

Consistently hitting or exceeding your goals is a strong foundation for asking. If your manager frequently compliments your work, or you’ve been recognized by others in the company, that’s not just feel-good feedback… it’s leverage.

It’s been over a year since your last raise

If your pay has stayed the same while costs of living have gone up, or while you’ve improved and grown in your role, it’s time to reevaluate. Even if things feel stable, standing still financially can set you back in the long run.

When to ask (and when not to)

Best times to ask for a raise

• During or just before a performance review
• After completing a big project or major milestone
• When your company is growing or having a strong quarter

Your request will land best when your value is fresh in your manager’s mind. If you’ve just had a big win, positive client feedback, or strong quarterly results, those moments build momentum for your raise conversation. Planning it around annual budget reviews can also work in your favor.

Times to avoid asking

• Right after returning from vacation or sick leave
• During company layoffs, budget freezes, or financial struggles
• When your manager is overwhelmed or distracted

Even if you deserve the raise, timing can work against you. If resources are tight or your manager is under pressure, your request might be declined for reasons outside your control. Patience and planning matter. Wait for a time when both you and the company are on stable ground.

How much to ask for

Knowing how to ask for a raise is only part of the picture, you also need to know how much to ask for. Ask too little and you risk being undervalued. Ask too much and you may come off as unrealistic. Most cost-of-living raises fall in the 3 to 5 percent range. Performance-based raises often range from 7 to 10 percent. If you’re significantly underpaid or have taken on a much bigger role, more may be appropriate.

The easiest way to figure this out is to run the numbers. Use our Salary Increase Calculator to see what a 5, 10, or even 15 percent raise would look like after taxes. A raise that sounds large might not add up to much if you’re in a high tax bracket, while a modest increase could still have a meaningful impact each month. Walking into the meeting with a number in mind helps you stay confident and realistic.

What to say (and what not to say)

The way you ask for a raise matters just as much as the timing. Start by focusing on your accomplishments and how you’ve contributed to the company’s success. Make it easy for your manager to see your value. This isn’t the time to be vague, say what you want clearly and respectfully. For example: “Based on the added responsibilities I’ve taken on, and the consistent results I’ve delivered, I’d like to request a salary increase of 10 percent.” Of course, you would say this in your own words, the idea is to be direct.

Avoid making the conversation about your personal finances. Saying you need more money because rent went up or because you’re in debt won’t strengthen your case. Your employer isn’t responsible for your financial troubles, they’re responsible for paying you based on your work. Also avoid comparing yourself to coworkers. Focus entirely on your contributions and your growth, not on what others are earning.

Choose the right way to ask

A raise conversation should always happen in a scheduled, private meeting. Whether you’re in person or remote, make sure your manager knows this is a professional discussion. Don’t drop your request into a random meeting or send it as a quick email. Ask to set aside time with a clear subject: “I’d like to meet this week to talk about my role and compensation.”

In-person is ideal, but if that’s not an option, a video call is second best. The point is to show this is important to you. A structured meeting signals that you’re serious and prepared. Follow up with an email summary if needed, but don’t rely on messages to carry your request. This is a conversation worth having face-to-face, where tone, body language, and real-time responses matter.

Be ready for any answer

No matter how strong your case is, the answer might not be yes. If your raise is declined, stay calm and professional. Ask what you can do to earn one in the future, and if possible, get that feedback in writing. Set a timeline with your boss to revisit the conversation, and treat it as an ongoing dialogue instead of a one-time opportunity.

If your raise is approved, ask for clarity on when it will go into effect and what the new compensation will look like. Celebrate the win, but also confirm the details. If the answer is maybe or “not right now,” express appreciation for the discussion and ask when would be a better time to revisit the topic. Your goal is to leave the door open and maintain an open line of communication about it, regardless of the outcome.

Know when it’s time to move on

Sometimes, you can do everything right and still not get the raise you deserve. If you’ve outgrown your role, but the company won’t acknowledge your value, it might be time to look elsewhere. In many industries, companies are more willing to pay a competitive salary to hire someone new than to retain someone loyal. That’s frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity.

For some companies, it’s cheaper to hire a fresh college grad or new trainee. Get them up to speed quickly and pay them less than what they were paying you. It’s unfortunate, but the CEOs need to keep their bonuses high.

So job hopping every two to three years can be one of the fastest ways to increase your income. Each time you change companies, you have the chance to negotiate from scratch, based on your full market value. That doesn’t mean you need to jump at the first offer, but it does mean you should stay aware of what you’re worth.

If you’re constantly being told no, and your workload keeps increasing, don’t be afraid to explore better opportunities elsewhere. Your career doesn’t have to stall just because someone else won’t say yes. I will say though, never quit a job until you have another one lined up.

The bottom line

To give yourself the best chance of getting that raise, schedule a meeting with your boss, give your short presentation (give reasons why you deserve one), ask for a specific number and be realistic, keep it professional, open-ended, and don’t ever bring up your financial woes.

It’s not easy to speak up, but if you prepare and approach it the right way, asking for a raise can lead to more income, more confidence, and a stronger financial future.

If you’re not sure how a raise would affect your paycheck, try our Salary Increase Calculator to see the numbers in black and white. And if your current employer won’t pay you what you’re worth, that doesn’t mean no one will. Your future raises may start with one bold conversation… or a new door waiting to open.