What Is the Professional Way of Asking for a Salary Increase?

Asking for a salary increase can be a delicate task for the unprepared. It requires expounding on your value to the company and placing yourself in the best light possible. When it comes to asking for a raise, professional behavior and a professional approach are key to gaining acceptance and approval, rather than dismissal and denial.

Prepare an Argument

Treat your salary request like a major sales pitch. Hit all the key points, waste no time and make the best case for your product, which in this case is you. Create a list of your wins and contributions in your current position, and show how these actions have directly translated to increased company profit and improved performance. The idea is to show how your work earns the company more money, and why it should do the same for you.

Create a comparison between your work and the salaries of other people in the same position at competitive companies. If your salary is not in line with the market range, your boss may realize this and do something about it. As you begin your presentation, remind your boss when you started, which position you began with and what your salary was at the time, compared to what it is today. If a raise or promotion is overdue, this can help her to realize it.


Since I started working here three years ago, I have increased sales revenue in my territory by 33 percent and brought in over 50 large accounts. However, my salary has remained flat. Considering my solid track record, I would like to be considered for a promotion and a raise.

Show Loyalty

A professional remains loyal to her company even during a salary negotiation. First and foremost, make it clear to your employer that you consider yourself a valuable contributor who wishes to continue to help build the business into something even greater than it is. Once your boss understands that you are not using the risk of departure as leverage, she may be more willing to listen to your request without feeling pressure or resentment.


I am loyal to this company and see great potential for continued growth. I understand the budget is tight right now, but I ready to implement a new advertising campaign, which is projected to increase revenue in the southern region by 11 percent. The added profit would far exceed the raise I am requesting.

Review the Season

Many companies have a period of assessment and review every year. This can be a good time to bring up your salary request and use your positive standing in the company and good reviews to better make your case. With fresh evidence of your performance at hand, your boss will be able to make note of your progress year over year and see why you may deserve more pay. Similarly, the period after a large and successful project can be an ideal time to bring up the topic. Have an idea about how much of a raise you are comfortable with should the topic come up, and be ready to be met with resistance if a raise is not in the budget at the moment. Inform your employer that you will be following up on your request after another quarter of positive growth and quality work.

Things to Avoid

When you finally decide to make your case for more money, steer clear of a few topics if you wish to be successful in your attempt. Never discuss the reason for needing more money and never act as though you are owed a raise. Both stances can make you seem desperate and reduce your status as an employee. Perhaps the most unprofessional way to ask for more money is to get emotional about the request or your situation, and to compare yourself with a co-worker who is making more than you. A threatening or critical tone can also sabotage your efforts and make your boss decide that you may not deserve your position, let alone a raise.