A pay rise can make a real difference to your salary today, and to your super down the track.

But it takes a lot of courage to ask for more money. If you're not sure where to start, we can help. Here's how to ask for a pay rise, and how to negotiate pay rates and benefits in general.

Prepare

Think about why you deserve a pay increase, and how much you think you can ask for.

Gather evidence

Write down evidence of your achievements, new skills, or extra responsibilities. Also check how your pay compares to industry standards for your profession. You could also consider using other market evidence, like rises in the costs of living.

Work out what you want

Come up with a specific figure or package that you're asking for. Make sure you're ready to explain how you arrived at that figure.

---

Meet with your leader

When the time is right, book a meeting with your leader to raise your request. But don't expect an answer during the meeting. It's unlikely you'll find out right away.

Here's how to ask for a salary increase in the meeting:

1. Tell your leader what outcome you want.

2. Give them evidence that justifies your pay rise. Frame it positively.

3. Listen closely to any feedback and any next steps they give you.

Afterwards, email a summary of the meeting to your leader, including your supporting evidence.

---

Outcome and negotiation

At some point, you'll get an answer. What do you do next?

If the news is good, congratulations! But if you didn't get the outcome you wanted, it might be time to negotiate. Is there something else they could offer instead? Or can you revisit the conversation in 3-6 months if you meet certain goals?

If the answer is a straight no, find out why.

Asking can have other benefits

A no can be really disheartening. Often though, a no isn't because you don't deserve a pay rise.

Sometimes it's out of your leader's hands for financial or other reasons. Market and economic conditions can limit your employer's ability to give you a pay rise. They'll also need to consider whether giving you a pay rise actually widens a pay gap between you and your peers.

But if you get knocked back once, don't rule out asking again in future. Asking for a pay rise is a normal part of working life. You aren't the first person in history to ask for one!

Asking can have other benefits too. Maybe your leader will start looking for ways to help you get one. At the very least, they'll know you want one now. There could be lots of other potential upsides too.

---

What to do if you get a pay rise

If you've secured a pay rise, well done. Put a date in the calendar, maybe a year from now, to work towards asking again. That's right – asking for a pay rise every year (and expecting a 'no' sometimes) is a great way to make sure you're always earning what you're worth.

---

Why a pay rise matters for your super

A salary increase doesn’t just give you more money now – it could help you grow your super, too.