How Much of a Raise Should I Ask For?

Asking for a raise is a common dilemma that many employees face. It’s normal to want to be compensated fairly for what you do. On the other hand, you don’t want to come across as unreasonable or risk damaging your relationship with your employer.

To help you navigate this tricky situation, we prepared a quiz to answer the question: how much of a raise should I ask for? This quiz will consider factors such as your job title, industry, experience, and location to provide a personalized recommendation for how much a raise to request. By taking the test, you’ll gain the confidence and clarity you need to have a productive conversation with your employer about your salary.

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What is a good raise to negotiate?

The answer might vary depending on various factors, including your job title, industry, experience, and location. Generally, a fair raise percentage reflects the market value of your skills and experience, the cost of living in your area, and the company’s budget and financial health.

According to some salary experts, a reasonable raise percentage is typically in the range of 2% to 5%. It is the average annual wage growth rate in the US. However, in some cases, such as when you have taken on additional responsibilities, achieved outstanding results, or have marketable and sought-for skills, a raised percentage above this range may be appropriate.

Is a 20% raise too much of a request? Generally speaking, a 20% raise and above is a significant increase and may be difficult for some employers to accommodate. Do you have crucial skills or expertise not many other people have? Have you taken on new vital duties? Do you have a lot of success in your field? You might consider asking for a 20% raise. 

It’s essential to research the salary range for your position and industry in your location to understand what is considered reasonable. You can also consult with your colleagues, professional network, or industry associations to get a sense of what others are earning in similar roles.

Maintain a professional demeanor during the conversation with your boss. Give specific examples of your accomplishments and contributions, and be willing to negotiate a fair compensation package.

What is a typical one-year raise? After one year of employment, it’s reasonable to expect a raise that reflects your performance and contributions to the company, as well as the cost of living increases and market rates for your position. 

If you haven’t received a performance review, meet with your boss to discuss your progress and areas for improvement. It can help you set realistic expectations for your raise and identify additional responsibilities or achievements that can justify a higher increase.

A raise of 3% to 5% is generally considered reasonable for average performance and cost-of-living adjustments. You may be able to negotiate a higher raise (like 6% to 10%) if you have outperformed expectations and made significant contributions to your employer’s success.

After a few years of employment, you most likely gained experience and proven your value to the company. You may be eligible for a higher raise than you were after one year.

An annual raise of 3% to 5% is reasonable to keep up with the cost of living, assuming you have had an average work performance. Good results, additional responsibilities, or achievements for the benefit of the company might let you negotiate a 6% to 10% raise. You might want to request a higher raise if you believe you are being underpaid compared to industry standards or the market value of your skills.

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What are some things you can’t say when requesting a raise?

When asking for a raise, it’s essential to approach the conversation with professionalism and tact. There are things you should avoid saying to avoid coming across as entitled, unprofessional, or confrontational. Here are some things you should not say when asking for a raise:

1. “I deserve a raise.” – This phrase can sound entitled and does not demonstrate your contributions and value to the company.
2. “I heard that my colleagues are earning more than me.” – Comparing your salary to your colleagues can create tension and may not be relevant to your job title, responsibilities, or experience.
3. “I need money to afford my bills.” – Personal financial situations may not be relevant to your employer and may seem unprofessional.
4. “I will quit without a raise.” – Threatening to quit can damage your relationship with your employer and may not be effective in getting the raise you want.
5. “It’s been a while that I’ve gotten my last raise.” – Focusing on how long it has been since your last raise may not be as persuasive as focusing on your current performance and contributions.

Instead of using these phrases, focus on presenting evidence of your achievements, responsibilities, and contributions to the company. Be prepared to discuss your goals, demonstrate your value, and explain how your work has benefited the business. It’s also important to be open to negotiating and collaborating with your employer to find a fair compensation package that works for both parties.

Asking for a raise is a challenging subject. We’re here to help! With our quiz, you can determine the correct raise for you. Take the test and get instant results. Go and get that money!