How to Negotiate a Salary Increase (Scripts, Timing, and What Not to Say)
The average person leaves $1 million in lifetime earnings on the table by not negotiating. Here's exactly how to ask for — and get — a raise.
Research consistently shows that people who negotiate their salary earn significantly more over their careers than those who don't. One study found that failing to negotiate your starting salary costs the average worker over $600,000 in lifetime earnings. For women, who negotiate less frequently than men, the gap is even larger.
Yet most people never ask for a raise. The reasons are familiar: fear of rejection, not knowing what to say, worry about damaging the relationship with their manager, or simply not believing they deserve more.
This guide addresses all of those barriers with practical, specific strategies you can use in your next salary conversation.
The Foundation: Know Your Market Value
Before you ask for a raise, you need to know what you're worth in the current market. This is not about what you need to pay your bills — it's about what someone with your skills, experience, and role earns at comparable companies.
Research your market value using Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Levels.fyi (for tech roles), and industry-specific salary surveys. Aim to gather 5–10 data points for your role, experience level, and geographic area.
If you discover you're being paid below market rate, this is your strongest negotiating point. If you're at or above market rate, you'll need to focus your case on your specific contributions and value.
When to Ask
Timing matters significantly in salary negotiations. The best times to ask are:
During your annual performance review: This is the most natural and expected time to discuss compensation. Come prepared with your case.
After a significant win: If you just completed a major project, landed a big client, or solved a significant problem, the momentum of that success is a natural opening for a compensation conversation.
When you have a competing offer: A genuine competing offer is the most powerful negotiating tool available. Even if you don't want to leave, having an offer demonstrates your market value concretely.
Avoid asking: During company layoffs or financial difficulties, immediately after a mistake or poor performance period, or when your manager is visibly stressed or overwhelmed.
The Conversation Framework
Here is a proven framework for the salary negotiation conversation:
Open with appreciation and context: "I really enjoy working here and I'm excited about the direction the team is heading. I'd like to have a conversation about my compensation."
State your case with specifics: "Over the past year, I've [specific accomplishment 1], [specific accomplishment 2], and [specific accomplishment 3]. I've also taken on [additional responsibilities]."
Reference market data: "Based on my research using Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary, the market rate for someone with my experience and responsibilities in this area is [range]. My current salary of [X] is below that range."
Make your ask: "I'd like to discuss bringing my compensation to [specific number or range]. I believe this reflects both my contributions and my market value."
Stop talking. After you make your ask, be quiet. The instinct is to fill the silence by backpedaling or qualifying your request. Resist it.
What Not to Say
Don't cite personal financial needs: "I need a raise because my rent went up" is not a business argument. Your employer pays you based on your value to the company, not your personal expenses.
Don't give an ultimatum unless you mean it: "Give me a raise or I'll leave" only works if you're genuinely prepared to leave. Empty ultimatums damage trust.
Don't apologize for asking: "I'm sorry to bring this up, but..." signals that you don't believe you deserve what you're asking for.
Don't accept the first "no" as final: A "no" often means "not right now" or "not this amount." Ask what would need to change for a raise to be possible, and get a specific timeline.
The income side of your financial picture is just as important as the expense side. Our blog covers both — and our courses help you build the financial systems to make the most of every dollar you earn.
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Pin 1: How to Ask for a Raise and Actually Get It (Word-for-Word Scripts)
Most people never ask for a raise — and those who do often say the wrong thing. These word-for-word scripts show you exactly what to say (and what not to say) to get the salary increase you deserve.
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Pin 2: The Best Time to Ask for a Raise (It's Not When You Think)
Timing is everything when it comes to salary negotiations. Here's when to ask, when to wait, and the one mistake that kills most raise requests before they even start.
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Pin 3: Salary Negotiation for Women: How to Advocate for Your Worth
Women who negotiate their salary earn $1 million more over their careers than those who don't. Here's a step-by-step guide to negotiating confidently — even if it feels uncomfortable.
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