A salary increase letter is your opportunity to make a case for higher compensation. It’s a formal document that outlines your value to the company and justifies why you are deserving of a raise, often by referencing the contributions you’ve made. Think of this letter as a strategic move to communicate your worth and the reasons behind your request for a greater salary
Sample Salary Increase Letters
Example for Cost of Living Adjustment (Salary Increase Due to Cost of Living)
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to discuss an adjustment to my salary that reflects the current cost of living increases in our area. Over the past year, there has been a significant rise in living expenses, and I believe an adjustment to my current salary of [current salary] would be appropriate to maintain my standard of living and keep pace with inflation rates.
Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to discussing this with you further.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example for Performance-Based Raise
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to formally request a salary increase in recognition of my recent performance and contributions to the team. Since my last review, I have exceeded the targets set for my role by achieving [specific achievements or metrics], which contributed to the overall success of our department. I feel that a raise would not only reflect my dedication and hard work but also align my compensation with the value I bring to the company.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example for Promotion Related Raise
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am excited about my recent promotion to [new position] and the opportunity to contribute to the company in a more significant way. With the added responsibilities and deliverables of my new role, I would like to propose an adjustment to my current salary to reflect these changes. I believe a salary of [proposed salary] is in line with the industry standards for this position and would be commensurate with the additional value I will continue to provide.
Thank you for your support, and I am eager to continue achieving great results for our team.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Crafting the Body of the Letter
Outlining Achievements
Begin with a clear and concise overview of your accomplishments. Make a bullet-point list to highlight key contributions, such as projects completed or targets exceeded. Be sure to include any accolades or recognitions you’ve received. For example:
- Successfully managed and delivered four major projects on time over the past year, contributing to a 20% increase in department efficiency.
- Awarded ‘Employee of the Month’ twice in six months for outstanding performance and dedication.
(Quantify your achievements wherever possible, using data to illustrate your impact on the company.)
Explaining Your Request
Next, transition into the specific rationale behind your salary increase request. Clearly state your desired amount or percentage and tie it back to the market rate for your position if possible. It can be helpful to mention how long it’s been since your last pay increase.
- After researching, I found the average market salary for my role is 10% higher than my current pay. Considering my contributions and the length of time since my last raise, I am requesting a salary increase of 12%.
Concluding Your Letter
Reiteration
In the final paragraph of your salary increase letter, you’ll want to briefly summarize the main points. This means mentioning your request for a raise again and quickly restating the reasons you provided earlier to support it. For example, you might say, “I am hopeful that my contributions to the team, including the successful launch of the new marketing campaign, warrant a reconsideration of my current salary.”
Grateful Closing
End your letter on a gracious note. Expressing your appreciation for the reader’s time and consideration helps maintain a good relationship, regardless of the outcome. You can write something like, “Thank you for considering my request. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with a team that supports my professional growth.” Close with a courteous sign-off such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.