How to Negotiate a Raise at Work (Script and Strategy Included)

Most people never ask for a raise because they do not know how. The ones who do ask often get one — studies show that 70 percent of people who negotiate their salary receive some form of increase. Here is how to prepare, present, and close.

Timing Matters

The best times to negotiate a raise:

**After a major win:** You just closed a big deal, launched a project, or received praise from leadership

**During performance reviews:** Your manager is already evaluating your value

**When the company is doing well:** Growing revenue, new contracts, expansion

**When you have a competing offer:** Use carefully — this can backfire if handled wrong

The worst times: during layoffs, immediately after company losses, or when your manager is clearly stressed about something unrelated.

Step 1: Know Your Market Value

Before any conversation, research what your role pays. Use:

Glassdoor salary data for your job title, location, and experience level

LinkedIn salary insights

Levels.fyi (for tech roles)

Conversations with peers in similar roles at other companies

Write down the salary range. You want to ask for something in the top quartile that your experience justifies.

Step 2: Document Your Contributions

Build your case with specifics. Gather:

Revenue you generated or influenced

Costs you reduced or savings you created

Projects you completed ahead of schedule or under budget

Positive feedback from managers, clients, or peers

Additional responsibilities you have taken on since your last raise

Training or certifications you have completed

Numbers win negotiations. "I increased our email conversion rate by 34 percent, generating an additional $180K in revenue" is infinitely more persuasive than "I work really hard."

Our [Career Advancement Kit](https://kincaidandle.com/catalog?q=career+advancement) includes negotiation scripts, achievement trackers, and performance review preparation templates.

Step 3: The Conversation

Request a dedicated meeting. Do not ambush your manager at their desk or bring it up casually in a hallway.

**Opening:** "Thank you for making time for this. I want to discuss my compensation. I have been reflecting on my contributions and the value I bring to the team, and I would like to talk about aligning my pay with that value."

**Present your case:** Walk through your achievements with specific numbers. Keep it factual and professional. No emotional appeals or complaints about bills.

**Make the ask:** "Based on my research and my contributions, I am requesting a salary of [specific number]. I believe this reflects my market value and the results I have delivered."

**Then stop talking.** Silence after the ask is critical. Let your manager respond.

Step 4: Handle Objections

**"The budget is tight."** — Ask when the budget resets and request a commitment for that date. Get it in writing.

**"You are already at the top of the band."** — Ask about a title change, bonus structure, or additional benefits.

**"I need to discuss with HR."** — That is often genuine. Set a follow-up meeting within two weeks.

**"Not right now."** — Ask what specific milestones would justify a raise and by when.

What Not to Do

Do not threaten to quit unless you are prepared to leave

Do not compare yourself to coworkers ("Mark makes more than me")

Do not apologize for asking

Do not accept the first counter-offer without thinking it over

Follow Up

After the conversation, send an email summarizing what was discussed and any commitments made. This creates a paper trail and prevents miscommunication.

Browse our [complete career collection](https://kincaidandle.com/catalog?category=Career) for salary negotiation guides, professional development planners, and career transition toolkits. Download instantly from [our Gumroad store](https://lunamaile.gumroad.com).

You deserve to be paid what you are worth. But nobody will pay you more until you ask.

*Published by Kincaid and Le Companies LLC*

Browse Our Products | Home