Asking your employer for a raise can be daunting. But if you recently knocked it out of the park on a major project, took on more responsibilities or received a stellar performance review, you owe it to yourself to bring up the topic of a pay increase with your boss.
This could be a good time to ask for a raise, generally. Research for the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half shows that salaries are trending up for in-demand roles in many professions. Many employers are also prepared to offer financial incentives to retain skilled talent. Our workplace research indicates that increasing compensation will be the go-to retention strategy for most managers through the end of 2025.
Knowing how to ask for a raise in writing, be it in a letter or an email, can help get this important conversation started with your employer and potentially increase your chances of getting a bump in pay. Here is a look at why creating a written request for a raise can be a positive step.
Asking for a raise in writing can help set the stage for a constructive discussion with your employer because:
1. It provides clarity and structure
Writing down your request allows you to clearly articulate your reasons for asking for a raise. It gives you time to organize your thoughts, highlight your achievements and present your case in a compelling manner without the pressure of an in-person conversation.
2. It demonstrates professionalism
A written request for a pay increase shows that you’ve put thought and effort into your proposal, reflecting a professional attitude. This approach can make a positive impression on your employer and set the tone for constructive discussions about compensation.
3. It helps prompt a formal review process
Managers often need to consult with human resources or higher-ups before approving raises. A written request provides them with the exact details they need to advocate on your behalf.
Next up are some recommendations for creating a formal, written request for a raise that helps you make your case for earning a higher rate of pay.
How to Ask for a Raise in Writing (Email or Letter)
Write down all your recent work accomplishments and highlight where you’ve met or exceeded expectations. Listing your successes can help you develop confidence about the message you want to send as you begin crafting your letter or email with the raise request.
Keep in mind that you do not have to get the wording perfect at this phase of the process. One of the best aspects of asking for a raise in writing is that you can take time to review and adjust your request as needed before sending it to your boss.
Your request for a raise will not get much traction if you ask for a salary that is not in step with market standards. So, make the point to research what a professional in your type of role with your level of experience is likely to earn in your local market.
Consulting the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half can help. It breaks down starting pay ranges for hundreds of positions across several professional fields, including finance and accounting, technology, and marketing and creative. We also provide a Salary Calculator to help you gauge starting salaries in your local market.
Using reputable resources like the Salary Guide From Robert Half to research compensation trends will help you arrive at an appropriate figure that you can back up with hard data. To learn where our salary data comes from, see this post.
Knowing how to ask for a raise includes identifying the best time to have this important discussion with your employer. For example, does you company have a policy of granting pay raises only during performance review periods? Check your employee handbook for guidelines.
Also, consider whether your organization has had recent layoffs or a hiring freeze. If you ask for a raise when your company is in cost-cutting mode or unwiling to expand budgets, your appeal for higher pay is likely to go nowhere fast. It could also hit the wrong note with your employer.
Reviewing sample templates, like the one below, can help you find the right model for your email or letter asking for a raise. (You will, of course, want to personalize all relevant sections, keeping in mind the tips discussed in this post.)
Dear (Name),
As my X-year anniversary draws near, I would like to request a review of my (job title) salary. During my time at (name of company), I have taken on additional responsibilities and achieved success in several areas. My accomplishments and responsibilities include:
Taking the lead on …
Meeting goals in …
Improving efficiencies that led to a savings of $X for the company ...
Achieving success in …
Adding to my (skill level or education as it relates to the job) …
Aside from my X skills in this role, I have also demonstrated excellent X abilities and proficiency with X. The team can count on me for X.
Given the added value I have brought the company, I think it is appropriate to request an increase in pay. Based on data in the latest Robert Half Salary Guide, the midpoint salary (or median national salary) for my position is $X for a professional at my experience level. Considering regional variances, a raise of X% would put my compensation closer to current salary benchmarks.
Thank you for your consideration. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss my request and the company’s needs. Please let me know if you are available for a short meeting.
Sincerely,
Name and Title
If your raise request will be the first time your boss learns you would like more compensation, you might consider including wording like this in your email or letter: Could we meet briefly to review and discuss my current salary or devote a few minutes to that topic during our next one-on-one?
Or, if you have a performance review coming up, you might say: Could we please discuss compensation during my performance review?
And if you’ve already mentioned to your boss that you would like a raise, consider including a line such as this in your email or letter: We recently discussed my desire to earn a higher salary. Based on some research I can share with you, I’d like to specifically request an increase of X%.
Just as you did in your salary negotiations when you interviewed for the job, your request for a pay increase should reflect the value you bring to the role, goals you’ve met or exceeded, results you have delivered, and industry averages based on your job skills and years of experience.
So, when possible, include figures you can stand by in your descriptions of the accomplishments you are using to help make your case for a raise. Examples of numbers to highlight include money saved, revenue earned and a measurable increase in customer satisfaction.
For additional tips on how to ask for a raise, check out this post.
After you’ve researched your salary range, determined a good time to broach the subject and decided on the best phrasing for your email or letter, you will ready to officially request a raise in writing.
Once you’ve finished the final draft, be sure to check your work thoroughly. If someone you trust with a keen reading eye is willing to proofread your document, all the better. A well-written request for a raise that is error-free can only help increase your chances of a successful outcome.
After sending your request, be patient. It can take time for a pay increase to be discussed, approved and implemented. You may also be asked to consider other options, such as a pay raise that is less than you asked for, alternative finance rewards like a performance bonus, or offerings such as more paid time off or a more flexible work arrangement. If that happens, then you will need to decide what is best for you.
If your employer puts your request on hold or turns it down flat, find out why, and when you can bring up the topic again. If you are not satisfied with the answers you receive, and your boss does not articulate what else you must do to earn a raise, then a new job search might be your next move.
