DraftBetterDifficult conversation guide
How to ask for a raise in an email
By Sonam Patel · Updated
A raise request by email can feel awkward because you are talking about money, value, and approval at the same time. Writing it has one real advantage over raising it live: your manager can read the case twice. The strongest version is specific, evidence-based, and direct enough that they know what decision you are asking for.
The short answer
The best way to ask for a raise by email is to anchor the request in specific impact: what you delivered and what changed because of it. Then say plainly that you are asking for a raise, so there is no doubt which decision you want. Include a number if you have researched the market, and otherwise ask for a compensation review with your range prepared.
A simple version is: Could we find time this week to talk about my compensation? I have taken on launch ownership and cut our turnaround time by about a third since January. I would like to review whether my salary can match the current scope.
If the wider conversation is the hard part, use difficult conversation at work. If you also need to push back on scope, use how to say no professionally in an email.
- Lead with impact, not with length of service.
- Name what changed because of your work.
- State plainly that you are asking for a raise.
- Bring a number or ask for a review.
- Do not apologize for raising it.
Anchor the request in impact
Start with the work you have done and the value it created. This does not need to become a long brag sheet, but it should give your manager concrete reasons to consider the request.
Use outcomes where you can: revenue, retention, workload handled, speed, quality, customer impact, team support, or responsibilities that changed since your last compensation review.
Make the ask visible
Do not hide the request behind "I was wondering if we could maybe talk sometime." A manager should be able to read the message once and understand that you want to discuss compensation.
You can still sound collaborative. Directness helps the conversation become easier to schedule and harder to misunderstand.
Ask for a meeting or review path
If your company has a formal compensation process, ask how to enter it. If it does not, ask for a dedicated conversation and give your manager a short preview of what you want to cover.
- "Could we schedule time this week to discuss my compensation?"
- "I would like to review my role, recent impact, and whether my salary can be adjusted to match that scope."
- "If there is a formal process I should follow, can you point me to the right next step?"
Example wording
Could we schedule time this week to discuss my compensation? Over the last six months I have taken on launch ownership, supported two new teammates, and helped reduce turnaround time on client requests. I would like to review whether my salary can be adjusted to match the current scope of my role.
Thank you for the feedback in my review. Given the outcomes we discussed and the added responsibilities I have taken on, I would like to talk about a salary adjustment. What would be the right next step to evaluate that?
FAQ
Should I include a specific salary number?
Include a number if you have done market research and feel ready to negotiate. If you are unsure, ask for a compensation review first and prepare your range before the live conversation.
What if my manager says now is not a good time?
Ask what criteria, timeline, or business conditions would make the request possible. A clear follow-up date is better than leaving the answer as a vague no.
Draft the raise request before you send it
DraftBetter can help you make the message confident, specific, and professional without sounding demanding.