How to Ask for a Raise: Polite Phrases & Scripts
How to Ask for a Raise in English
Asking for a raise is one of the most nerve-wracking conversations in professional life — and it gets even trickier when English isn't your first language. You want to sound confident, not demanding. Prepared, not entitled. Professional, not apologetic.
The good news is that asking for a raise is a skill you can learn, just like any other piece of workplace English. Below you'll find polite phrases to open the conversation, ready-to-use scripts for letters, emails, and face-to-face meetings, and a simple formula to structure your request so it lands well.
Before you dive in, it helps to have a strong base of professional workplace vocabulary — the phrases below will make a lot more sense once you're comfortable with everyday office English.
Why Wording Matters When Asking for a Raise
How you ask matters almost as much as when you ask. Say the same request in two different ways, and you can get two very different reactions from your manager. Vague or emotional language ("I really need more money") puts your manager on the defensive. Specific, value-focused language ("Based on the results I delivered this quarter, I'd like to discuss a salary review") puts the focus on what you've earned.
According to career guidance from Harvard Business Review, the strongest raise requests are prepared in advance, backed by clear evidence of your contributions, and free of complaints or ultimatums — the goal is to make it easy for your manager to say yes. Keep that principle in mind as you go through the phrases and scripts below.
Polite Phrases to Ask for a Raise in English
Here are eight professional phrases you can use to start the conversation, along with their meaning and a short example so you can see them in context.
1. "I'd like to schedule some time to discuss my compensation."
Meaning: A neutral, professional way to request a formal meeting about salary.
Example:
You: Hi [Manager's name], do you have 15 minutes this week? I'd like to schedule some time to discuss my compensation.
Boss: Of course — how about Thursday afternoon?
2. "Based on my contributions this year, I believe a salary review is appropriate."
Meaning: You're linking your request directly to your performance, not just to time passed.
Example:
You: Based on my contributions this year, I believe a salary review is appropriate. I've put together a short summary of my results.
Boss: I appreciate you bringing data – let's go through it together.
3. "I want to make sure my compensation reflects the value I'm bringing to the team."
Meaning: A confident, non-confrontational way to frame the request around value rather than need.
Example:
You: I want to make sure my compensation reflects the value I'm bringing to the team, especially after taking on the client relationship this year.
Boss: That's fair — let's look at your current role and responsibilities.
4. "Could we discuss adjusting my salary to match my current responsibilities?"
Meaning: Useful when your role has grown but your title or pay hasn't caught up.
Example:
You: Could we discuss adjusting my salary to match my current responsibilities? I've been managing the whole onboarding process since March.
Boss: Good point — I hadn't looked at it that way.
Related Reading → 10 Polite Ways to Say "No" to Your Boss — worth a read, since managers use similar courteous phrasing when a raise can't be approved right away.
5. "I've taken on additional responsibilities since my last review, and I'd like to talk about a raise."
Meaning: Clearly states the "why now" behind your timing.
Example:
You: I've taken on additional responsibilities since my last review, and I'd like to talk about a raise.
Boss: Let's set up time next week to go through it properly.
6. "I'm hoping we can revisit my salary given my recent performance."
Meaning: A softer opener, useful if a formal review cycle has already passed.
Example:
You: I'm hoping we can revisit my salary given my recent performance, since our last review only covered the first half of the year.
Boss: That makes sense — send me a quick summary before we meet.
7. "What would it take for me to be considered for a raise this year?"
Meaning: A question format that opens a two-way conversation instead of a one-sided demand.
Example:
You: What would it take for me to be considered for a raise this year?
Boss: Honestly, hitting the Q3 targets would put you in a strong position.
8. "I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss a pay increase based on my recent results."
Meaning: A polished, formal phrase suitable for email or a scheduled meeting.
Example:
You: I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss a pay increase based on my recent results — could we find time this month?
Boss: Absolutely, let's put something on the calendar.
Letter & Email Scripts to Ask for a Raise
Phrases give you the right words — scripts give you the full structure. Use these templates as a starting point and adjust the details to match your own achievements and your workplace's tone.
Formal Business Letter Format
If your workplace prefers a traditional written request, use this structure:
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Date][Manager's Name]
[Manager's Job Title]
[Company Name]Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary. Over the past [X months/years], I have [briefly summarise key achievements — e.g., "led the redesign of our onboarding process, which reduced training time by 20%"].
Given these contributions and my expanded responsibilities, I would like to request a salary increase to better reflect my current role. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further at your convenience.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Email Script (Shorter, Modern Version)
Subject: Request to Discuss Compensation
Hi [Manager's name],
I hope you're doing well. I'd like to schedule some time to discuss my current compensation. Over the past [time period], I've [one or two concrete achievements], and I'd like to talk through whether a salary adjustment would be appropriate.
Would you have 20–30 minutes sometime this week or next? I'm happy to work around your schedule.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
In-Person (or Video Call) Conversation Script
Opening:
"Thanks for making time to meet. I wanted to talk about my compensation, based on the results I've delivered over the past [period]."
Presenting your case:
"Since my last review, I've [achievement 1], [achievement 2], and [achievement 3]. I believe these results reflect a level of contribution that goes beyond my current role."
Making the ask:
"With that in mind, I'd like to request a salary increase to [specific figure, if you have one] / a salary review in line with my current responsibilities."
If your manager needs time:
"I understand this may need some time to review. Could we agree on a timeline for a follow-up conversation?"
Follow-Up Email After the Meeting
A short thank-you and summary email keeps everything on record — and it's the perfect place to use one of the professional openers from 15 Better Ways to Say "As Per Our Conversation" in Emails.
Subject: Thank You — Following Up on Our Conversation
Hi [Manager's name],
Thank you for taking the time to discuss my compensation today. As per our conversation, I wanted to summarise the key points we covered and confirm the next steps: [brief summary / agreed timeline].
Please let me know if there's anything else you need from me in the meantime.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking for a Raise
Avoid these approaches — they can make your request sound emotional or entitled rather than professional:
- "I need more money because my rent went up."
- "I've been here three years, so I deserve a raise."
- "If you don't give me a raise, I'll have to look elsewhere."
- "Everyone else on the team makes more than me."
Instead, keep the focus on your measurable contributions and the value you bring to the company — not your personal expenses or how long you've been in the role.
Key Formula for Asking for a Raise Professionally
Use this simple structure to build your own request:
Achievement + Value + Ask
Example
"Over the past six months, I've taken full ownership of the client onboarding process and reduced our average setup time by 30%. Given this expanded role, I'd like to discuss adjusting my salary to reflect my current responsibilities."
This structure works equally well in writing or in conversation, and it keeps the request grounded in facts rather than feelings.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to ask for a raise in English is about more than finding the right words — it's about presenting your value with confidence and clarity. Whether you choose a formal letter, a short email, or a face-to-face conversation, the goal stays the same: make it easy for your manager to see why you deserve it.
For more ways to sound polished and professional at work, explore our guide to Business English Idioms before your next big conversation.
