Asking for a salary increase can feel uncomfortable, but a well-written proposal gives ence, and request fair compensation.
Instead of simply saying that you want more money, you should show how your performance, responsibilities, skills, and results support your request. Your proposal should make it easy for your manager to understand your reasoning and present your case to human resources or senior management.
You can use the salary increase proposal letter below when you have exceeded expectations, taken on additional duties, completed an important project, or discovered that your current salary is below the market range.
For additional wording and situation-specific examples, review these Salary Increment Proposal Templates before submitting your request.
Quick Answer Summary
Your salary increase proposal should include:
- Your current position and length of service
- A clear reason for requesting a salary review
- Three to five measurable accomplishments
- Any new or expanded responsibilities
- Relevant market salary information
- The salary or percentage increase you are requesting
- Your preferred effective date
- A respectful request for a meeting
- A professional closing
Your strongest proposal will focus on the value you provide to the company rather than your personal expenses.
Choose Your Salary Increase Template Fast
Select the reason that best matches your request. The complete template will appear directly below the buttons.
Which situation applies to you?
Performance-Based Salary Increase Proposal
Best for: You have recently exceeded goals, completed important projects, improved efficiency, increased revenue, or reduced costs.
Replace every bracketed section before sending the letter.
Subject: Salary Increase Proposal Based on Performance Results
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunities and support I have received in my position as [Your Job Title]. I value my role with [Company Name] and remain committed to helping our team achieve its goals.
I am writing to request a review of my current salary based on the results I have delivered during the past [time period]. My key contributions include:
- [Achievement with a number, percentage, deadline, or financial result]
- [Achievement showing improved productivity, quality, or customer service]
- [Achievement connected to an important department or company goal]
These results have allowed me to contribute by [briefly explain the overall business impact]. I have also continued to strengthen my skills in [relevant skill, system, certification, or specialty].
Based on my performance and continued contribution, I respectfully request an adjustment of my annual salary from [current salary] to [requested salary], effective [preferred date].
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this proposal and provide any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Contact Information]
Salary Increase Proposal for Expanded Responsibilities
Best for: You supervise employees, lead projects, train coworkers, manage larger accounts, or regularly perform higher-level duties.
Replace every bracketed section before sending the letter.
Subject: Salary Adjustment Request Based on Expanded Responsibilities
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Thank you for the confidence you have shown in me and for the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities within [Company Name].
Since [date or time period], the scope of my position as [Your Job Title] has expanded considerably. In addition to my original responsibilities, I now regularly handle:
- [New responsibility or higher-level duty]
- [Project leadership, supervisory, or training responsibility]
- [Client, budget, technical, or operational responsibility]
- [Additional continuing responsibility, if applicable]
Through these responsibilities, I have helped [describe the result, improvement, savings, completed project, or benefit]. My current duties now represent a broader level of responsibility than the original scope of my position.
For this reason, I respectfully request a review of my title and an adjustment of my annual salary from [current salary] to [requested salary], effective [preferred date].
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my role has evolved and how my compensation can be aligned with my current responsibilities.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Contact Information]
Market-Pay Salary Alignment Proposal
Best for: Multiple reliable sources show that your current compensation is below the range for comparable positions.
Replace every bracketed section and verify your salary information before sending the letter.
Subject: Request for Salary Review and Market Alignment
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Thank you for your continued support in my role as [Your Job Title]. I am writing to request a review of my current compensation based on my responsibilities, performance, experience, and current market information.
I reviewed compensation information for comparable [job title] positions in [location or industry]. The information indicates a typical salary range of approximately [market salary range] for roles requiring similar experience and responsibilities.
My current annual salary is [current salary]. My principal responsibilities and contributions include:
- [Responsibility or measurable achievement]
- [Responsibility or measurable achievement]
- [Responsibility or measurable achievement]
Based on my current role, qualifications, contributions, and the available market information, I respectfully request an adjustment of my annual salary to [requested salary].
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this request and provide a summary of the compensation information I reviewed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Contact Information]
Short Email Requesting a Salary Meeting
Best for: Your manager already knows your work and you want to begin with a short, professional meeting request.
Keep the email concise and take your supporting evidence to the meeting.
Subject: Request for Compensation Review Meeting
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request a meeting to discuss my current compensation.
During the past [time period], I have [briefly mention one measurable accomplishment]. I have also [mention a second accomplishment or expanded responsibility].
Based on these contributions and my current responsibilities, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss a salary adjustment from [current salary] to [requested salary].
Please let me know a convenient time for us to meet. I can provide a summary of my recent results and supporting compensation information before the discussion.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways
- You should support your request with evidence rather than emotion.
- You should use numbers, percentages, dates, completed projects, or other measurable results.
- You should research salaries for similar positions in your location and industry.
- You should ask for a specific salary, percentage increase, or compensation range.
- You should choose a time when your recent contributions are easy to recognize.
- You should keep your letter professional, confident, and concise.
- You should prepare alternatives in case your employer cannot approve your full request.
- You should avoid comparing yourself directly with coworkers.
- You should treat your proposal as the beginning of a compensation discussion, not as a demand.
What Is a Salary Increase Proposal Letter?
A salary increase proposal letter is a formal request asking your employer to review and increase your compensation.
Unlike a short email that simply asks for a raise, your proposal explains:
- What you have accomplished
- How your role has changed
- What value you provide
- How your salary compares with similar positions
- What compensation adjustment you are requesting
Your manager may need to forward your proposal to human resources, a department head, a compensation committee, or senior leadership. Therefore, your letter should be clear enough for someone unfamiliar with your daily work to understand your case.
If your request is connected to advancement into a new position, you may need a Promotion Request Letter instead of a standard salary proposal.
When You Should Request a Salary Increase
You should consider submitting a salary increase proposal when you have a clear business reason for requesting more compensation.
Appropriate reasons may include:
- You consistently exceed your performance goals.
- You recently completed a major project.
- You increased revenue or reduced expenses.
- You improved productivity, accuracy, or customer satisfaction.
- You took on responsibilities outside your original job description.
- You began supervising employees or leading projects.
- You earned a relevant certification or professional qualification.
- You developed specialized knowledge that benefits the company.
- Your salary is below the market range for comparable positions.
- You have not received a meaningful salary review for an extended period.
- You are being considered for a promotion.
- You are performing work that normally belongs to a higher-level position.
When your duties have grown significantly, you can strengthen your case by reviewing this Self-Justification for Promotion Sample.
Build Your Evidence Before Writing Your Salary Increase Proposal
Before you write your proposal, collect the information your manager may need to approve or support your request.
1. Document Your Measurable Achievements
Create a list of three to five accomplishments from the past six to eighteen months.
Whenever possible, include numbers.
For example:
- You increased monthly sales by 14%.
- You reduced customer complaints by 22%.
- You completed a project two weeks before its deadline.
- You trained five new employees.
- You helped retain a major client.
- You reduced processing time by 30%.
- You eliminated unnecessary expenses.
- You improved an important company procedure.
- You managed a larger number of accounts.
- You introduced a system that saved employees several hours each week.
Avoid vague statements such as:
- “You always work hard.”
- “You are a loyal employee.”
- “You do more than everyone else.”
- “You deserve better pay.”
These statements may be true, but they do not give management enough evidence to justify an increase.
2. List Your Expanded Responsibilities
Compare your original job duties with the work you currently perform.
Your role may have expanded if:
- You supervise employees.
- You train new team members.
- You lead meetings.
- You manage larger projects.
- You handle important clients.
- You approve work completed by others.
- You manage a budget.
- You cover duties from a vacant position.
- You solve problems previously handled by a manager.
- You perform work associated with a higher-level job title.
Clearly explain when you accepted these responsibilities and how they benefit the company.
3. Research Your Market Value
Research salary ranges for positions that closely match your role.
Your comparison should consider:
- Your job title
- Your location
- Your industry
- Your years of experience
- Your education
- Your certifications
- Your technical skills
- Your level of responsibility
- The number of employees you supervise
- The size of the company
Do not rely on a single salary estimate. Review several reliable sources and compare the job descriptions carefully.
A similar title does not always mean the responsibilities are identical. Your salary research will be more persuasive when the comparison involves positions with duties similar to yours.
4. Decide Exactly What You Are Requesting
Your manager should not have to guess what you want.
You can request:
- A specific annual salary
- A specific hourly rate
- A percentage increase
- A salary range
- A title and compensation review
- A phased salary increase
- A one-time performance bonus
- A scheduled salary review after a milestone
Examples include:
- “You are requesting an adjustment from $62,000 to $68,000.”
- “You are requesting a 7% salary increase effective October 1.”
- “You are requesting an adjustment that aligns your compensation with the current market range of $75,000 to $82,000.”
- “You are requesting a title review and corresponding salary adjustment.”
Choose an amount you can support with your performance, responsibilities, and market research.
5. Prepare a Flexible Alternative
Your employer may agree that your compensation should increase but may not have the budget to approve your complete request immediately.
You can prepare alternatives such as:
- A smaller salary increase plus a one-time bonus
- A phased increase over three or six months
- Additional paid time off
- A flexible work schedule
- Remote-work privileges
- Professional development funding
- Tuition or certification reimbursement
- A title change followed by a compensation review
- A written review date tied to specific performance goals
Preparing alternatives allows you to remain flexible without giving up your request entirely.
How Much of a Salary Increase Should You Request?
There is no single percentage that works for every situation.
The amount you request should depend on:
- Your current salary
- Your recent performance
- Your expanded responsibilities
- Your market value
- Your company’s compensation structure
- Your employer’s financial condition
- The amount of time since your last increase
- Whether your request involves a promotion or reclassification
A routine annual adjustment may be smaller than an increase connected to a promotion, major change in responsibilities, or documented market-pay gap.
Do not choose a percentage simply because it sounds reasonable. Calculate the salary you believe accurately reflects your role and identify the evidence supporting that amount.
If you are negotiating compensation after receiving a new job offer, use one of these Salary Negotiation Counter Offer Letter Samples instead.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Salary Increase Proposal
Step 1: Use a Direct Subject Line
Your subject line should immediately identify the purpose of your message.
Examples include:
- Salary Increase Proposal – [Your Name]
- Request for Salary Review
- Compensation Review Request
- Salary Adjustment Proposal Based on Expanded Responsibilities
- Request for Meeting to Discuss Compensation
- Salary Review Based on Performance Results
Avoid vague subject lines such as “Important Request” or “Can We Talk?”
Step 2: Begin With Appreciation
Start by acknowledging the opportunities you have received and your interest in continuing to contribute.
Keep this section sincere but brief. You do not need to write a long paragraph praising the company.
Step 3: State Your Request Clearly
Explain that you are requesting a salary review or adjustment.
Do not hide your purpose until the end of the letter. Your manager should understand your request within the first or second paragraph.
Step 4: Present Your Strongest Evidence
List your most important contributions.
Focus on accomplishments that:
- Helped the company earn money
- Saved the company money
- Improved efficiency
- Reduced risk
- Retained customers
- Solved an important problem
- Improved team performance
- Supported a major company goal
Use bullet points when you have several accomplishments. This makes your evidence easier to review and forward.
Step 5: Explain How Your Role Has Changed
Describe new duties, leadership responsibilities, or specialized tasks you now handle.
Show how these responsibilities have increased the scope, complexity, or impact of your position.
Step 6: Include Market Information When Relevant
If salary research supports your request, summarize it briefly.
You do not need to include pages of salary data in the body of your letter. You can attach a separate summary if necessary.
Step 7: State the Salary You Are Requesting
Provide a specific amount, percentage, or range.
Your wording should be confident without sounding demanding.
For example:
“Based on my performance, expanded responsibilities, and the market range for comparable positions, I am requesting an adjustment of my annual salary from $68,000 to $74,000.”
Step 8: Request a Meeting
Ask for an opportunity to discuss your proposal.
A salary decision may require several conversations, additional documentation, or approval from other departments.
Step 9: Close Professionally
Thank your manager for reviewing your request and express your continued commitment to the organization.
Free Salary Increase Proposal Letter Template
Subject: Request for Salary Review – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunities, guidance, and support I have received in my role as [Your Job Title] with [Company Name]. I value the experience I have gained and remain committed to contributing to the continued success of our team.
I am writing to request a review of my current salary based on my recent performance, expanded responsibilities, and the results I have delivered over the past [time period].
During this period, my key contributions have included:
- [Achievement #1 with a specific number, percentage, deadline, or result]
- [Achievement #2 with a specific business impact]
- [Achievement #3 with a specific business impact]
- [Additional achievement, if applicable]
In addition to these results, I have taken on responsibilities that extend beyond the original scope of my position. These responsibilities include [describe new duties, projects, supervisory responsibilities, specialized assignments, or additional workload].
I have also reviewed current compensation information for comparable [Job Title] positions in [location or industry]. Based on the responsibilities, experience, and qualifications associated with these roles, the typical salary range appears to be [salary range].
Considering my performance, expanded responsibilities, and current market information, I respectfully request an adjustment of my annual salary from [current salary] to [requested salary], effective [preferred date].
I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this proposal and provide any additional information that may be helpful. I remain committed to supporting the goals of [Company Name] and continuing to deliver strong results.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Department]
[Employee Number, if applicable]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Salary Increase Proposal for Expanded Responsibilities
Use this version when your job has grown beyond its original scope.
Subject: Salary Adjustment Request Based on Expanded Responsibilities
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities within [Company Name].
Since [date or time period], my position as [Your Job Title] has expanded significantly. In addition to my original responsibilities, I now handle:
- [New responsibility #1]
- [New responsibility #2]
- [New responsibility #3]
- [New responsibility #4, if applicable]
These duties have increased the scope and complexity of my position. They have also allowed me to contribute by [describe measurable results, completed projects, improved processes, revenue, savings, or team support].
Because my current responsibilities now reflect a higher level of work, I am requesting an adjustment of my annual salary from [current salary] to [requested salary], effective [date].
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my role has evolved and how my compensation can be aligned with my current responsibilities.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to continuing to support the team and contribute to the company’s goals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
Salary Increase Proposal Based on Market Pay
Use this version when reliable research shows that your current salary is below the range for comparable positions.
Subject: Salary Alignment Request Based on Current Market Range
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Thank you for your continued support in my role as [Your Job Title]. I am writing to request a review of my current salary based on my responsibilities, performance, and the market range for comparable positions.
After reviewing compensation information for similar roles in [location, industry, or market], I found that salaries generally fall within the range of [salary range]. My current annual salary is [current salary].
My responsibilities and contributions include:
- [Responsibility or achievement #1]
- [Responsibility or achievement #2]
- [Responsibility or achievement #3]
Based on this information, I am requesting a salary adjustment to [requested salary]. I believe this amount would better align my compensation with my current responsibilities, experience, and market value.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this request and provide the compensation information I reviewed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
Short Salary Increase Proposal Email
You can use a shorter email when your manager already understands your responsibilities and accomplishments.
Subject: Request for Salary Review
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request a meeting to discuss my current compensation.
Over the past [time period], I have contributed to the team by [mention two or three measurable achievements]. I have also taken on additional responsibilities, including [briefly describe expanded duties].
Based on these contributions and the current market range for comparable positions, I would like to propose an adjustment of my annual salary from [current salary] to [requested salary].
I would appreciate the opportunity to review this request with you and provide any supporting information you may need.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Time to Submit Your Salary Increase Proposal
Timing can influence how your proposal is received.
You may have a stronger opportunity:
- After completing an important project
- After receiving positive performance feedback
- Before annual compensation budgets are finalized
- During your performance review period
- After accepting significant new responsibilities
- After earning a relevant qualification
- When your department has achieved an important goal
- When your role has officially or unofficially expanded
- Before a promotion decision
Avoid submitting your proposal:
- During a major company crisis
- Immediately after layoffs or severe budget cuts
- While your manager is handling an urgent deadline
- Immediately after receiving a poor performance review
- Before you have evidence supporting your request
- When compensation decisions have already been finalized
If you recently received an unfavorable review, consider responding with a Written Response to a Negative Performance Review before requesting a salary adjustment.
What Not to Include in Your Proposal
Do Not Focus Only on Personal Expenses
Higher rent, medical bills, debt, transportation expenses, or household costs may explain why you want more money, but they usually do not explain why the company should increase your compensation.
Your employer will generally need a business reason to approve your request.
If rising living costs are an important part of your situation, you can adapt this Salary Increase Request Due to Cost of Living while still including your performance and responsibilities.
Do Not Compare Yourself With Specific Coworkers
Avoid statements such as:
- “You pay another employee more than you pay me.”
- “I do more work than my coworker.”
- “Someone told me what everyone else earns.”
Focus on your own value and reliable market information.
Do Not Make Threats
Do not threaten to resign unless you are genuinely prepared to leave.
Statements such as “Give me a raise or I will quit” can damage your professional relationship and weaken your manager’s willingness to support you.
Do Not Exaggerate Your Results
Your manager may verify the information in your proposal. Use accurate numbers and give yourself credit only for work you actually performed.
Do Not Make Your Letter Too Long
Your proposal should be detailed enough to support your request but short enough to review quickly.
Put your strongest evidence in the letter and attach additional documentation only when necessary.
Documents You Can Attach to Your Salary Proposal
You may strengthen your request by attaching:
- A one-page accomplishment summary
- Your updated job description
- A comparison of your original and current responsibilities
- Positive customer feedback
- Performance-review excerpts
- Project completion reports
- Revenue or cost-savings summaries
- Relevant certificates
- Market salary information
- Awards or formal recognition
- A list of future goals and expected results
Do not overwhelm your manager with unnecessary documents. Attach only information that directly supports your request.
What to Do After Sending Your Proposal
Give your manager enough time to review the request.
If you do not receive a response after approximately five to seven business days, send a brief follow-up.
You can write:
Subject: Follow-Up on Salary Review Request
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am following up on the salary review proposal I submitted on [date]. I understand that compensation decisions may require time and additional review.
Please let me know whether you need any further information from me or whether we can schedule a time to discuss the proposal.
Thank you again for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
What to Do If Your Salary Increase Is Denied
A denial does not always mean the discussion is over.
Ask your manager:
- What factors affected the decision?
- What specific results would support a future increase?
- When can your salary be reviewed again?
- Can you create a written performance plan?
- Can the company offer a smaller increase?
- Is a performance bonus available?
- Can your title or job classification be reviewed?
- Are additional benefits available?
- Can the company provide professional development funding?
Try to leave the meeting with specific goals and a review date.
For example:
“I understand that an adjustment may not be possible during the current budget cycle. Could we identify three measurable goals and schedule another compensation review for [date]?”
Document the agreed goals and follow up in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you write a convincing Salary Increase Proposal Letter?
You should begin with a clear request, summarize your strongest accomplishments, explain any expanded responsibilities, include relevant salary research, and state the salary adjustment you are requesting.
Your proposal will be more convincing when you connect your work to measurable business results such as increased revenue, reduced costs, improved productivity, retained customers, or completed projects.
Q: Should you ask for a specific salary amount?
Yes. You should generally provide a specific salary, percentage, or reasonable range.
A specific request gives your manager something concrete to evaluate. Make sure you can support the amount with your performance, responsibilities, experience, and market research.
Q: Should you mention inflation or the cost of living?
You can mention increased living costs as supporting context, but they should not be your only reason for requesting a raise.
Your proposal should primarily focus on your value, performance, responsibilities, and market compensation. You can use this Cost-of-Living Salary Increase Request when inflation is an important factor.
Q: Can you request a salary increase by email?
Yes. You can send your request by email, especially when email is your company’s normal communication method.
For an important or substantial adjustment, you may use the email to request a meeting and attach your complete proposal.
Q: How long should your salary increase proposal be?
You should usually keep your proposal to approximately one page.
You can attach a separate accomplishment summary or supporting documentation if your case requires additional detail.
Q: Should you mention another job offer?
You should mention another offer only when it is genuine, relevant, and you are prepared for the possible consequences.
Do not invent or exaggerate an offer. If you are responding directly to a new employer’s compensation package, use a Salary Negotiation Counter Offer Letter.
Q: Can you ask for a raise after taking on extra work?
Yes. Expanded responsibilities can provide a strong reason for a salary review.
Document what your job originally included, what you now handle, when the changes occurred, and how the additional work benefits the company.
Q: Should you request a promotion and salary increase together?
You can request both when you are already performing duties associated with a higher-level position.
Explain how your current work aligns with the proposed title and compensation. You may find a Letter of Intent for Promotion helpful when your request involves formal advancement.
Q: What should you do if your manager says there is no budget?
You should ask whether the company can offer a phased increase, performance bonus, additional paid time off, professional development funding, flexible scheduling, or a future review date.
Ask for any future review date and performance requirements in writing.
Q: How soon should you follow up?
You can generally follow up after five to seven business days unless your manager gives you a specific review timeline.
Keep your follow-up brief and professional. Ask whether additional information is needed rather than demanding an immediate decision.
Q: Can you request overtime instead of a permanent raise?
You may request approved overtime when your workload requires additional hours and your employer permits overtime arrangements.
A permanent salary increase and overtime compensation are different issues. For extra-hours approval, use an Overtime Request Email to Your Manager.
Final Thoughts
Your salary increase proposal should show why increasing your compensation makes sense for the organization.
You will create a stronger case when you:
- Document measurable results
- Explain expanded responsibilities
- Research comparable salaries
- Request a specific adjustment
- Choose appropriate timing
- Remain professional
- Prepare flexible alternatives
- Ask for a clear next step
Even when your employer cannot approve your full request immediately, a well-prepared proposal can begin an important conversation about your role, compensation, career growth, and future opportunities.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information and sample wording only. Company compensation policies, employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws may vary. Review your employer’s policies and seek qualified professional advice when necessary.