The Best Time To Ask For A Raise And How To Get It

Asking for a raise can feel uncomfortable, but timing and strategy make all the difference. Employers expect these conversations, and when approached the right way, they often lead to better pay, stronger recognition, and even new opportunities.

Below, we’ll cover the best times to ask for a raise, how much to request, and step-by-step tactics to help you prepare.

When To Ask For A Raise

After A Big Win

If you've just finished a significant project, closed a deal, or helped the company save money, that's prime timing. Employers are more receptive when your value is fresh in their mind.

For example, if you helped your team land a contract worth $500,000, or you streamlined operations that cut costs by 10%, bring those results into the conversation.

During Performance Reviews

Most companies set budgets and salary adjustments around annual or bi-annual reviews. This is one of the easiest times to make your case because managers already expect salary discussions.

If your review is scheduled for March, start preparing in January so you’re ready with results and benchmarks.

After a Consistent Strong Performance

If you’ve been consistently hitting targets for six months or longer, that’s a green light. Document your results — whether it’s increasing sales, improving customer satisfaction scores, or taking on leadership tasks — and use them to support your raise request.

When The Company Is Thriving

Asking for a raise during layoffs or cost-cutting seasons is a hard sell. Instead, track quarterly earnings reports (if your company is public) or pay attention to internal updates. Growth periods signal higher chances of approval.

After Learning New Skills

If you’ve completed a new certification, degree, or training that directly improves your role, highlight it. Employers often pay more for expanded skills. For example:

Google Project Management Certificate: boosts salary potential for coordinators and analysts.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect: high demand for cloud specialists with salaries averaging $120,000–$150,000.

CPA license: accountants can see jumps of $15,000–$20,000 annually.

When Not To Ask For A Raise

•                  Right after a mistake, even minor errors can weaken your case.
•                  During budget freezes or layoffs, timing matters as much as performance.
•                  Early in your tenure, unless you've been with the company at least 12 months, most managers won't approve increases.

How Much To Ask For?

Use Market Data

Before deciding on a number, check salary data on websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or Salary.com. Search by role, city, and experience.

Example salary ranges:

•                  Software Engineer (Mid-Level, U.S.): $95,000–$130,000
•                  Registered Nurse: $70,000–$90,000
•                  Digital Marketing Manager: $85,000–$115,000

Aim for 10–20% above your current salary if you’ve taken on new responsibilities or consistently exceeded expectations.

Factor In Inflation

With inflation rates hovering around 3–5% annually, raises smaller than that don't keep pace with living costs. If your employer hasn't adjusted your pay in two years, request a raise that covers at least inflation plus performance.

Preparing Your Case

Step 1: Document Your Achievements

Track metrics and outcomes, not just tasks. Examples:

•                  Increased website traffic by 45% in six months through targeted SEO campaigns.
•                  Cut processing time by 30% with workflow automation.
•                  Trained five new hires who became top performers within their first year.

Step 2: Build A Portfolio Of Proof

Keep emails of praise, positive client feedback, or data from dashboards. Visual proof makes a stronger case than words alone.

Step 3: Know Your Worth

Print or save salary research from Glassdoor or industry reports. If you’re underpaid compared to peers, data will back you up.

Step 4: Practice Conversation

Rehearse with a mentor, friend, or even in front of a mirror. The more natural you sound, the better your confidence will be.

How To Ask For A Raise?

1. Schedule A Meeting

Please don't bring it up casually in the hallway. Send a short email like:

"Hi [Manager’s Name], I’d like to schedule a time to discuss my role and compensation. Would next week work?"

2. Start With Appreciation

Begin the conversation by acknowledging the support you’ve received. A positive opening sets the tone.

3. Present Your Case Clearly

Share results, proof, and market data. For example:

"Over the past year, I’ve increased sales by 20% and taken on managing two new accounts. Based on market data, I believe a salary adjustment to $95,000 is fair."

4. Be Direct, Not Defensive

Stick to facts. Avoid phrases like “I feel underpaid” and instead use measurable contributions.

5. Stay Open To Alternatives

If a raise isn’t possible right away, ask for:

•                  A timeline for reconsideration (3–6 months).
•                  Bonuses or profit-sharing.
•                  Extra vacation days.
•                  Professional development funding (certifications, courses).

Common Mistakes To Avoid

•                  Asking without preparation — managers expect data and evidence.
•                  Comparing yourself to coworkers — focus on your value, not someone else’s paycheck.
•                  Demanding instead of negotiating — aim for collaboration, not confrontation.
•                  If your manager says "later," schedule a follow-up date to revisit.

Real-World Salary Boost Examples

IT Specialists in Texas increased their salary by $18,000 after completing a CompTIA Security+ certification and proving faster system resolution times.

Marketing Coordinator in New York negotiated a $12,000 bump after leading a successful campaign that drove 200% ROI.

A Nurse Practitioner in California requested a raise during the hospital's expansion and secured $15,000 more annually.

These examples show that results, timing, and skill growth directly affect success.

Tools And Services That Can Help

LinkedIn Learning — affordable courses in leadership, data analytics, and communication.

Udemy & Coursera — certifications in tech, finance, and project management.

Payscale Salary Report — free custom salary reports based on your role and location.

Resume Builders (Zety, Resume.io) — update your resume before negotiations in case you explore other offers.

What To Do If The Answer Is “No”

Not every request will succeed, but you can turn a “no” into a plan. Ask:

•                  “What would I need to achieve in the next 6 months to qualify for a raise?”
•                  “Can we revisit this at the next review cycle?”

Document the feedback, set reminders, and follow up. Meanwhile, keep networking and applying for external roles to maintain leverage.

Final Thoughts

The best time to ask for a raise is when your value is clear, the company is financially stable, and you’ve prepared evidence. Aim for 10–20% increases backed by performance, skills, and market data.

If you don’t get the raise now, you’ve planted the seed for future increases — and shown your employer you’re serious about your career growth.