Asking for a salary raise is one of the most impactful financial moves you can make. Yet most people avoid it due to fear or uncertainty. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step process to prepare for and successfully negotiate a higher salary.
When to ask for a raise
Timing matters enormously. The best times to ask:
- After a significant achievement: You've completed a major project, landed a big client, or solved a critical problem
- At performance review time: Managers expect salary discussions during reviews
- When you have a competing offer: The most powerful leverage — use carefully
- After taking on additional responsibilities: You're doing more than your job description describes
- After 12–18 months in role: With demonstrated performance, this is the standard timeline
How to research your market value
Before asking, know your number:
- Check salary data on Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Levels.fyi (tech), and Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Talk to recruiters — they know current market rates
- Check job postings for similar roles in your area
- Ask trusted colleagues in your industry
Target a range, not a specific number. Ask for the top of your range — you can always come down but rarely go up.
The raise conversation — what to say
Request the meeting: "I'd like to schedule time to discuss my compensation — when would work for you?"
Open the conversation: "I really enjoy my work here and I'm committed to the team. Based on my contributions over the past year and current market rates, I'd like to discuss adjusting my salary to $X."
Support with evidence: Come prepared with specific examples — revenue generated, costs saved, projects delivered.
What to do if they say no
- Ask what you need to achieve to get the raise in 3–6 months
- Negotiate other benefits: extra PTO, remote flexibility, professional development budget
- Set a specific follow-up date and get it in writing
- Consider whether this company values you appropriately — sometimes the answer is to look elsewhere
Average raise amounts
- Standard annual raise: 3–5% (typically matches or slightly exceeds inflation)
- Promotion raise: 10–20%
- Counter-offer or job change: 15–30%
- Top performers asking with data: 8–15% possible