Request for a Raise: 23 Sample Letters & Tips

Crafting the Perfect Raise Request Letter

Asking for a raise can be daunting, but a well-crafted letter significantly increases your chances of success. Before you even begin writing, research industry benchmarks for your role and experience. This information will serve as a powerful foundation for justifying your desired salary. Also, carefully consider the timing of your request. Aligning it with a successful project completion, a positive performance review, or a company-wide announcement of profitability demonstrates strategic thinking.

Your letter should be concise, confident, and focused on the value you bring to the company. Highlight your key accomplishments, quantify your contributions whenever possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 15%”), and demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s goals. Avoid focusing on personal needs or financial difficulties. Instead, center the conversation on your professional growth and the value you provide.

23 Sample Request for Raise Letters

Below are 23 sample letters to inspire you. Remember to customize these examples to fit your specific situation and company culture. Tailor the language, tone, and specific examples to accurately reflect your accomplishments and contributions.

1. Sample 1: Focused on Recent Accomplishments

   Dear [Manager’s Name],

   I am writing to formally request a salary increase. Since my last performance review on [Date], I have consistently exceeded expectations, most notably by [Specific Accomplishment 1] and [Specific Accomplishment 2]. These achievements have resulted in [Positive Outcome for the Company]. I am confident that my skills and dedication continue to contribute significantly to the team’s success, and I believe a salary increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount] is warranted. I am eager to discuss this further at your convenience.

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

2. Sample 2: Highlighting Increased Responsibilities

   Dear [Manager’s Name],

   I am writing to request a review of my current salary. Over the past [Number] months, my role has evolved to include [New Responsibility 1] and [New Responsibility 2]. These additional responsibilities have expanded my skillset and allowed me to contribute in new and valuable ways. I am committed to continuing to grow and develop within the company, and I believe that a salary adjustment is appropriate to reflect my expanded role and contributions. I look forward to discussing this with you.

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

3. Sample 3: Emphasizing Market Value

   Dear [Manager’s Name],

   I am writing to formally request a salary adjustment. Based on recent industry research and my own assessment of market rates for similar roles with my experience level, I believe my current compensation is below market value. I am confident in my ability to continue delivering exceptional results and contributing to the company’s success. I propose a salary increase to [Dollar Amount] to align with industry standards. I am available to discuss this further at your earliest convenience.

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

4. Sample 4: Quantifying Achievements with Data

   Dear [Manager’s Name],

   I am writing to request a review of my current salary. Over the past year, I have consistently exceeded expectations in my role as [Your Job Title]. Specifically, I increased sales by 15%, reduced customer support tickets by 10%, and successfully launched the new [Project Name] initiative. These quantifiable achievements have directly contributed to the company’s bottom line. Therefore, I believe a salary increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount] is justified.

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

5. Sample 5: Connecting Achievements to Company Goals

   Dear [Manager’s Name],

   I am writing to request a salary increase that reflects my contributions to the company’s goals. As you know, one of our key objectives this year was to [Company Goal]. I played a significant role in achieving this goal by [Specific Contribution], resulting in [Positive Outcome]. I am dedicated to continuing to contribute to the company’s success and believe a salary increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount] is a fair reflection of my value.

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

6. Sample 6: Seeking a Promotion and Raise

   Dear [Manager’s Name],

   I am writing to express my interest in a promotion to [Desired Position] and to request a corresponding salary increase. I have consistently demonstrated the skills and abilities necessary to excel in this role. For example, I have [Specific Example 1] and [Specific Example 2], showcasing my leadership and problem-solving capabilities. I am confident that I can make a significant contribution in this new capacity and request a salary commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

7. Sample 7: Following a Successful Project Completion

   Dear [Manager’s Name],

   I am writing to request a review of my current salary following the successful completion of the [Project Name] project. My contributions to the project included [List of Contributions], which resulted in [Positive Outcomes]. Given the project’s success and my role in achieving those results, I believe a salary increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount] is warranted.

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

8. Sample 8: Addressing Inflation and Cost of Living

   Dear [Manager’s Name],

   I am writing to request a review of my current salary in light of the increasing cost of living and current inflation rates. I remain committed to my role and to contributing to the company’s success. A salary adjustment would help ensure that I can continue to meet my financial obligations and maintain my focus on my work. I am requesting a salary increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount] to offset these rising costs.

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

9. Sample 9: Requesting a Review After Exceeding Expectations

   Dear [Manager’s Name],

   I am writing to request a review of my current salary, given my performance over the past year. During my last review, I committed to achieving specific goals, which I have consistently exceeded. For instance, I [Specific achievement exceeding goals]. I am confident in my continued ability to contribute and believe a salary increase is justified based on my proven track record. I propose an increase of [Percentage or dollar amount].

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

10. Sample 10: A Direct Approach, Focusing on Value

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request an increase in my current salary. I am confident that my skills and contributions have significantly benefited the company. I have consistently delivered strong results, particularly in [Area of Impact]. I believe my contributions warrant a salary increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount]. I am available to discuss this further at your convenience.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

11. Sample 11: After a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) Success

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    Following the successful completion of my Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) on [Date], I am writing to request a review of my current salary. I have demonstrated significant improvement in [Area of Improvement] and have consistently met or exceeded expectations since then. I am confident in my continued ability to contribute positively to the team and believe a salary increase is now warranted.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

12. Sample 12: Highlighting Initiative and Proactiveness

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request an adjustment to my current salary. Over the past [Time period], I have consistently taken initiative and proactively sought opportunities to improve processes and contribute to the team’s success. For example, I [Specific example of initiative]. I believe these actions have significantly benefited the company, and a salary increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount] would reflect my value.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

13. Sample 13: Focusing on Leadership and Mentorship

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a salary increase that reflects my growing leadership role within the team. In addition to my core responsibilities, I have been actively mentoring junior team members and taking on leadership roles in [Project/Initiative]. I believe my leadership contributions have had a significant positive impact, and a salary increase is deserved. I am requesting an increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount].

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

14. Sample 14: Demonstrating Cost Savings

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a review of my current salary. Over the past year, I have identified and implemented several cost-saving measures that have resulted in significant savings for the company. Specifically, [Describe the cost-saving measures and quantify the savings]. These efforts demonstrate my commitment to improving efficiency and profitability. I believe a salary increase is warranted in recognition of these contributions.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

15. Sample 15: After Receiving Positive Client Feedback

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a review of my current salary, particularly in light of the overwhelmingly positive feedback I have received from clients. My dedication to providing exceptional customer service has resulted in [Specific examples of positive feedback or impact on client relationships]. I believe this positive client feedback demonstrates my value to the company and justifies a salary increase.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

16. Sample 16: Focusing on Skill Development and Acquisition

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a review of my current salary. I have actively pursued professional development opportunities to enhance my skills and contribute more effectively to the team. I have recently acquired skills in [New Skill 1] and [New Skill 2], which I have already applied to [Specific Projects or Tasks]. My increased skillset allows me to take on more complex tasks and deliver even better results. Therefore, I believe a salary increase is warranted.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

17. Sample 17: Demonstrating Increased Efficiency and Productivity

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a salary increase that reflects my increased efficiency and productivity. I have streamlined several processes, resulting in a [Quantifiable increase in productivity, e.g., 20% increase in output]. This has allowed the team to achieve more in less time. I am committed to continuing to improve efficiency and contribute to the company’s overall success.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

18. Sample 18: Highlighting Contributions to Innovation

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a review of my current salary. I have consistently sought opportunities to innovate and improve our products and services. I played a key role in developing [New Innovation or Feature], which has resulted in [Positive Outcomes, e.g., increased customer engagement]. I am passionate about driving innovation and believe my contributions deserve recognition.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

19. Sample 19: Referencing a Previous Commitment

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    As discussed during my [Date] performance review, I am writing to formally request a salary increase. We agreed that upon achieving [Specific Goal], I would be eligible for a salary adjustment. I have successfully achieved this goal and am confident in my continued ability to contribute significantly to the company’s success. I am requesting an increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount].

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

20. Sample 20: Acknowledging Company Success

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a review of my current salary, particularly in light of the company’s recent success. I am proud to have contributed to [Specific achievement that contributed to company success]. As the company continues to grow, I am confident in my ability to contribute and want a salary that reflects that growth.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

21. Sample 21: Requesting a Meeting to Discuss Compensation

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a meeting to discuss my current compensation. I have consistently exceeded expectations and contributed significantly to the team’s success. I am confident that my skills and experience warrant a salary increase, and I would like to schedule a time to discuss this further.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

22. Sample 22: Emphasizing Long-Term Commitment and Loyalty

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a salary review that acknowledges my long-term commitment and loyalty to the company. For [number] years, I have devoted myself to helping [Company Name] achieve its goals, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I’m dedicated to continue.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

23. Sample 23: Short and Sweet Request

    Dear [Manager’s Name],

    I am writing to request a salary review. I have consistenly met the expectations for my role, as well as helped [Team Name] with [Tasks]. I believe an increase of [Percentage or Dollar Amount] is justified.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]