Polite way to ask for an increase of salary

My company's financial year will be ending soon in February, meaning I will be doing my yearly review (increment + bonus). For the past year, I've done well and contributed a lot more than my expected job scope. In simple terms, I've done more than those with a higher pay grade. Theres about a 20-30% difference between my salary and theirs. Although im considered young (3 years experience, 26 this year), I would like to be fairly compensated based on my efforts rather than experience. Whats a good way to ask for an increment to match my salary with theirs?

To be fair, I've seen a good increment since entering the workforce (130% since i started in 2020). I have a diploma and im in my final year of a part time degree. Im afraid of sounding greedy and demanding if I were to ask for a 30-40% increase this year. Any advice will be extremely helpful! Thank you :)

Discussion (9)

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Susan Soh

01 Mar 2023

Show them the market rate.

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25 Feb 2023

Consider sharing your aspiratione and how you would like to contribute more to the firm's growth? Having good track records and sharing them with your boss definitely helps.

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Perceptive Piggy 🐷

Edited 23 Feb 2023

The way I see it, you have a better chance of increasing your pay using your performance as a reason, not the fact that you will be a degree-holder soon, unless your degree directly relates to tasks you can take on (e.g. an accounting degree).

130% increment within 3 years is amazing, but I suppose it's with different companies? At your current company, they will likely compare against your current salary, not your historical salary data.

To answer your question,

1) Have a casual chat with your boss first to sound out when is a good time to chat about this + what s/he would like to see in this conversation. It may be the end of the financial year, but is your team working late nights to complete a project this month? Timing is key.

2) Then, block your boss's time by arranging a meeting with a clear agenda of discussing your performance + salary adjustment. Start by sharing what you enjoy about working here (team, rigour, fixed/flexible hours etc) or what you have learnt in your x months here. Prepare concrete evidence on how you have contributed and propose an increment you have in mind.

3) Don't talk about inflation or how many mouths you have to feed. Be polite, but don't need to be sheepish about it. As a young employee we tend to 'sweeten' our message by laughing / smiling when talking to higher ups. Good to practise with a trusted friend or sibling and rehearse how you would answer any follow up questions.

You're doing great, good luck!

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