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How to Write a Request for a Salary Increase

Request for a Salary Increase | How to Write, Template & Example | Resume.com

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Most employees will feel the need to request a raise at some point during their professional careers. Knowing when and how to ask for a raise may significantly increase your chances of actually obtaining one and ensure you present yourself as professionally as possible to your supervisor. Learn more about when you should request a salary increase and the steps to take when writing a salary increase request.

When should you request a salary increase?

The following are times when asking for a salary increase makes sense:

  • Your organization has been consistently profitable for a while
  • It has been at least a year since your last salary increase
  • You have worked in your current position for a full year
  • You are or have been promoted to a new position with more responsibilities than your previous position
  • You have recently taken on more responsibility or have achieved something significant at work (such as secured a large project or signed a big client)
  • You feel underpaid and have done the research to show that professionals in your position with your similar experience make a higher salary than what you are making

Asking for a raise at the appropriate time can play a large part in getting the salary increase you are requesting.

Why you should request a salary increase in writing

Here are some of the most common reasons you should submit your request for a salary increase in writing:

  • Writing your request for a raise is a formal and professional way to ask for a salary increase
  • Writing your request ensures that it is taken seriously by your manager
  • Writing a letter or email can ensure proper documentation is made of the request
  • Writing the request gives you the opportunity to choose your words wisely and proofread and edit your request before submitting it

Putting your salary request in writing can be beneficial for a number of reasons.

How to write a request for a salary increase

The following are steps you can take when writing a request for a salary increase:

1. First, be sure that the date your letter is sent is clearly noted

Before you compose and send your letter, make sure that the date the letter is being sent is clearly noted for your reference and your manager’s records.

2. Second, address the letter to your supervisor

You should address your request for a raise letter directly to your manager. You can use either their first and last name, Mr./Ms. [Last Name] or their first name if that is appropriate.

3. Third, introduce the reason you are writing and the raise you are requesting

The first paragraph of your letter should include the reason why you are writing the letter (to request a raise) as well as the percentage of salary increase you are requesting. You can also include your reasons as to why you are asking for a raise. For example, if it has been more than a year since your last raise, you recently received a promotion or took on additional responsibility, etc.

4. Fourth, include market research to support your request

You should include market research related to your position and salary if it is relevant to your request. For example, you may include the average salary of individuals with similar experience who are in a job similar to yours in your location if the average salary is more than what you are currently making.

5. Fifth, note your accomplishments since your last salary increase

In your letter, you should include a bulleted list of four or five accomplishments, contributions and responsibilities that support your request for a raise. This gives your manager a clear idea of how you have contributed to the company and why you are deserving of a salary increase.

6. Then, conclude your letter by reiterating your request

Once you have listed your accomplishments as well as any relevant market research, you can conclude your letter with a brief summary of the request you are making and why.

7. Next, thank the recipient for their time and consideration

Be sure to end your letter by thanking your manager for reading your letter and taking your request into consideration.

8. Finally, end the letter with a simple closing

To complete your letter, include a simple closing such as ‘Sincerely,’ as well as your full name and signature.

Things to avoid when requesting a salary increase

Here are some are things that you should not include when writing a letter for a salary increase:

  • Complaints
  • Reference to other employees’ salaries
  • Asking for a raise without first doing your research
  • Ultimatums if a raise is not given
  • Too much personal information

Salary increase request letter template

Here is a template you can use when preparing a letter to ask for a salary increase:

[Date]

[Manager’s name]

[Manager’s title]

[Company name]

[Company address]

Dear [Manager],

I am writing to formally request a salary increase. As you know, I have been with [company name] for [time in current position] and have continually grown in my position as [current position]. My contributions as an employee as well as my recent accomplishments and the market average of salaries in my position have given me reason to request an increase in salary of at least [percentage].

Since starting at [company name], I have regularly taken on more responsibilities that now include [list two or three responsibilities recently taken on]. Additionally, I have set myself apart over the past year by:

  • [Accomplishment]
  • [Accomplishment]
  • [Accomplishment]

Additionally, after performing ample research, I have found that the average market salary for my position is [market salary average], which is [percentage] more than what I currently make. With the [percentage] increase I am requesting, my salary would be on par with the industry standards as well as the responsibilities I currently handle.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. If you would like to discuss this further, please let me know.

[Closing,]

[Your name]

Salary increase request letter example

The following is an example of a salary increase request letter:

March 1, 2020

Donna Heart

Marketing Manager

Mosaic Marketing

765 West Avenue

New York City, New York 12345

Dear Donna,

I am writing to formally request a salary increase. As you know, I have been with Mosaic Marketing for four years now and have continually grown in my position as a marketing specialist. My contributions as an employee, my recent accomplishments and the market average of salaries in my position have given me reason to request an increase in salary of at least 10%.

Since starting at Mosaic Marketing, I have regularly taken on more responsibilities that now include project management and new marketing specialist training. Additionally, I have set myself apart over the past year by:

  • Regularly contributing to new marketing tactic implementation
  • Increasing the client retention of my marketing team by 25%
  • Contributing to the additional $100,000 in marketing sales in the previous quarter

Additionally, after performing ample research, I have found that the average market salary for my position is $60,000, which is 11% more than what I currently make. With the 10% increase I am requesting, my salary would be on par with the industry standards as well as the responsibilities I currently handle.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. If you would like to discuss this further, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Sasha Wright

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