What to Say When Asking for a Raise

I'd like to schedule some time to discuss my compensation. Over the past year I've taken on [specific responsibilities] and delivered [results], and I'd like to talk about aligning my salary with that.

Request the meeting itself

Do you have time this week to chat? I'd like to discuss my compensation given my recent contributions.

Sets up the conversation clearly.

Based on my contributions this year, including [achievements], I believe a salary increase to [amount] is fair. I'd like to discuss this.

States a clear number

I'd like to schedule some time to talk about a raise — I think my work over the past year supports it.

Direct and self-assured opener.

I've really enjoyed growing in this role, and I wanted to open a conversation about my compensation given the added responsibilities I've taken on.

Softer opening tone

When you have a few minutes, I'd appreciate the chance to talk about my current salary.

Respectful, non-confrontational.

I'd like to talk about a raise — when's a good time this week?

Quick opener

Got a minute this week? I want to chat about where things stand with my pay.

Casual but purposeful.

Hey, can we grab 15 minutes sometime this week? Want to talk salary.

Low-pressure way to open the door.

Given the results from [project] and my expanded scope, I'd like to discuss adjusting my salary to reflect that.

Ties to specific project

Can we set aside time to discuss my salary?

Simple, direct ask for a meeting.

I want to be direct: I believe my contributions this year justify a raise, and I'd like to discuss what that could look like.

Firm and clear ask

I appreciate the opportunities I've had here, and I'd like to talk about whether a salary adjustment makes sense given my current role.

Respectful framing

Given the results from this past quarter, I'd like to discuss adjusting my compensation.

Ties ask to measurable results.

Following up on our conversation — I wanted to check on the status of the raise we discussed and if there's a timeline for a decision.

Follow-up after the ask

I've taken on a lot more responsibility lately, and I think it's time we talk about a raise.

Confidently states the reasoning.

I know this can be an awkward topic, but I'd like to talk about my salary when you have time.

Good for those nervous to bring it up.

I'd like to revisit our raise conversation. Is there an update, or is there anything further you need from me to move it forward?

Confident follow-up

Would you be open to a conversation about my compensation sometime soon?

Gentle, still gets the point across.

Checking in on the raise discussion — any updates?

Brief follow-up

Can we talk numbers sometime this week? I promise it's a friendly ambush, not a hostile one.

Light way to break the tension of asking.

I understand these decisions take time, but I wanted to check in on where things stand with my raise request.

Patient but persistent

I'd like to revisit my salary in light of my expanded role — could we find time to discuss?

Professional and specific.

I've researched market rates for my role and believe [amount] reflects fair compensation given my experience and results. I'd welcome your thoughts.

Backed by market research

I'm proud of the impact I've had this year and I think it's time my compensation reflected that. Let's find time to discuss.

Assertive and positive

Based on my performance this year, I believe a raise is overdue — can we set time to talk?

Firm and results-driven.

I wanted to raise the topic of compensation, as I feel my role has grown significantly since my last review.

Neutral, professional opener

Free to talk about my salary this week?

Minimal, easy to respond to.

Would love to catch up soon and talk through where my compensation stands.

Keeps tone easy and collaborative.