Let’s be real. Asking for more money is awkward. It’s that sweaty-palm, heart-thumping kind of conversation that most of us would rather avoid by scrolling through TikTok for three hours. But honestly, if you’re sitting there stewing because your paycheck hasn't budged while your workload has tripled, you’re essentially paying your company for the privilege of working there. You've got to speak up. However, popping into your boss's Slack DMs with a "hey, can I have more money?" isn't a strategy. It's a disaster. To get that bump, you need a paper trail—a formal request that makes it impossible for them to say no without looking a bit ridiculous.
The reality of the 2026 labor market is that companies are tightening belts, but they are also terrified of losing high-performers. It costs way more to recruit and train your replacement than it does to give you a 10% bump. That is your leverage.
When you start looking for examples of letters asking for a raise, you’ll find a lot of stiff, robotic templates. Most of them sound like they were written by a Victorian lawyer. You don't need to sound like a robot; you need to sound like a high-value asset. This isn't about "deserving" money because your rent went up—even though it definitely did. It’s about the market value of the results you deliver.
Why a Written Letter Actually Beats a Sudden Meeting
A lot of career coaches, like those over at Harvard Business Review or Indeed, suggest that while the "big talk" happens in person, the letter is what actually gets the gears turning in HR. Think about it from your manager's perspective. They might want to give you the money, but they usually have to go beg a VP or a Finance Director for the budget. If you give them a crisp, data-backed letter, you’ve basically done their job for them. They can just forward your email and say, "Look at these wins, we can't lose this person."
It provides a record. Verbal promises have a funny way of evaporating when the next fiscal quarter hits. A letter stays in your file.
The "Standard High Performer" Approach
This is for the person who has been at the company for a year or two and has consistently hit their KPIs. You aren't doing anything "extra-extra," but you are damn good at your job and the market rate for your role has clearly climbed.
"Dear [Manager's Name],
I’ve really enjoyed my last [Time Period] here at [Company]. It’s been a blast working on the [Specific Project] and seeing our team hit that 15% growth target last quarter.
Since I started, my role has naturally evolved. I’m now handling [Task A] and [Task B], which are outside my original job description. Because of these added responsibilities and my recent performance reviews, I’d like to request a review of my current compensation. Based on market data for [Job Title] roles in [City/Remote], I’m looking for an adjustment to [Target Salary].
I’d love to chat about this in person next Tuesday.
Best,
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[Your Name]"
See? Short. Punchy. It links the money to the work. No fluff.
The "I Just Saved the Day" Strategy
Sometimes, you do something massive. Maybe you landed a whale of a client, or you built an automated system that saved the department 40 hours of manual labor every week. This is the best time to ask. You have "Recency Bias" on your side.
In this version of the examples of letters asking for a raise, you lead with the win. You make it about the ROI (Return on Investment) the company is getting from you.
"Hey [Manager Name],
I’m still riding high from the [Project Name] launch last week. Seeing the client feedback was incredible, especially since we delivered it 10% under budget.
Reflecting on that success, I’ve been thinking about my trajectory here. Over the past year, I’ve consistently exceeded my goals, specifically by [Metric 1] and [Metric 2]. I’m fully committed to our 2026 goals, and I’d like to ensure my salary reflects the level of value I’m bringing to the table. I’m requesting a raise of [Amount] to bring me in line with the current market value of my contributions.
Can we grab 15 minutes on Thursday to discuss?
Thanks,
[Your Name]"
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What Most People Get Totally Wrong
Most people make it about their bills. "My car broke down," or "I'm moving to a more expensive apartment." Honestly? Your boss doesn't care. That sounds harsh, but business is business. They aren't paying you based on your expenses; they’re paying you based on what it would cost to replace you.
Another huge mistake is the ultimatum. Unless you actually have another job offer signed and ready to go, never say "pay me or I quit." It destroys the relationship. Even if they pay you, they’ll immediately start looking for your replacement because you’ve shown you aren't loyal.
Instead, use data. Use sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or even niche industry reports. If you can say, "The median salary for this role in our industry is $95k and I'm at $82k," that is a hard fact to argue with. It moves the conversation from "I want" to "This is what the market dictates."
The "Increased Responsibility" Pivot
This happens a lot in startups or mid-sized companies. Someone leaves, their work gets dumped on you, and suddenly you’re doing two jobs for one salary. This is the most "justified" raise request, but it’s often the one people feel most guilty about sending.
"Hi [Manager Name],
Since [Former Colleague] left in March, I’ve taken over the [Department/Task] management in addition to my core duties. While I’ve enjoyed the challenge and the chance to stretch my skills, I am now essentially performing the duties of a [Senior Level Title].
I’d like to formalize this change in scope with a title adjustment and a salary increase to [Amount]. This would align my compensation with the increased responsibilities I’ve successfully managed over the last few months.
I’ve outlined a few of my key accomplishments in this new capacity below:
- [Big Win 1]
- [Big Win 2]
Let’s talk soon.
Best,
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[Your Name]"
Timing Is Everything (And Most People Time It Badly)
Don't send these letters on a Monday morning. Everyone is stressed. Everyone has an overflowing inbox. Don't send it on a Friday afternoon when your boss is mentally at the beach.
Tuesday or Wednesday mornings are the "sweet spot."
Also, pay attention to the company’s health. If the company just announced layoffs or a hiring freeze, maybe wait six weeks. But if they just had a record-breaking quarter? That is your green light. Experts like Ramit Sethi often suggest starting the "pre-game" months in advance. Mention your wins in 1-on-1s. Send "FYI" emails when you finish a project. By the time the letter hits their inbox, the raise should feel like an inevitability, not a surprise.
Dealing With the "No"
It happens. You send the perfect letter, you have the data, and they say, "We just don't have the budget."
What now?
You don't just say "okay" and walk away. You ask: "What would I need to accomplish in the next six months to make a raise possible?" Get them to give you a roadmap. If they can't give you money, ask for other things. More PTO? A flexible schedule? A professional development budget for that $2,000 certification you’ve wanted? Often, the "benefits" bucket is different from the "salary" bucket in corporate accounting.
Actionable Steps to Take Right Now
If you are ready to use these examples of letters asking for a raise, do not just copy and paste. Customize them until they sound like you.
- Audit Your Year: Spend 30 minutes scrolling through your sent emails and calendar. Write down every single thing you did that wasn't "just your job."
- Gather the Data: Check three different salary transparency sites. If you have friends in the industry, ask them (politely) for a range.
- Draft the Letter: Use one of the structures above. Keep it under 300 words.
- The "So What?" Test: Read every sentence. If it doesn't prove your value to the company, delete it.
- Set a Deadline: Tell yourself you will send the email by Wednesday at 10:00 AM.
The biggest barrier to a raise isn't usually a stingy boss; it's the fact that you haven't asked. Most managers are busy. They aren't tracking your every move. They might assume you’re perfectly happy with your current pay because you haven't said otherwise. Be your own advocate. No one else is going to do it for you.