Compensation
How to Ask for a Raise in an Email
You've been doing good work. You know it's time. But writing the raise email is the part that makes most people freeze. Here's exactly what to say — and a tool that writes it for you.
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What to include in your raise request email
- Your accomplishments: Specific, quantified wins — not just 'I've worked hard.' Revenue generated, problems solved, projects led, time saved. Numbers matter.
- Market context (if you have it): If you know the market rate for your role is higher than what you're paid, this is your strongest leverage. Reference the source if possible.
- The specific ask: A specific number or percentage. Vague asks get vague answers. 'I'd like to discuss a 12% increase' is stronger than 'I feel I deserve more.'
- Request for a meeting: Don't try to close the raise in the email. Use the email to request a conversation — it shows respect and gives them space to respond thoughtfully.
Example raise request email
Here's what a well-written raise request email looks like in practice. Notice how it's direct, warm, and preserves the professional relationship.
Subject
Compensation Discussion — [Your Name]
Hi David,
I'd love to set up time to talk about my compensation. I've been thinking about this for a while and wanted to put some thoughts in writing first.
Over the past 18 months, I've taken on significantly more responsibility than when we agreed on my current salary. A few things I'm proud of: I led the backend migration that reduced infrastructure costs by $180K annually, grew the team from 3 to 6 engineers, and took over client technical reviews that previously required your involvement.
Based on my contributions and market research for senior engineers in our area, I'd like to discuss increasing my base salary by 15%, to $138K.
I'm committed to this team and excited about what we're building. I want to make sure we're set up for the long term. Would you have 20-30 minutes this week or next to talk?
Thanks,
[Your name]
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Do's and don'ts
✓ Do this
- Lead with your accomplishments, not your needs
- Be specific about the number you're asking for
- Request a meeting rather than trying to close via email
- Time it well — after a win, during review cycles, not during budget freezes
- Research market rates before you write
✗ Avoid this
- Lead with your personal financial situation
- Make threats about leaving (unless you mean it)
- Send the email right after a setback or mistake
- Be vague — 'I feel I deserve more' is not a negotiating position
- Apologize for asking — you're bringing value, not begging
Common mistakes that backfire
- Making it about personal need rather than value delivered — 'I need more money because rent went up' is not a business case
- Asking without a number — this forces them to anchor first, which is almost always lower than what you wanted
- Poor timing — asking during a layoff period or right after a miss is a much harder conversation
- Being too tentative — hedging words like 'maybe' and 'possibly' signal you don't fully believe in your own ask
- Not documenting the conversation — after the meeting, send a follow-up email summarizing what was agreed
The right structure
A professional raise request email typically follows this structure:
- Set the context: Briefly explain why you're writing — you'd like to discuss compensation.
- List your wins: 2-4 specific accomplishments with numbers where possible.
- Make the ask: State a specific number or percentage you're requesting.
- Request a meeting: Ask for 20-30 minutes to discuss. Don't try to close in the email.
Frequently asked questions
Should I ask for a raise by email or in person?
Use email to initiate the conversation and put your case in writing, then follow up with an in-person or video meeting. The email gives your manager time to think; the meeting gives you both space to have a real conversation.
How much of a raise should I ask for?
Research market rates for your role and level. A raise request of 10-20% is typical. Going lower signals you don't know your market value; going much higher without strong justification can be off-putting.
When is the best time to ask for a raise?
After a significant win, during or before performance review cycles, or when you've taken on clearly expanded responsibilities. Avoid layoff periods, budget cuts, or right after a mistake.
What if they say no?
Ask what it would take — specific goals, a timeline, conditions. Get it in writing. If there's no path, you have useful information about the relationship and whether to stay.
Can I use a competing offer as leverage?
Only if it's real and you're willing to leave if they don't match. Using a fake competing offer as a bluff is high risk — if they call it, you either leave or your credibility takes a serious hit.
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