Master the Raise Request: How to Ask for a Raise via Email With Practical Templates

Getting a raise is something most professionals think about but hesitate to ask for. The good news is that a well-written email can help you clearly present your value, show proof of your performance, and start a respectful salary conversation without feeling awkward or pushy.

This guide explains when and how to ask, includes three ready-to-use templates, and shares follow-up strategies that improve your chances of success.

Perfect Timing: When Should You Send That Raise Email

Choosing the right moment is critical and can strongly influence the outcome.

1. After a Strong Achievement

If you recently completed a major project, exceeded targets, or received positive feedback, this is a great time to ask. Your success is fresh in your manager’s mind, and your value is easy to connect to results.

2. After a Performance Review

Performance discussions already focus on growth and contribution. Asking for a raise at this stage feels natural and professional instead of unexpected.

3. When Your Responsibilities Increase

If your role has expanded beyond what you were originally hired for and your salary has not changed, it is reasonable to request a compensation review that reflects your current duties.

When You Should Avoid Asking

• During company budget issues or layoffs
• Very early in your role, before proving impact
• Right after receiving negative feedback

In these situations, it is better to wait and focus on improving performance first.

Build Your Case Before You Write the Email

Preparation is what turns a nervous request into a confident and professional discussion.

1. Collect Proof of Your Contributions

Write down specific achievements such as revenue growth, time savings, efficiency improvements or leadership responsibilities. Numbers and clear outcomes make your case stronger.

2. Research Salary Benchmarks

Check what people in similar roles earn in your industry and location. Salary research tools and job portals can help you understand what is reasonable.

3. Decide on a Realistic Raise Range

Instead of asking for one exact number, choose a reasonable range based on your performance and market standards.

4. Prepare for Questions

Your manager may mention budget limits or timing concerns. Thinking ahead about how you will respond helps you stay calm and professional during the discussion.

How to Structure a Raise Request Email That Gets Read

A strong raise email is respectful, clear, and focused on value. Follow this simple structure.

1. Polite greeting
2. Appreciation for the role or team
3. Clear statement of request
4. Evidence of performance and results
5. Optional mention of market alignment
6. Request for a meeting or discussion
7. Professional closing

Avoid emotional language and keep the message focused on facts and growth.

Three Email Templates You Can Personalize

These templates are designed to sound confident, respectful, and professional.

• Template One: Clear and Professional

Subject: Salary Review Request

Hi [Manager’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. I wanted to request a review of my current compensation based on my contributions over the past [time period].

During this time, I have

Delivered [achievement with result]

Taken responsibility for [new or expanded task]

Contributed to [project or team success]

Based on these results and my growing responsibilities, I would like to discuss a possible salary adjustment in the range of [X to Y percent].

If possible, could we schedule a short meeting to talk about this in more detail. I appreciate your time and feedback.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
 

• Template Two: Performance Focused

Subject: Request to Discuss Compensation Based on Recent Performance

Hi [Manager’s Name],

Thank you for the feedback and support you have shared with me recently. Over the past [months], I have focused on improving my performance and delivering stronger results.

Some key outcomes include

[achievement with metric]

[achievement related to business growth]

[example of leadership or initiative]

Considering these results and typical compensation for similar roles, I would appreciate the chance to discuss adjusting my salary to better reflect my contributions.

Please let me know a good time for a short discussion. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
 

• Template Three: Market-Based Approach

Subject: Compensation Review Discussion

Hi [Manager’s Name],

I really enjoy working on our recent initiatives, especially [project or responsibility]. As my role has expanded, I reviewed current salary ranges for similar positions and found that my responsibilities now align with higher compensation levels in the market.

I would like to discuss whether a salary adjustment in the range of [X to Y percent] could be considered.

If you are open to it, I would appreciate setting up a brief meeting to review this together.

Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]

What to Do If You Do Not Receive a Reply

Managers are busy, and emails can be missed. If you do not hear back after several working days, sending a polite follow-up is completely appropriate.

Subject: Follow Up on Compensation Review Request

Hi [Manager’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. I wanted to follow up on my earlier message regarding a compensation review. Please let me know when it would be convenient to discuss.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

This keeps the conversation open without sounding demanding.

What If Your Raise Request Is Declined

A no does not mean never. It often means not right now.

You can respond by

• Asking what performance goals would justify a future raise
• Requesting a timeline to revisit the discussion
• Continuing to build measurable achievements

Follow-up example:

Subject: Thank You and Next Steps

Hi [Manager’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to discuss this with me. I appreciate your feedback and understand the current situation. I will focus on improving in the areas we discussed and would love to revisit this conversation around [future date].

Thanks again,
[Your Name]

This turns a rejection into a clear growth path.

Final Tips Before Sending Your Raise Email

Keep your tone respectful and confident

• Focus on achievements, not personal needs
• Avoid comparing yourself to coworkers
• Ask for a discussion instead of demanding an answer
• Proofread carefully for grammar and clarity
• A professional tone builds trust and makes your request easier to consider.