8 tips for how to negotiate a raise or hourly pay

You work hard and do your job well. But raises aren’t automatic. It often takes negotiation to make them happen.  

In fact, research shows that fewer companies are giving out yearly raises. And, when they do, they’re not always enough to keep up with inflation. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a 3.5% increase in wages and salaries for civilian workers over the 12 months ending March 2025. This suggests many employers remain committed to rewarding their team. 

That said, you may have to take matters into your own hands. Learning how to proactively discuss your value with your employer may be your best opportunity to keep your career moving forward.  

Here are actionable tips and strategies for how to negotiate a raise and advocate for compensation that reflects your contributions.  

Key points 

• Learning how to negotiate your pay is a proactive step in your career growth. Approach it as a professional discussion about your value, not a confrontation. 
• Come prepared. Research other salary benchmarks and outline your major achievements and contributions to improve company operations or revenue. 
• Think beyond salary. You can negotiate for other benefits, like more time off, child care, a bonus, money to pay your cell phone bill, or professional development opportunities. 
• Don’t let a “no” throw you. After all, it’s unlikely you’ll get a “yes” on the spot, so come prepared to hear, “We’ll get back to you.” Remain composed and ask about the next steps and timeline for follow-up. 

Why pay negotiation matters

Understanding how to negotiate a pay raise helps you secure your financial future. Even small increases can add over time, boosting your savings, investments, and retirement plans. Pay negotiation also promotes equity, helping close wage gaps that persist across industries.  

Additionally, negotiation is a powerful way to advocate for the value you bring, particularly in the case of career transitions, such as job changes or promotions. Employers often anticipate these conversations, which can lead to better offers. 

Whatever your circumstances or goals, just know that skipping the raise conversation risks sacrificing money and confidence. Standing up for your worth now can set the tone for your entire career. 

8 practical tips on how to negotiate a raise 

Asking for a raise can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make for your career and finances. It’s how you take control of your career and advocate for your value.  

These tips will help you prep with confidence and make a compelling case for the raise you’ve earned. 

1. Know your market value before you start

Before you ask for more money, research salary trends for your role, location, and experience level. Use reputable sources, such as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, or Glassdoor, to get an idea of what roles with similar titles and experience thresholds offer as compensation. The goal is to find out what people with your skills and role are earning right now.  

Once you get an idea of market standards, make it personal. Highlight your past accomplishments and results, and mention leadership roles and initiatives you’ve undertaken that have positively impacted the organization. 

Now isn’t the time to be humble. It’s time to show your manager how committed you are to the company. Remember, your manager might not be aware of all your accomplishments, so articulate them clearly. 

2. Strategically time your request

Timing can make or break your ask. Just wrapped a big project? Stepped up while a teammate was out? That’s your cue. Use recent wins to anchor your request in results. 

That said, you can’t always wait for the perfect moment. If there’s no standout milestone to point to, you might set a meeting with your manager for one to two weeks out—enough time to prepare your case, gather your wins, and enter the conversation with clarity and confidence. A well-prepared ask can matter just as much as perfect timing. 

3. Practice what you say and how you’ll say it

Treat it like going into a speech or high-stakes presentation. Practice what you want to say and how you’ll say it. Also prepare for how you’ll handle pushback.  

Write out your talking points beforehand and role-play the conversation from both sides. Practicing is a great way to nail down your tone and delivery.  

You want to come across as confident, but not pushy or aggressive. The more you rehearse, the smoother and more natural your delivery will be. 

4. Bring data to the conversation

Be strategic when negotiating your pay. Instead of picking a number out of the air, be intentional and specific. When determining how to negotiate your pay raise, do your research and back up your position with data. Showcase your value by detailing how you drove successes like revenue growth, project wins, or process improvements. 

If you’re seeking a new role or promotion, make your case clear. Lay out your contributions and back them with evidence.  

Not great at self-promotion? Write your data points. Give your manager something concrete that speaks for you. This serves as tangible proof that you’re ROI-positive. 

5. Be prepared to discuss more than just your salary

Remember that a negotiation isn’t limited to salary. If the number on the table isn’t what you hoped for, you might counter with other asks, such as:  

• Additional paid time off (PTO) 
• A flexible or remote schedule 
• Professional development budget 
• A more senior title 
• Performance-based bonuses 
• Equity or stock options 
• Health and wellness perks (e.g., gym memberships, mental health support) 
• Cell phone or internet reimbursement 
• Support for child care or commuting 
• Mentorship or leadership development opportunities 

You don’t get what you don’t ask for, so don’t be afraid to put something on the table. And, be sure to rehearse how you will ask first.

6. Stay professional

You might not get a “yes” on the spot. Your manager may take time to process your discussion.  

That’s OK. Prepare to hear, “I’ll get back to you.” And before you leave the table, ask when and how you should follow up. Mark your calendar to follow up on a specified date.  

No matter what response you receive, keep your reaction composed and professional. It can be upsetting to get turned down for a raise. But remember that your behavior also speaks to your character and professionalism.  

7. Be patient

Once you have a specific follow-up date, stick to it. Send a professional, polite email that keeps the conversation moving. And be sure to stick to the proposed timeline. The last thing you want is to ask for a raise and then be late sending your follow-up correspondence.  

If your manager hasn’t proposed next steps, take the lead. Suggest a timeline for a decision. It’s a respectful way to create accountability and prevent your request from falling off the radar. 

8. If your request is denied, prepare next steps

Hearing “no” can sting, but it’s not the end of the conversation (or your growth). Ask for clear feedback about what you can do to earn a raise in the future.  

Set a timeline for revisiting the discussion and get specific goals in writing, if possible. If the path forward feels vague—or the door seems closed—it might be time to explore new opportunities where your value is recognized and rewarded. 

Negotiation tips for hourly workers

Learning how to negotiate hourly pay is just as important as negotiating a salary. These tips will help you lead the conversation with confidence and clarity: 

• Know your market value: Research the going hourly rate for your role and experience on sites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and PayScale. 
• Prove your impact: Be ready to highlight how your efficiency, reliability, or specialized skills set you apart. 
• Show your growth: Share any certifications, new skills, or added responsibilities you’ve taken on since starting. 
• Frame the conversation around results: Talk about the quality of your work, not just the hours you put in. 
• Use real-world data: Managers respond best when you link your request to clear results, like meeting deadlines or improving processes. The more clearly you connect your work to real value, the easier it is to justify a higher rate. 

Take control of your pay with confidence

It can be easy to dismiss negotiation as confrontation, but it’s a career skill that helps you grow your income, confidence, and opportunities. Every conversation you have about your pay is a step toward building the future you want. Use what you’ve learned here to advocate for yourself and move closer to your goals.  

Ready to keep building your skills? Explore Intuit’s resources on career development and career transitions.