How to Ask for a Raise: Scripts and Steps

To ask for a raise, build a short written case based on the results you have delivered and what similar roles pay, then request a dedicated meeting with your manager at a good time, such as before budgets are set or after a strong project. Ask for a specific number, stay calm, and know your next step if the answer is no.

Step 1: build your case

A raise is a business decision. Your case should be about the value you add, not about personal expenses or what a coworker earns.

List your results from the past six to twelve months: projects shipped, problems solved, time or money saved, responsibilities added.
Add evidence: numbers where you have them, positive feedback, emails from clients or colleagues.
Note how your role has grown since you were hired or last reviewed.
Keep it to one page. Your manager may need to pass it to someone else.

If you have not been tracking your work, start a running list now. Our guide to the first 90 days in a new job explains how.

Step 2: check what the role pays

Look up pay for your role, level and location so your request is grounded. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data by occupation and area. Salary sites, job postings that list pay ranges and honest conversations with peers in your field add more detail. Choose a specific number at the realistic upper end of what you find.

Step 3: pick the right moment

Ask before budgets are set or during a scheduled review, not after the decisions are made.
Good times: right after a strong result, a new responsibility or a positive review.
Avoid a week of layoffs, a missed company target or when your manager is visibly overloaded.
Request a meeting just for this, rather than raising it at the end of an unrelated call.

Step 4: the scripts

Requesting the meeting

“Could we set up 30 minutes next week to talk about my role and compensation? I would like to share what I have been working on and get your thoughts.”

Opening the conversation

“Thanks for making time. Over the past year I have taken on X, delivered Y and Z, and my role has grown to include W. Based on that, and on what similar roles pay in this area, I would like to ask for an increase to [your number]. I would love to hear what you think.”

Then stop talking. Let your manager respond, even if there is a pause.

If they say they need time

“That makes sense. When would be a good time to follow up? Is there anything I can give you that would help make the case?”

If the answer is no

“I appreciate you being straight with me. Can you help me understand what I would need to show, and by when, for this to be a yes? Could we put a date on the calendar to revisit it?”

Afterward, send a short email summarizing what you agreed, including any targets and dates.

What not to say

Personal reasons, like rent or loans. They are real, but they are not the employer’s reason to pay more.
Comparisons to a named coworker’s pay.
An ultimatum or a hint that you will leave, unless you truly mean it and are ready for any answer.
Apologies or hedging, like “I know this is awkward, but maybe…”

If a raise is not possible

Sometimes the budget really is frozen. You can still ask about a title change, more responsibility, training, flexible hours or a scheduled review in a few months. If the answer is always no and your growth has stalled, it may be time to look elsewhere; our guides on changing careers and how to quit a job can help. This page is general guidance, not legal advice; for questions about pay rules or your rights, consult your state labor department or an employment attorney.

Where a mentor helps

Most people put off this conversation for months. A mentor helps you collect your results, rehearse the script out loud until it sounds natural and set a date so it actually happens. Afterward, you have someone to debrief with and plan the next step. See career and education mentoring and accountability coaching.

Common questions

How soon can I ask for a raise at a new job?

Most people wait until they have a solid record of results, often around a year or at the first formal review. If your responsibilities grew quickly, it can be reasonable to ask sooner.

Should I ask by email or in person?

Request the meeting by email or chat, but have the conversation live, in person or on video. Follow up in writing afterward.

How much should I ask for?

Base it on your research into pay for your role, level and location, and pick a specific number toward the upper end of the realistic range.

What if I am too nervous to ask?

Write the opening script word for word and practice it out loud a few times. Nerves are normal; preparation is what makes the conversation go well.

Get started

Want help preparing for a pay conversation? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.

How to Ask for a Raise (With Scripts)