How to ask for a raise

Do it like this

1. Write down what you got done, with numbers where you can: sales, tickets closed, hours saved, shifts covered, people trained, new tasks you took on.
2. Look up what your job pays where you live. CareerOneStop's Salary Finder shows typical wages by occupation and location, and the Occupational Outlook Handbook shows pay by field.
3. Know what coworkers make, if they're willing to share. If you're covered by the National Labor Relations Act, you have the right to discuss wages with coworkers, in person, by phone or in writing, union or not. It's unlawful for an employer to punish you for it or have a rule against it. Source: NLRB⁴
4. Ask your manager for 20 minutes to talk about pay, not a hallway ambush. Good timing: after a strong review, a big win, or when budgets are set.
5. Make your case on the value you bring, your skills and your experience, and aim for the typical range. Too high may signal you won't accept; too low undersells you. Source: CareerOneStop²
6. Name a specific number, then stop talking and let them respond.
7. If the answer is no, ask what it would take and when you can talk again, or ask for an early pay review. Source: CareerOneStop² Get any promise in writing.

What to say

"Thanks for meeting. Over the last year I've [trained 4 new hires, cut our close time by 20 minutes, covered 12 extra shifts]. For this role in our area, typical pay is about $__ to $__. I'd like to ask for $__ an hour. What would it take to get there?"

If they say not now

"I understand. Can we agree on what I'd need to show, and set a date to revisit, say in three months? Could you put that in an email?"

Your prep checklist

• 3 to 5 results, with numbers
• Typical pay range for your job and area Source: CareerOneStop¹
• One specific number to ask for
• A backup ask: training, schedule flexibility or time off Source: CareerOneStop²
• A date to follow up

If it doesn't work

• They can't move on pay? Ask about things that matter to you, like training, tuition help, a flexible schedule or more vacation. CareerOneStop notes some benefits may be worth more than a raise. Source: CareerOneStop²
• Got a vague "later"? Ask for a specific month and put it on both calendars.
• Paid less than coworkers of another sex for substantially equal work? The Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for equal work, covering salary, overtime, bonuses and benefits. You generally have two years to file (three if willful). Source: EEOC⁵ See Your rights at work.
• The gap is big and nothing changes? It may be time to look around. Comparing real offers is the clearest market check.