How to ask for a pay rise

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4 min read. Updated on June 10, 2025

Jen David (TR AU)

Make sure you get paid what you’re worth!

Bills are going up, the cost of living crisis is biting, and you’re working your hands to the bone just trying to stay afloat. Surely there must be an easier way? A raise would help, but it can feel awkward asking. Fear not - in this article we’re explaining, step-by-step, how to ask for a pay rise, so that you can walk in and present your case confidently and successfully.

How to ask for a raise at work in 5 steps

Step 1: Do your research

Before making your request, it helps to know where you stand in the market. Check out some online job boards to benchmark your current salary against similar roles and consider whether there’s much industry demand for your skills.

You should also consider why the company might value keeping you, rather than risk losing you to a competitor - maybe you have a track record of success, have built strong client relationships, or have taken on additional work beyond the original scope of your role.

Step 2: Choose your time

Choose the time to ask strategically, to ensure the best chance of success - asking when your boss is tired, grumpy, and at the tail end of a hectic day won’t help your cause.

Consider any natural opportunities to ask - maybe you have a one-to-one or an appraisal already scheduled. If not, book 15-30 minutes in your boss’s calendar so that you won’t be rushed or interrupted. Make sure you’re not choosing a time that is already busy or stressful for them.

Step 3: Prepare to ask

Before you step into the meeting, ensure you have some numbers in mind. Consider asking for slightly more than you expect, to leave some room for negotiation. The best way to ask for a pay rise is with confidence, so practice in advance what you want to say.

Step 4: Ask for a pay rise

Asking for a pay rise can feel a bit awkward, but it doesn’t need to be. Start by outlining how you’ve contributed to the company recently, to build a business case. Be specific - if you can give quantifiable examples of your impact, it will be harder to dismiss your case. Back this up with further compelling reasons from your research, such as industry demand or current market trends.

Step 5: Anticipate potential responses

Don’t expect an immediate yes or no. There are several possible outcomes to your request.

The best outcome would be that your manager agrees with your reasoning and will present your case to senior leaders or the HR team for approval. Happy days!

Of course, they may not agree. In that case, try not to react emotionally but thank them for their time and step away to consider your next move.

Other possible outcomes, which would require further consideration, could be:

The offer of a different role within the same company
No pay rise, but an improvement in the benefits offered
Potential to take on additional training to reach the level required for a raise
Additional pay, but with the proviso that you take on additional responsibilities too

How to ask for a pay rise - example

Here’s a basic example of how to ask for a pay rise:

I’ve been working here for three years now and I’d like to discuss my performance. As you know, I’ve exceeded my targets for the last four months and also retained Acme Plc as a customer when they threatened to change supplier. I’ve also taken on additional responsibility for two new accounts. I’ve researched salaries for similar roles in the local area and there’s currently a shortage of applicants with my technical knowledge. Based on that, I’d like to suggest a pay increase of 8% - would you be prepared to recommend that to HR on my behalf?

How not to ask for a pay rise

We’d be remiss if we didn’t advise what not to say, so try to avoid these mistakes:

Knee-jerk reactions: Don’t threaten to quit if the conversation doesn’t go your way - it could backfire and leave you without a job and with your bridges burnt
Personal reasons: The business isn’t obliged to fund your holidays or feed your children - focus on building your case on reasons that positively impact the company.
Unreasonable demands: Asking for an unreasonable raise makes it easier for the decision-maker to say no. Leaving room for negotiation is fine, but don’t ask for so much that they laugh you out the door.

Next steps

With some persuasive reasoning and effective negotiation, you’re well positioned to land a better deal. Learning how to ask for a pay rise is a professional skill that - though tricky - can pay dividends in the long run.

Sometimes, despite the strongest requests, the business just isn’t in a position to award that raise. In that case, a new job might be the only way forward. Speed up your job search by sending your resume for a free resume review by the experts at TopResume, so that you can send out a polished and error-free document.