Crafting Your Salary Increase Request via Email (3 Examples + AI Assistance)

Authored by: Alex Chen | Reviewed by: Sarah Miller | Last Updated: May 21, 2025

To effectively request a pay raise through email, adopt a courteous and professional demeanor, detail your accomplishments, and specify the remuneration you're seeking. Support your request with factual data on average salaries for your role. Optimal times to ask include after successfully completing a significant project or when taking on new responsibilities. Continue reading to discover more about:

• Why email can be an optimal medium for requesting a salary adjustment.
• Essential components of your salary increase request email.
• 5 illustrative templates for requesting a pay raise.
• How AI platforms, including tools like DeepVo.ai, can enhance your raise request email.
• Common pitfalls to sidestep, real-life success narratives, and frequently asked questions.

Let's delve into the rationale for using email when asking for a raise.

Why Opt for Email When Requesting a Salary Increase?

Submitting an email to ask for a raise is frequently more potent than an in-person conversation. Instead of battling nerves and making your case face-to-face under time pressure, you can compose and send a raise request from a comfortable setting. This allows you to clearly articulate your reasoning by showcasing your achievements and value, significantly bolstering your prospects of securing that raise. Email affords managers the time to deliberate on your request, consult with leadership, and formulate a thoughtful response. A well-structured, succinct email signals professionalism and paves the way for a constructive negotiation.

Requesting a raise via email provides a space to construct and present a persuasive argument. You can reflect on your contributions, quantify your successes, and connect your request to market standards. Unlike spontaneous in-person requests, you have the opportunity to meticulously edit your email for clarity, tone, and structure. This ensures your justification is logical, confident, and substantiated by facts. You might even use tools like DeepVo.ai's voice-to-text feature to dictate your initial thoughts and achievements, ensuring no detail is missed before drafting.

Furthermore, you can integrate performance reviews and project milestones directly into your email. This can involve including charts, tables, or concise summaries of your value, contributions, and growth. The ability to visually represent your victories strengthens your position and demonstrates that your request is grounded in tangible results.

How to Request a Raise via Email: Determining the Best Timing

Strategically timing your raise request significantly boosts your chances of success. Ideal junctures include following notable achievements, glowing performance appraisals, or when your role expands. Here are some of the most opportune moments to ask for a raise via email:

• Your company is thriving: When your organization is financially robust or has recently announced growth, it's generally more amenable to approving compensation adjustments. Aligning your request with strong business performance underscores mutual value and opportune timing. Leaders are more receptive when budgetary constraints are not a primary concern.
• Post-reviews: Performance reviews offer a natural opening to discuss salary, as your contributions and results are already under review. This is when employers are often most open to compensation dialogues. A positive review reinforces your credibility and makes the case for a raise feel like a logical progression.
• After major accomplishments: Securing a significant client, successfully concluding a pivotal project, or exceeding targets provides undeniable leverage. Immediately linking your raise request to such measurable business outcomes can work to your advantage, especially if these outcomes stemmed from your leadership, innovation, or problem-solving skills.
• You're assuming greater responsibilities: If your role has notably expanded but your remuneration hasn't kept pace, it's time to advocate for yourself. Proactively addressing a raise when your job evolves through team leadership or cross-departmental duties also showcases professionalism.
• Before budget planning cycles: Companies typically establish compensation budgets during annual or quarterly planning. Understanding when these plans are finalized and making your request before decisions are cemented is ideal. This allows your manager ample time to champion your cause internally before funds are allocated. Waiting until after budgets are set might delay or reduce your chances.

What to Incorporate in a Raise Request Email

An effective raise request email is characterized by clarity, structure, and a foundation in value. Begin with a concise subject line and a professional salutation. It's crucial to maintain a confident yet respectful tone throughout.

Lay the Groundwork with Research

Before you even start drafting how to ask for a raise in writing, ensure you are familiar with company policies. Understand your company's approach to raises, evaluations, and any established precedents for salary adjustments.

Craft an Effective Subject Line

Your subject line establishes the initial impression and influences whether your email is read promptly. It should be unambiguous, brief, and clearly state your intention to discuss a raise. Effective options include: "Request for Salary Review – [Your Name]," "Compensation Adjustment Discussion," or "Meeting Request: Salary Update." These convey your purpose, build credibility, and ensure your message is taken seriously.

Polite Opening and Tone

Commence your letter requesting a raise with genuine appreciation for your role, team, or recent opportunities – this cultivates goodwill and demonstrates professionalism. Use openers like, "I hope this email finds you well," or "I appreciate the ongoing support in my current role." Maintain a tone that is confident and respectful to communicate maturity and emotional intelligence. Strive for a balance: assertive enough to advocate for yourself, yet humble enough to show you are a team player dedicated to the company's success.

Specific Accomplishments and Impact

Gather concrete evidence of your impact, such as figures, percentages, or client testimonials. These will help you demonstrate why you merit a raise. Transforming these figures into simple graphs or tables can further illustrate your positive influence. Taking the time to do this also signals that you are serious about increasing your salary. You can use tools like DeepVo.ai's AI summary to condense lengthy project reports into key achievements for your email.

Know Your Worth to Get Your Worth

Clarity regarding your salary objective demonstrates confidence – always have a target figure in mind. Compile information about your role, industry benchmarks, and contributions to the company. This is where you will highlight specific achievements, expanded responsibilities, or unique skills.

5 Examples of Raise Request Email Templates

Looking to understand how to compose an email asking for a raise? We've prepared 5 sample emails. Each template addresses a different scenario for approaching your manager for a raise via email. Let's examine each one:

1. Leveraging Market Rates and Retention During Strong Company Performance

To bolster your raise request, cite current market salary data for your role, experience level, and geographic location. This information can be found on sites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics or services such as Glassdoor. If you consistently perform well, reinforcing your importance to the team and showcasing acquired skills can strengthen your case.

Subject line: Request for Salary Review: [Your Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I hope you're doing well.

Throughout my tenure here, I've valued contributing to [Company Name]'s growth and achievements. I've also been mindful of evolving market dynamics and recognize a growing demand for [specific skills or expertise] within our sector. I've consistently aimed to align my contributions with the company's goals and have embraced additional responsibilities in [mention specific areas].

After conducting thorough research on industry standards and considering current market rates for professionals in a similar capacity, I believe this is an opportune moment to discuss my compensation. Given my responsibilities and the prevailing upward trend in market rates, I propose a [specific percentage or amount] increase in my salary.

I am committed to further contributing to our company's success and am available to discuss this proposal at your earliest convenience. Your guidance and insights on this matter are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

2. Performance-Based Raise Request

Achievements that directly contribute to team success can form the bedrock of your raise request. Concentrate on measurable results, such as revenue growth, enhanced productivity, or project milestones you've spearheaded. Illustrate how your performance surpasses expectations and aligns with business objectives.

Subject line: Salary Review Request: [Your Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I trust you are well. I wanted to take this moment to express my gratitude for the support and opportunities I've received at [Company Name]. Over the past [time period], I have prided myself on achieving [specific accomplishments or milestones] and consistently strive to exceed performance benchmarks. I am proud of my development and the results I’ve delivered for the company, including [quantifiable outcomes].

Considering these achievements—and my ongoing commitment to driving excellence—I would like to discuss a potential adjustment to my compensation. Based on my performance and the value I've added to the team, I would like to propose a [specific percentage or amount] increase in my salary.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this and am open to scheduling a meeting to discuss it in more detail.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

3. The Direct Approach After Taking on New Responsibilities

If your role has expanded beyond its original definition, requesting a salary that mirrors this change is justified. Employ a clear, direct tone to explain how your responsibilities have broadened. Include projects you've managed, how you're mentoring colleagues, or handling tasks outside your initial job description.

Subject line: Salary Increase Request: [Your Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I hope this email finds you well.

I wanted to initiate a discussion regarding my compensation at [Company Name]. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this team and have been dedicated to my role, consistently aiming for high standards and striving for excellence. As you are aware, I've recently taken on additional responsibilities in [specific areas] and have consistently delivered results, including [mention specific achievements]. To visually represent these accomplishments, I've prepared a few concise summaries, which I've attached.

In light of these contributions and my commitment to the company's objectives, I believe this is an appropriate time to discuss a raise. My proposal is for a [specific percentage or amount] performance-based increase in my salary, reflecting the added value I bring to the team. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further at your convenience.

Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to our conversation.

Best,
[Your Name]

4. High Performers at Rapidly Growing Startups

If you consistently excel at a fast-scaling startup, your impact likely surpasses your initial job description. Use this momentum to highlight how you’ve adapted, delivered results, and contributed to scaling the business. Reference your contributions to key metrics or product milestones that support long-term growth.

Subject Line: Salary Adjustment Request – [Your Name]

Hi [Manager's Name],

I hope you’re doing well. As our startup continues its rapid growth, I’ve embraced broader responsibilities – from [example: spearheading client onboarding initiatives] to [example: enhancing internal operational efficiencies]. These contributions have directly influenced our capacity to scale efficiently and deliver substantial value.

Given this, I’d like to discuss adjusting my compensation to accurately reflect my expanded role and consistent performance. Based on current industry benchmarks and the value I contribute, I’m proposing an annual salary of [specific percentage or amount].

I am deeply invested in our mission and enthusiastic about our future. I would like to arrange a time to discuss this further and hear your perspective.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best,
[Your Name]

5. Long-Tenured Employees

Loyal, long-term employees often undertake responsibilities beyond their original hiring scope. If you’ve been with the company for several years and consistently delivered strong results, requesting a raise is reasonable. Highlight your accumulated knowledge, contributions, reliability, and adaptability over time.

Subject: Request for Salary Adjustment – [Your Name]

Hi [Manager's Name],

As I approach my [X]-year anniversary with [Company Name], I wanted to express my gratitude for my role as [Your Role]. I’ve had numerous opportunities to grow, contribute, and help achieve our evolving objectives. Over the years, I’ve consistently delivered results, adapted to changes, and supported cross-functional initiatives that extend beyond my initial responsibilities.

Given my tenure and sustained performance, I request a salary adjustment that reflects my long-term contributions, loyalty, and reliability. Based on market data and my internal value to the company, I’m proposing a revised annual salary of [specific percentage or amount].

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further and am happy to provide additional context on my recent projects and ongoing responsibilities. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

How Can AI Assist in Requesting a Raise via Email?

Prominent Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT-4 and Claude can be helpful in researching average salaries for your position and in drafting your email. Consider these steps:

1. Jot down key facts: This includes your job title, tenure in the role, location, and responsibilities. Note any new duties you've undertaken or skills you've acquired. If you prefer speaking your thoughts, you can use a service like DeepVo.ai for high-accuracy voice-to-text transcription to capture these details.
2. Research salaries: Copy the information you've gathered and ask your preferred LLM about the average salary range for someone in your position. Always verify this information by checking the source websites. Use this data to determine a concrete figure for your salary increase.
3. Use AI to draft your email: Prompt your AI to compose an email requesting a raise. Specify a word count (e.g., no more than 150 words) and instruct the AI to use a polite and professional tone. You can also provide one of the templates above and ask the AI to follow its structure. An AI summary tool, like DeepVo.ai's, can help condense your research and achievements into concise points for the AI to use.
4. Edit your email and send: Don't just copy, paste, and send. Ensure everything flows as you intend. Paste your AI-generated draft into your email client. Then, thoroughly proofread and edit it to confirm all information is accurate and the tone is appropriate. Once it meets your standards, hit send.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Raise Request Letter

Let's turn our focus to what you should steer clear of. We'll cover some frequent errors you'll want to avoid. Including the following in your email could diminish your prospects of receiving that well-deserved salary bump:

• Being vague about your accomplishments: General statements like "I've been working diligently" won't suffice. Use specific, quantifiable results to fortify your case. For example, say, "I spearheaded the Q1 email campaign that increased sign-ups by 32%." This provides your manager with a clear, data-supported reason to consider your raise.
• Sounding entitled or demanding: An assertive or pushy tone can backfire, even if you are deserving of a raise. Managers (and people generally) respond more favorably to confident, respectful language that emphasizes shared goals. Avoid emotional pleas or phrasing that implies you "deserve" a raise merely for showing up. Instead, demonstrate how your work has contributed measurable value and frame your request as a collaborative next step.
• Neglecting market data: Omitting salary benchmarks weakens your argument and makes your request seem subjective. Referencing reputable sources like Glassdoor, PayScale, or internal compensation bands shows you're making a fair, well-informed request.
• Writing an overly long email: Overloading your email with excessive backstory or irrelevant details can obscure your message and fatigue the reader. A raise request should be clear and well-structured. State your request, support it with facts, and conclude with a polite request for a meeting.
• Poor timing: Most raise requests can fall flat if they arrive at an inopportune moment, such as after a missed team goal or during a company downturn. Monitor your company's financial health and your own performance trends. This helps you select a time when your manager is more likely to be receptive to approving your raise.

Real-World Success Stories

Seeking inspiration from individuals who successfully used email to request a raise? We've gathered a few narratives illustrating how certain people approached asking for a raise via email.

Two emails helped negotiate a 27% raise: A high-achieving employee strategically used email to advocate for equitable compensation. After receiving an initial offer, they sent a meticulously crafted email incorporating market research and a clear request for a higher salary. When the company countered, a second email emphasized their leadership, project impact, and long-term commitment. While the final figure wasn't their initial target, the emails facilitated a significantly better offer.Freelancer increases rates via email: Employing two concise, strategic emails, a freelance writer successfully raised her rates. For one client, she referenced their one-year working anniversary and stated their current rate would soon fall below her minimum. She then increased her hourly rate from $55 to $65. For a second client, she proposed transitioning from hourly billing to a $250 flat fee per blog post, framing it as a budgeting advantage for them. Her clear and confident emails led both clients to agree without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time to ask for a raise?

The optimal time to request a raise is following a strong performance review, the successful completion of a major project, or when you take on significant new responsibilities. You can leverage these experiences as measurable contributions to the company. Additionally, consider timing your request just before your company's budget planning cycle, allowing room for compensation adjustments. Avoid asking during periods of company instability or after missed targets, as leadership may be less receptive.

How much of a raise should I ask for?

Typically, most companies approve increases in the 3-7% range. However, if you can demonstrate that you're being paid below the market rate, your responsibilities have significantly grown, or your performance has been exceptional, requesting 10-20% may be justifiable. Your chances of success improve if you have solid data to support your impact on the company. Utilize sources like Glassdoor, PayScale, or BLS to find salary data that supports your raise request.

What if my manager ignores the email?

If your manager hasn't responded to your raise request email within a week, it's advisable to send a polite follow-up. Express your continued interest in discussing your compensation and offer to meet at their convenience. Managers are often busy, so a respectful reminder can bring the conversation back to the forefront. A simple, "Gentle reminder regarding the proposal I sent on [specific date]" can suffice. If there's still no response, consider broaching the topic during a one-on-one meeting or performance check-in to ensure it's addressed in a timely manner.

Can I ask for a raise more than once a year?

Yes, you can ask more than once a year if your role has changed significantly, you have taken on major new responsibilities, or you have achieved impactful results. However, avoid making frequent requests without clear justification, as it may be viewed negatively. If you’ve already received a raise, wait until you’ve delivered significant new results or taken on substantial extra responsibilities. Keep a record of your accomplishments and align your request with business needs to show that you're contributing beyond your previous scope.

Should I bring up my salary history?

Generally, it's best to avoid mentioning your salary history unless specifically asked. Instead, concentrate on the current value you bring, recent achievements, and competitive market rates for your role. Linking your request to past salary can inadvertently limit your growth potential, especially if you were previously underpaid.

Can I use AI tools like ChatGPT or DeepVo.ai to write an email asking for a raise?

Tools like ChatGPT and specialized platforms such as DeepVo.ai can be excellent for crafting clear, professional, and personalized raise request emails. AI can help structure your message, achieve the right tone, and incorporate key data like achievements and salary benchmarks. For instance, you could use DeepVo.ai's voice-to-text to dictate your accomplishments and then use its AI summary feature to distill these into bullet points. Then, provide these points along with simple prompts about your role and goals to an AI like ChatGPT, which can generate polished drafts quickly. Always review and tailor the AI-generated email to your voice and specific situation to ensure authenticity and relevance.

Can I ask for a raise if I just got a promotion?

It depends. If your promotion came with significant new responsibilities but little or no corresponding pay increase, discussing a raise is reasonable. It's often best to wait several weeks to demonstrate success in your new role before asking. However, if the promotion already included a market-aligned raise, waiting until your next review cycle or a significant new achievement is usually more appropriate.

Earn a Raise by Performing Better with DeepVo.ai

Before sending that raise request email, you need to have a strong foundation of performance. An effective way to enhance your contributions is by offloading manual tasks to AI-powered tools, thereby improving your efficiency and impact – this is where DeepVo.ai can be invaluable.

DeepVo.ai is a versatile platform offering features that can help you streamline your work and build a compelling case for a raise. Here’s how DeepVo.ai can help you elevate your performance:

• High-Accuracy Voice-to-Text: Capture every detail from meetings, brainstorming sessions, or verbal notes with up to 99.5% accuracy in over 100 languages. This ensures you have a precise record of commitments, ideas, and feedback, which can be crucial for showcasing your contributions. Visit DeepVo.ai to try it.
• AI Smart Summaries: Quickly condense lengthy transcripts, reports, or articles into concise summaries in as little as 10 seconds. Use customizable templates to extract the most relevant information, saving you time and helping you focus on strategic tasks.
• Intelligent Mind Maps: Transform your notes and ideas into structured, visual mind maps. This can help you organize complex projects, prepare presentations, or clearly articulate your achievements and future plans to your manager. Mind maps can be easily exported as images.
• Free to Use & Secure: Get started with DeepVo.ai for free and benefit from end-to-end encryption, ensuring your data remains private and secure.

By leveraging these features from DeepVo.ai, you can enhance your productivity, better document your achievements, and ultimately present a stronger, data-backed case for a salary increase. Get the ball rolling on improving your workflow and preparing for your raise request by exploring DeepVo.ai today.

About the Editorial Team

Alex Chen: Alex is a seasoned career coach and content strategist specializing in workplace communication and professional development. With over a decade of experience, Alex helps individuals navigate challenging conversations, like asking for a raise, with confidence and clarity.

Sarah Miller: Sarah is an HR consultant with extensive experience in compensation analysis and talent management. She provides insights into best practices for salary negotiations from both employee and employer perspectives.