How to Ask for a Raise: Email Template + Exactly What to Say

Asking for a raise is one of those things that feels enormous in your head and tiny once it's done. The dread usually isn't about the money — it's about the awkwardness, the fear of seeming greedy, the worry that you'll be told no and have to keep sitting across from the person who said it. Let's take all of that and turn it into a plan, because a plan is what makes the fear shrink.

Before you ask: get your number

You can't ask for "more." You ask for a figure, and the figure needs a source. Spend ten minutes benchmarking your role and city against real payroll data, and note the median and the 75th percentile. If you're below market, that gap is your argument. Start with the am-I-underpaid check and your role's salary page.

Step 1 — The email that books the meeting

Keep it short, warm, and specific. You're not negotiating in the email — you're getting a calendar slot.

Subject: Quick chat about my compensation

Hi [Manager], I've really enjoyed the work this year — especially [one concrete win]. I'd love 20 minutes to talk about my compensation; I've done some market benchmarking I'd like to walk you through. Does [day/time] work?

That's it. Calm, confident, no apology.

Step 2 — What to say in the room

Lead with value, then the number, then silence:

"Over the past year I [delivered X, owned Y]. I looked at the market for this role, and the median is around $A, with the top quarter near $B. I'm currently at $C. I'd like to close that gap to $[target]."

Then stop talking. The silence after your number feels endless; let it sit. Whoever fills it first concedes ground, and it shouldn't be you.

Step 3 — Handle the likely responses

They say…	You say…
"Budgets are tight."	"I understand. What would need to be true to revisit this in 90 days?"
"Let me think about it."	"Of course — can we put a follow-up on the calendar for next week?"
"That's above your band."	"Where does the top of my band sit? I'd like a path to it."

Never leave with a vague "we'll see." Leave with a date or a condition.

A quick reality check on the math

Remember a raise is taxed at your marginal rate, so a $10K bump lands closer to $7K in your pocket — still excellent, but plan around the real figure. See it with the raise simulator before you set your target.

The mindset

You're not asking for a favour. You're proposing that your pay match the market for the work you already do — the same way a company adjusts any price. Bring data, bring calm, and bring a specific number. The worst realistic outcome is "not yet, here's the path," which is itself a win.

FAQ

How much of a raise should I ask for? If you're below market, ask to close the gap to at least the median, often the 75th percentile if your experience supports it. If you're already at market, frame it around added scope or a promotion.

When is the best time to ask? After a clear win, before budgets are set for the next year, or at your review. Avoid moments when the team is in crisis.

What if they say no? Ask exactly what would justify the raise, get it in writing, and set a 90-day follow-up. A documented "not yet" is leverage for next time — or a signal to test the open market.