So you’ve been busting your butt at work for the past year and feel you deserve a raise. But asking your boss for more money can be an awkward conversation. How do you approach them to negotiate a salary increase like a pro? You’ve come to the right place. We’re going to walk you through the steps to get the pay bump you’ve earned. First, do your homework to determine a fair salary range so you can go into the discussion with confidence, knowing what you’re worth. Next, schedule a meeting and be prepared with examples of your accomplishments and contributions over the past year that warrant an increase in pay. Come with a target increase in mind but also be willing to negotiate. If you follow our advice, that awkward conversation is going to turn into an opportunity to gain the respect – and compensation – you deserve. It’s time to get paid what you’re worth!
Do Your Research on Typical Salaries
Doing your homework is key. Check sites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and PayScale to research the typical pay range for your position. See what the median salary is for jobs with your level of experience in your location and industry.
Factor in your own qualifications and performance.
If you have a degree or certification that makes you more valuable or have exceeded performance expectations, you have a strong case to ask for above the median pay. Make a list of your major accomplishments and the ways you’ve contributed value to the team and company. Your manager likely won’t factor all of these in when determining a raise, so you need to bring them to the table.
Consider your company’s pay scale and budget.
Some companies budget a standard annual increase, often a percentage of current salary. That’s helpful to know going in, but don’t assume that’s all you can get. Many organizations are willing to go higher for top performers. However, understand that smaller companies typically can’t match the pay scales of large corporations. Get a sense of what’s realistic and reasonable.
Check your benefits, too.
While salary is most important, also evaluate the total compensation package. If your company pays 100% of health insurance premiums or offers generous paid time off, that adds significant value. Factor benefits into your target number.
Build your case and schedule a meeting.
Now you have a good sense of your target salary range and data to back up why you deserve to be at the higher end of that scale. Put together your main points and schedule a meeting with your manager to make your case for why you merit an increase, ideally at least 10-15% above your current salary. Come prepared, speak with confidence, and highlight why paying you more will be a win for the organization. With solid evidence and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to getting the raise you deserve.
Make a List of Your Accomplishments
Making a list of your wins and accomplishments over the last year is one of the best ways to build your case for why you deserve a raise. Think about any major contributions you’ve made that improved things, saved time or money, or boosted revenue or productivity.
For example:
- Did you take on more responsibility, such as mentoring new team members or training others?
- Did you help land any big clients or accounts?
- Did you spearhead any successful new projects or initiatives?
- Have you consistently exceeded your goals or key performance indicators?
Also think about soft skills and how you’ve grown in your role. Things like:
- Developing your leadership abilities
- Improving your communication and interpersonal skills
- Gaining valuable expertise and technical proficiency
Quantify your impact
Where possible, put numbers around your achievements to demonstrate the scale of your contributions. For instance, say you “reduced customer wait times by 25%” or “exceeded sales targets by 15% last quarter.” Quantifying your worth makes a strong case.
Of course, don’t exaggerate or claim credit for team efforts. Be authentic and focus on the facts. Laying out your accomplishments in an organized, compelling way will give you confidence heading into that salary negotiation and help your boss see all the value you’ve added over the past year. With facts and figures on your side, you’ll be in a great position to make a strong case for why you deserve to be paid more.
Schedule a Meeting With Your Manager
Scheduling a meeting with your manager is a key step to negotiating a raise. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Come prepared with evidence
Do your homework ahead of the meeting. Come equipped with specific examples and data to build a case for why you deserve a raise, such as:
- Projects you’ve completed and their impact
- Ways you’ve increased efficiency or productivity
- Additional responsibilities you’ve taken on
- Research on typical salary ranges for your position
This evidence will help show your value and give you leverage in the discussion.
Focus on your accomplishments
When meeting with your manager, focus the conversation on your contributions, not what you need or want. Explain how you’ve grown in your role and the ways in which you’ve become more indispensable to the team and company over time. Provide measurable achievements and the impact they’ve made. Your manager will find it hard to argue with proven results and progress.
Discuss career growth
Express your desire for career growth and ask your manager what else you need to do to earn a raise. This can reveal if there are any obstacles you need to overcome or skills you need to develop before being considered for an increase in pay. It also signals your ambition and commitment to continuous improvement.
Be professional throughout
Maintain a constructive approach in the meeting. Focus on “we” instead of “me”. Express appreciation for the opportunity to discuss your performance and compensation. If a raise is not possible now, ask what you need to do and when you can revisit the conversation. Stay positive—a raise may still come in the future if you continue excelling in your role.
With preparation, evidence of your achievements, and a
professional attitude, you’ll negotiate your raise like a boss. Best of luck!
Make Your Pitch and Ask for a Raise
Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to make your case for why you deserve a raise. Schedule a meeting with your manager and go in prepared to have an open, honest conversation about your compensation.
Make Your Pitch
Explain specifically why you feel you merit an increase in pay. Come armed with concrete examples and data to back up your argument. Discuss your job responsibilities and how they’ve grown over time. Bring up any new skills you’ve developed or certifications you’ve earned. Point to key wins and quantifiable contributions you’ve made to the team or company’s bottom line.
Lay out what your ideal salary range would be, based on industry standards and research on typical compensation for your position. Explain how a higher salary would allow you to stay within the company long-term. Be open to negotiating – your manager may not be able to meet your desired range fully at this time but could agree to revisit compensation in a few months if certain goals are met.
Ask Confidently
Now that you’ve built a solid case, look your manager in the eye and confidently say, “Based on the value I’ve added to my role and to the organization, I would like to request a salary increase to $[desired range] per year.” Then remain silent. Let your manager respond without interruption. Be prepared for questions about your expectations and how you plan to continue growing with the company long-term.
Stay professional throughout the conversation. Don’t get emotional or threaten to quit if you don’t get your desired increase. Thank your manager for considering your proposal, and ask what the next steps are in the process and when you can expect to receive a final decision. With the right preparation and confidence in your abilities, you’ve got this! Negotiating a raise like a boss will set you up for long-term success in your career.
Negotiate Respectfully
When the time comes to ask for a raise, how you approach the negotiation is just as important as the facts and figures. Conducting yourself with professionalism, empathy and respect will make the discussion easier for both sides.
Do your research
Know how much other people in your position are earning. Check sites like Glassdoor, PayScale or the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics. See if your responsibilities line up with the typical job descriptions and salary ranges. This will give you a reasonable starting point for your request.
Focus on your value
Come prepared to discuss your key contributions and strengths. For example, any new skills you’ve developed, sales you’ve secured, money you’ve saved the company, or processes you’ve improved. Frame the conversation around the value you’ve added, not just what you want. Your boss will appreciate your passion and commitment.
Have a number in mind
Decide on a fair salary range you’d like to propose before the meeting. Do some calculations to determine an amount that would make a meaningful difference in your paycheck and lifestyle. Be willing to compromise, as your boss may not be able to meet your full request right now. Stay open to negotiating other perks like extra vacation days, flexible work hours or a retention bonus.
Express appreciation
Thank your boss for considering your request. Let them know you enjoy your work and value your role in the organization. This positive approach will make the negotiation feel more collaborative and less confrontational. Your boss will see you as a team player, which can only help your cause.
Be professional
Through it all, remain courteous and professional. Do not threaten to quit or cause a scene. Stay calm and composed, focusing the discussion on the issues, not personalities. Schedule a follow-up meeting if needed to revisit the negotiation. With time and an ongoing strong performance, you’ll build an even better case for revisiting your salary.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the secrets to negotiating your salary like a pro. Now it’s up to you to put in the work to build your case and schedule that meeting with your boss. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve – the worst they can say is no, but at least you’ll know you tried. And who knows, if you follow these tips they just might say yes. You’ve got this! Walk in there with confidence, armed with the facts, and be willing to compromise. In a few months you could have some extra money in your paycheck and be on your way to career success. The only thing left to do is take action – so what are you waiting for? Get to it!