How to Ask for a Raise (Script Included)

Short answer: Ask in a scheduled 1:1, lead with a specific number backed by your results and market rate, and keep the tone calm and confident - not apologetic, not an ultimatum. "Based on what I've delivered this year and the market rate, I'd like to move my salary to $X. Can we make that happen?" Then stop talking and let them respond.

Asking for a raise feels scary because it mixes money, self-worth, and the fear of a no. But it's a normal business conversation, and the people who get raises aren't the boldest - they're the ones who come prepared with a number and a reason.

Do your homework first

Two numbers make your case:

• Market rate for your role, level, and location (salary sites, recruiters, peers).
• Your impact - specific wins, ideally with results: "shipped X, which cut Y," "took over Z."

Vague "I work hard" is easy to deflect. "I led the migration that saved ten hours a week" is not.

Pick the moment

Don't ambush your manager in the hallway. Book a 1:1 or use a review cycle, ideally soon after a visible win. Give them a heads-up on the topic so they can come ready to actually say yes rather than "let me think about it."

Lead with the number and the evidence

State it plainly and specifically:

"Over the past year I've [1-2 concrete results]. Based on that and the market rate for this role, I'd like to move my base to $X. How can we make that work?"

A specific number anchors the conversation. "I was hoping for maybe a bit more" gives them nothing to say yes to.

Don't apologize or threaten

"Sorry to even ask, I know budgets are tight" undercuts you before you start. So does "give me X or I'll leave" unless you truly mean it. Calm and direct is the sweet spot - you're stating your value, not begging or holding a gun. (More on staying steady in how to say no at work.)

Handle the answer

• Yes: get it in writing and thank them.
• Not now: pin it down. "What would need to be true for this in the next few months?" Get specific, measurable criteria and a date to revisit.
• No: stay gracious, and ask what a path to it looks like. A calm "no" today isn't the end of the conversation.

Rehearse it so it lands calm

If your ask keeps coming out apologetic, write it and run it through Rewrite It Better for a firmer, cleaner version - then say it out loud a few times so it's steady on the day. The whole skill of staying composed in charged moments is our Hold Your Ground course.

The one-line version

Ask for a raise in a scheduled 1:1 with a specific number backed by results and market rate, keep the tone calm and confident, then stop and listen. Prepared and specific beats bold every time.

FAQ

How do I ask for a raise without being awkward?

Treat it as a normal business conversation: book a 1:1, lead with a specific number and the results behind it, and keep your tone calm. Preparation removes the awkwardness - you're stating your value, not asking a favour.

What should I say when asking for a raise?

Something specific: "Over the past year I've [results]. Based on that and the market rate, I'd like to move my salary to $X. How can we make that work?" A concrete number anchors the whole conversation.

When is the best time to ask for a raise?

In a scheduled 1:1 or review cycle, ideally soon after a visible win - and with a heads-up so your manager can come prepared to decide, rather than defaulting to "let me think about it."

What if they say no or "not now"?

Stay gracious and pin down the path: "What would need to be true for this in the next few months?" Get specific, measurable criteria and a date to revisit. A calm no today doesn't close the door.

Should I mention another job offer?

Only if it's real and you'd actually take it. Using a fake offer as leverage can backfire badly. A strong case built on your results and market rate is more durable than a threat.