Asking for a raise can feel awkward and intimidating. Still, research shows it’s often worth the discomfort. Around 78% of employees who negotiate their pay end up earning more, which means simply asking already puts the odds in your favour.
The best place to start is by understanding your market value. Try not to base your request on what you currently earn. Instead, look at what people in similar roles are being paid. I have found that salary websites like Payscale and Salary.com are useful starting points because they explain how their data is collected and updated. Focus on roles that match your job title, experience level, and location, then note the typical salary range, including the median, high, and low figures.
If your workplace culture allows it, speaking to trusted colleagues can also help. That said, not everyone can have these conversations. There was a Kickresume survey which found that 37% of workers are restricted from discussing pay at work. Even so, any reliable data you gather strengthens your position. When you know the market rate, the conversation stays factual rather than emotional—and that works in your favour.
Build Your Case With Numbers, Not Time Served
When it comes to raises, results matter more than how long you’ve been there. You need to make a clear list of your contributions and focus on outcomes you can measure. Which areas did you improve? Did you attract new clients, increase sales, reduce costs, or lead a successful project?
Specific examples make a big difference. Instead of saying you “worked hard,” try something like: “I launched a new website that increased traffic by 20% last quarter.”
I think it is important to track your performance throughout the year. This might include sales numbers, customer feedback scores, deadlines met, or projects completed. Using the SMART framework can help keep your examples focused. They are: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.
Be honest about your role and avoid overstating your impact, and be careful not to exaggerate, but to clearly show how your work contributed to the company’s success. When you connect your raise request to real results, the conversation shifts from “I want more money” to “This reflects the value I bring.”
Go In With a Plan and Confidence
Preparation can dramatically reduce nerves. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, planning helps people feel more in control during stressful situations—and a salary discussion definitely counts.
Before the meeting, think through a few scenarios. What will you say if your manager says no? How will you respond if they offer less than you hoped for? It also helps to consider alternatives, such as additional leave, flexible hours, or professional development opportunities.
Practicing your pitch out loud can make it feel more natural. A simple opening like, “Based on my research and my recent results, I’m targeting a salary of $X,”
sets a confident, professional tone.
Avoid ultimatums or threats. They often backfire and can harm trust. Interestingly, a 2025 study found that simply choosing to negotiate increased success rates by more than 6 percentage points. Many people never ask at all—only 52% of workers have ever requested a raise, and about half of them were successful.
Staying calm, respectful, and well-prepared significantly improves your chances. And remember: your manager isn’t a mind reader. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.
Sources:
- Nasdaq, Only 50% of Salary Raise Requests Succeed — 6 Proven Strategies To Boost Your Chances, December 23 2025
- Indeed, How To Ask for a Raise (A Guide With Script Examples), December 10 2025
- Forbes via Facebook, 2025 Salary Negotiation Expectations Survey, November 6 2025
- NBER, The Effects of Salary Negotiations, 2025
- TTI Success Insights, How to Get A Raise! 5 Steps to Creating an Accomplishment List, January 25 2018
- Pedro Pinto, 10 Strategies To Get A Raise, September 29 2024