How to Ask for a Raise Over Email (Script + Template)

To ask for a raise over email, lead with your request clearly, support it with two or three specific accomplishments, reference market data if you have it, and propose a specific number or range rather than asking what’s available. The biggest mistake is being vague — “I was wondering if we could discuss my compensation” delays the conversation without starting it. Be direct: “I’d like to discuss a salary increase and would appreciate the chance to make my case.”

Should You Ask for a Raise by Email?

Email isn’t usually the right channel for the actual negotiation — that happens in a conversation. But email is the right channel for:

1. Requesting the conversation — setting up the meeting where you’ll negotiate
2. Following up after the conversation — confirming what was discussed and agreed
3. Making the formal request in companies that require written requests for compensation review

For most professionals, the best approach is to use email to request a meeting, then have the salary conversation in person or on a video call.

If your company culture is heavily asynchronous or your manager is in a different timezone, a well-structured email can serve as the opening request itself.

Template 1: Requesting the Conversation

Use this to start the process.

Subject: Request for compensation discussion

Hi [Manager's name],

I'd like to schedule time to discuss my compensation. I've
been in this role for [time period], and based on my
contributions over the past year and current market rates, I
believe a conversation is warranted.

Would you have 20-30 minutes in the next two weeks? I'll come
prepared with specifics.

[Your name]

Why this works:

• Clear and direct about the purpose
• Mentions the rationale (time in role, contributions, market rates) without over-explaining
• Sets expectations that you’ll come prepared (signals professionalism)
• Asks for a specific time block

What to avoid: “I was hoping we might be able to find a time to chat about my compensation situation if you’re not too busy.” This version sounds apologetic and uncertain — and it’s unclear what you actually want.

Template 2: The Full Email Request

Use when email is your company’s primary channel, when your manager is remote, or when you want to give your manager time to prepare before the conversation.

Subject: Compensation review request — [Your name]

Hi [Manager's name],

I'm writing to formally request a review of my compensation.

Over the past [time period], I have:
- [Accomplishment 1 — with numbers where possible. "Delivered
  the X project on time and $Y under budget"]
- [Accomplishment 2 — client impact, revenue, or cost]
- [Accomplishment 3 — scope expansion or new responsibilities]

Based on these contributions and research into market rates for
[role] in [industry/location], I believe a salary increase of
[specific number or range — e.g., "15%" or "$X,000"] is appropriate.

I'd like to discuss this with you at your earliest convenience.
Could we find 20-30 minutes this week or next?

[Your name]

Notes:

• The list format makes your contributions scannable — your manager can quickly review before the meeting
• “Formally request” signals seriousness without being threatening
• Proposing a specific number is uncomfortable but more effective than asking “what’s available”

How to Choose Your Number

Before you write the email, you need a number. This is where many non-native speakers, and many professionals generally, stall.

Research market rates:

• LinkedIn Salary (free, by job title and location)
• Glassdoor (by company, role, and location)
• Levels.fyi (for tech roles specifically)
• Your country’s government salary surveys (often free)

Calculate what you’re asking for:

• If you’re below market: ask for market rate. State it as such.
• If you’re at market: ask for performance-based increase. 10-15% is a reasonable ask for a year of strong performance.
• If you’ve taken on additional responsibilities: ask for compensation to match your expanded role. Research the market rate for the higher-level title.

Be specific, not vague: “A raise in the range of $5,000-$8,000” is more compelling than “an increase of around 10-15%.” The dollar figure makes it concrete and shows you’ve done the math.

Phrases That Work and Phrases to Avoid

Phrases that work:

• “Based on my contributions and market research…”
• “I’d like to make the case for a salary adjustment”
• “I’ve delivered [X] over the past year and believe this warrants…”
• “I’m proposing a [specific number] increase”
• “I’m committed to this role and the team, and I’d like to find a way to make this work”

Phrases to avoid:

• “I was wondering if maybe…” (too uncertain)
• “I really need a raise because…” (your personal financial needs aren’t your manager’s concern)
• “Other people are making more than me” (even if true, this is a weak argument without market data)
• “I’ve been here X years and haven’t gotten a raise” (true but sounds like entitlement without accomplishments)
• “Please” — don’t open with “Please could we discuss my salary.” It immediately positions you below the conversation.

After the Conversation: The Follow-Up Email

If your manager commits to a raise in the meeting, confirm it in writing.

Subject: Following up on our compensation discussion

Hi [Manager's name],

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this today. To confirm
our conversation: we agreed to a salary increase of [amount],
effective [date].

I appreciate you reviewing this — I'm looking forward to
continued work on [relevant project or goal].

[Your name]

If the conversation ends with “I’ll need to check with HR / discuss with my manager / come back to you” — follow up after the agreed timeline if you haven’t heard back.

Subject: Following up on compensation discussion

Hi [Manager's name],

I wanted to follow up on our conversation from [date]. You mentioned
you'd have an update by [agreed date]. Could you let me know where
things stand?

[Your name]

For more on navigating salary and career conversations in English, see our guide on how to negotiate salary in English and how to write a promotion request email.

FAQ

Is it unprofessional to ask for a raise by email?

Emailing to request a meeting about compensation is entirely professional. Conducting the full negotiation by email is less common — most companies prefer to handle this in a conversation. Use email to initiate and to confirm; use a meeting to negotiate.

How do I ask if I’m not sure I deserve a raise?

If you’re unsure, do the research first. Compare your salary to market rates and write down your accomplishments from the past year. If you’re below market or have meaningfully expanded your responsibilities, you have grounds to ask. The ask itself doesn’t require certainty — it requires preparation.

What if my manager says no?

Ask for specific criteria: “What would I need to achieve for this to be reconsidered in six months?” This turns a rejection into a goal and demonstrates professionalism. Then document the criteria and revisit the conversation at the agreed time.

Should I mention that I have another offer?

Only if you genuinely do and are genuinely willing to leave. “I have another offer” is a high-stakes move — your manager will likely take it seriously, which means you need to be prepared for them to let you go. Don’t bluff.

How does this differ for non-native speakers?

The language challenge is real: phrases that sound direct and confident in another language can sound either too aggressive or too uncertain when translated to English. The templates above are calibrated for professional English. Run your draft through Grammarly or a trusted colleague before sending to check the tone.