What to Say When Asking for a Raise at Work

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Asking for a raise can be nerve-wracking — but with the right words, it doesn't have to be. Whether you're emailing your boss, preparing for a performance review, or trying to phrase it over Slack, we've got you covered. Below are professional and respectful messages you can copy, customize, or use as inspiration to start the conversation confidently.

Email

Hi [Manager's Name], I'd love to schedule some time to talk about my compensation based on the impact I've made over the past [timeframe]. Please let me know when might be a good time.

Chat Message

Hey — when you have a sec, I'd love to chat about my current role and compensation. No rush, just when you're free.

In Person

I wanted to bring up my salary and how it aligns with the work I've been doing lately. Is now a good time to talk, or should we set up a meeting?

With Justification

Given the recent projects I've led and the impact I've made on [specific metric/team/result], I'd like to revisit the conversation around my compensation.

Short and Direct

I'd like to talk about a raise — I've taken on more responsibility lately and feel it's time to reflect that in my pay.

Advocating for yourself in the workplace isn't always easy — but asking for a raise is a professional and necessary step in your career growth. The examples here are designed to help you approach the conversation with confidence, respect, and clarity. A well-worded request shows that you value your work and your relationship with your employer. If you're worried about how your message might come across, or want to tailor your request to your role and company culture, our AI can help you fine-tune your pitch in a natural, polished way.

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