How to Negotiate a Raise: A Practical Script and Strategy

Most people under-negotiate not because they lack leverage, but because they don't have a script and freeze up in the moment. Here's a structure that works across most industries.

1. Build Your Case Before the Conversation

• List concrete wins from the last 6–12 months, ideally with numbers (revenue influenced, time saved, projects delivered).
• Research market rate for your role and location using sites like levels.fyi, Glassdoor, or Payscale, and cross-reference with creators on Salary Transparent Street for informal data points.
• Decide on a specific number, not a vague 'more.' A target hourly or annual figure is easier for a manager to act on than 'I'd like a raise.'

2. Time It Right

Ask right after a visible win, during performance review cycles, or when you've taken on new responsibilities — not during a hiring freeze or right after a bad quarter for the company.

3. The Script

"Based on [specific contributions], and market data for this role, I'd like to discuss increasing my compensation to [target number]. Is that something we can explore?" Say the number. Then stop talking — let the silence sit.

4. Handling Pushback

• If told 'no budget right now': ask for a specific timeline and what would need to be true to revisit it.
• If offered a smaller number: ask if there's room to close the gap with a signing bonus, extra PTO, or a guaranteed review in 3–6 months instead of 12.
• If met with silence: don't fill it by negotiating against yourself. Restate your number and wait.

Before the conversation, run your current and target numbers through our salary calculator — seeing the real difference per paycheck, per hour, and after taxes makes it much easier to hold firm on your number.