How to Ask for a Raise in Pay

If you never ask for a raise, you will probably never receive one. It's unlikely that you'll be fired for asking, so go ahead and try.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ask for a meeting and a performance review with your direct supervisor. Let them know you will be asking for a raise because they may ask you to invite additional managers to the meeting.

2. Research pay ranges for your position.
   
   There are 'for fee' services that you can use or sites like Yahoo Finance, or Google Search Engine. Use the U.S. Government's Occupational Handbook for the outlook of your industry growth and job descriptions that reflect your level of responsibility.

3. Use others in your field as a measuring stick, but don't bring that ruler to the office.
   
   Bring the salary of others in your field to emphasize your value to the organization. However, you're not supposed to know the salary of co-workers. If you bring up their pay, you are either making a dangerous assumption or admitting you know things you are forbidden from knowing. Never assume what a co-worker is being paid.

4. Ask for more than a 3% increase of your annual income.
   
   Many companies annually give all employees a 3% raise, which is really cost of living compensation rather than a reflection job performance. If you don't receive the annual increase, ask for your the raise you feel you deserve and then ask for at least 3% additional.

5. A raise (not cost of living increase) should be a reflection of performance that went above expectations. Remind them how you were extraordinary.
   
   List the responsibilities you have, and then tell them the projects you've taken on since your last raise or review. Then show them how those projects improved their business; if you can, find both short and long term examples of their effect.

6. Give them a number that is slightly higher but still within reason of the raise you would like to receive.
   
   I say number, not percentage, because psychologically a number sounds like less than a percentage to a boss who you can assume makes more than you do. For instance, for someone who makes $20,000 salary to ask for a $4,000 dollar raise doesn't sound too bad. If they ask for a 20% raise (which is also $4K) it sounds really high.

7. What amount should you ask for?
   
   That depends on how much more you do than the job description your previous salary was based on. Are you a salary employee who doesn't get overtime and is working 10 more hours a week than last year? That would be a 25% increase in work load and it wouldn't be ridiculous to ask for that same percent of increase in pay.
   
   Learn how to negotiate; explain how you arrived at the amount and how your performance reflects the change.

8. Again, keep in mind the average salary range for your job type. Maybe it is time for a new job title as well, one with a better pay scale related to it.
   
   Another thing to think about, were you slacking last year and finally doing the job this year? I think there is no harm in asking for a pay increase every year if your company is healthy, and any time your performance has gone above expectations for an extended time. There is no harm in asking, but don't get upset if you don't get what you want. Just ask again later.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you've only made it to your one year anniversary, there is no harm in asking for a raise. New hires are usually given the lowest of the salary range, and it is in that first year that you are proving your abilities and most likely to get a significant raise.
• If you miss a raise and cost-of-living increase year after year, it might be time to look for a new job. Look for one with a starting pay equal to or greater than the place you currently work.

Resources

• Slack your way to Career Success
• Find a New Job
• Write a great Resignation Letter
• How to Survive a Recession

[dreamteller]

on 8/28/2009 These are helpful and informative ideas, 5 stars. Thanks!