When is the best time to ask for a raise?

The best time is before your annual performance review, or after completing a major project. Avoid asking during company-wide budget freezes or immediately after bad news.

How much of a raise should I ask for?

Industry standard is 5-15% for a cost-of-living increase, 10-20% if you've taken on significantly more responsibility, and up to 25%+ if you're underpaid relative to market rates.

Should I send a salary negotiation letter or ask in person?

Both. Send the letter 2-3 days before a scheduled meeting so your manager has time to review it. The letter is the formal record; the meeting is where negotiation happens.

What if my manager says no to a raise?

Ask what it would take to get to your target salary, and set a specific timeline. Many raises are approved on the second ask. Follow up with a new letter after 3 months.

Is it okay to mention competitor salaries in a raise request?

Yes, it's one of the most effective arguments. Back it with data from Glassdoor or LinkedIn. Frame it as market awareness, not a threat.

How to Ask for a Raise in 2026 (With Scripts That Work)

Most people never ask for a raise. Of those who do, most get one. Here is the complete playbook - timing, scripts, and what to do when they say no.

Key stat

70% of workers who ask for a raise get one. Yet only 37% of workers ask every year. The biggest barrier is not your boss - it is asking.

When to ask

Timing is half the battle. The best moments to ask for a raise:

✓ Before your annual performance review
Your manager will be thinking about compensation already. Get ahead of the conversation.
✓ After a major win
Closed a big deal? Launched a successful project? Strike while the impact is fresh.
✓ When you take on new responsibilities
New scope = new salary. Do not wait 12 months - ask within 30–60 days.
✗ During company layoffs or budget freezes
Even if deserved, timing will kill it. Wait for a more stable moment.
✗ Immediately after a mistake
Give it at least 2–3 months. Let the goodwill rebuild first.

How much to ask for

Research before you anchor. Use these benchmarks:

Situation	Typical ask
Cost of living / annual raise	3–5%
More responsibilities added	8–15%
Underpaid vs. market rate	10–25%
Competing job offer	15–30%
Promotion to new title	15–25%

Always research your specific role on Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Levels.fyi (for tech).

The script: what to say

You do not need to improvise. Use this framework in your meeting:

Word-for-word script

“I wanted to set aside some time to talk about my compensation. Over the past [X months/year], I've [specific achievement or responsibility increase]. Based on market data for [role] in [location], the range is [salary range], and I'd like to discuss moving my salary to [target salary]. I believe this reflects both my contributions and the current market. What's your perspective?”

Then - and this is critical - stop talking. Let your manager respond. Do not fill the silence.

Send a letter first

The most effective strategy is to send a written letter 2–3 days before the meeting. This gives your manager time to prepare, consult HR, and come in ready to discuss - rather than caught off guard.

Generate your letter in 30 seconds

AI writes a personalized, ready-to-send salary negotiation letter. 3 variants, 7 languages, free.

Generate my letter →

If they say no

A no is rarely permanent. Ask these exact questions:

"What would it take to get to [target salary]?"
"Can we set a specific review date - say, 3 months from now?"
"Is there a performance target I can hit that would unlock this increase?"

Then follow up with a counter-offer letter summarizing the agreed-upon path. Our generator has a dedicated Counter-offer variant for exactly this situation.