How can I request a salary increase by email or phone?

Asking for a salary increase can feel awkward, especially when you want the request to sound professional rather than confrontational. Wanting a clear structure for email or a phone conversation is a practical starting point, and many people prepare carefully before they raise the topic.

Before you write or call, build a short case grounded in your work rather than a vague appeal. List recent results you can point to with specifics—projects completed, goals met, new responsibilities, or skills you have taken on. Where it helps, compare your role to public wage information for similar jobs in your area and industry, such as occupational wage estimates that report averages and percentile ranges by occupation and geography. If you work in a state with pay-transparency rules, posted ranges on open roles can sometimes add context, though requirements differ by state and employer size, so confirm what applies to your situation. Also check your company’s timing: many employers handle base-pay changes during annual reviews or after a promotion, so aligning your ask with that cycle can make the conversation easier to act on. Avoid framing the request only around personal expenses or around individual coworkers. Eligible employees in the United States generally have rights under federal labor law to discuss wages with coworkers in many settings; that protection is separate from how you present a raise request to management, and some roles may not be covered.

For email, keep the message concise and easy to act on. Open with appreciation for the role, state that you would like to discuss compensation, summarize two or three contribution highlights, and propose a specific meeting time rather than asking for an immediate yes or no in writing. For a phone call or live conversation, prepare a brief opening, then pause so your manager can respond. A simple structure works well: purpose, evidence, the figure or range you are seeking based on your research and responsibilities, and openness to alternatives such as a mid-year review date or a written development plan if a raise cannot be decided now. After the discussion, send a short thank-you note that restates any next steps or timeline you agreed on. There is no single federal official template for raise requests, and outcomes vary by company process, role, and situation—so treat any sample wording as a starting point you adapt, not a guarantee.

If the answer is no or delayed, ask what criteria and timeline would support a yes later, then document that and follow up as agreed. That keeps the exchange professional and gives you a concrete path forward either way.