How to Ask For a Raise When You Are Underpaid
Wed Jul 09 2025
If you're reading this, there's a good chance you're doing more than your fair share at work—and not seeing that reflected in your paycheck. You're not alone. Learning how to ask for a raise when you are underpaid can feel intimidating, especially early in your career. But it's one of the most important career skills you can develop.
In this guide, we’ll break it down step by step so you can approach the conversation with confidence.
Know When You're Underpaid
Before asking for more money, make sure you’re actually underpaid. Start with these steps:
- Use salary comparison tools like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or Payscale
- Compare with peers in similar roles and industries
- Factor in your city or region, as pay ranges vary
If you’re consistently finding that your compensation is below the typical range, it’s time to take action.
Build Your Case With Evidence
The best salary conversations are built on facts. Instead of focusing on what you need, focus on what you deliver.
- Track accomplishments and quantify them when possible (e.g. “Improved processing speed by 25%”)
- Show how your responsibilities have grown since your original offer
- Document praise from peers, managers, or customers
This is not the time to be modest. If you're unsure how to position your impact clearly, you might want to revisit your resume too.
Pick the Right Time
Timing matters. Try to schedule your raise conversation:
- After a successful project or performance review
- When your manager is less stressed or distracted
- A few months before your annual review cycle (if applicable)
Avoid asking during team-wide budget freezes or layoffs—those are signals that leadership is in cost-cutting mode.
Practice What You’ll Say
Even the most compelling data can fall flat if you stumble during the conversation. Here’s a structure you can use:
“Over the past [X months/years], I’ve taken on [specific tasks], achieved [results], and added [value]. Based on market data and my contributions, I believe a raise to [target salary] would better reflect my role and impact.”
Role-playing with a friend or mentor can help you feel more confident and natural.
Be Ready for Pushback
Not every manager will say yes on the spot. Be prepared for:
- Questions like “Why now?” or “Where did you get that number?”
- Counteroffers (maybe a smaller raise or non-cash benefits)
- A flat “no”—with or without a clear reason
If you get a “no,” ask what you need to do to get a raise and when you can revisit the conversation. Document the discussion so you have leverage later.
If you dont like the response of your follow up questions, perhaps its time to begin looking elsewhere and making your linkedin profile more attractive to recruiters
Know When to Move On
If you've asked professionally, presented your case, and still received vague or dismissive responses, it may be time to explore other opportunities. The job market rewards mobility—especially for early-career workers.
Before jumping ship, make sure your resume reflects your most up-to-date skills and wins. Tools like OptApply can help you tailor your resume to open roles and beat ATS filters.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to ask for a raise when you are underpaid is a skill that will serve you throughout your career. Prepare your case, practice the conversation, and be willing to advocate for yourself. You’ve earned it.
Want to make sure your resume highlights your real value before the next opportunity? Give our AI-powered resume optimizer a try and see how OptApply can help you stand out from the crowd.