How to Ask for a Raise in Australia — Scripts and Strategy (2025–26)

Asking for a pay rise is one of the most impactful conversations you can have with your employer — and most Australians avoid it. Research consistently shows that those who ask for raises receive them more often than those who don’t. The key is timing, preparation, and approach.

When Is the Right Time to Ask?

The best moments to request a pay rise in Australia:

During your annual or mid-year performance review — the most natural and expected time
After a significant achievement — completing a major project, winning a client, delivering results above expectations
When you’ve taken on new responsibilities without a pay adjustment
When market rates have moved significantly above your current salary
When you’ve received a competing offer — use carefully; only raise this if you’re genuinely willing to leave

Avoid asking when the company is going through layoffs, budget cuts, or a poor financial quarter. Timing significantly affects outcome.

Build Your Case Before the Conversation

Prepare three things:

1. Market rate evidence

SEEK Salary Insights for your job title and city
Hays Salary Guide for your profession
Industry salary surveys from professional bodies
LinkedIn Salary

If comparable roles pay $95,000–$105,000 and you earn $88,000, you have a specific gap to reference.

2. Your achievements

Document concrete outcomes in the period since your last review:

Revenue generated, costs saved, or projects delivered
New skills or qualifications obtained
Responsibilities taken on that weren’t in your original role
Performance metrics vs targets

3. Your target number

Set a specific target based on your market research. Know your minimum and your ideal. Don’t go in without a number — “more money” is not a position.

Scripts for Requesting a Pay Rise

Booking the meeting:

“I’d like to schedule some time to discuss my salary. I’ve prepared some research and wanted to have a proper conversation. When suits you in the next couple of weeks?”

In the meeting:

“I’ve really enjoyed [the recent project / my role over the past year] and I’m committed to [the team / this company]. I’ve been researching market rates for my role, and based on data from [SEEK/Hays/industry survey], people in equivalent positions in [city] are typically earning [$X–$Y]. My current salary of [$Z] is below that range. Given what I’ve contributed over the past [period] — including [specific achievements] — I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment to [$target].”

If they say “not right now”:

“I understand. Can we agree on a clear timeline — say, three months — where we could revisit this? I’d also appreciate knowing what I’d need to demonstrate to support that conversation.”

What to Do If They Say No

A “no” is not the end. Follow these steps:

Ask why — “Can you help me understand what’s driving that?” is a reasonable and professional question
Ask what would need to change — link the conversation to measurable goals
Set a follow-up date — “Could we revisit this in three months?”
Document the conversation — note what was discussed, what was agreed, and when
Reassess your position — if your employer consistently won’t pay market rates and there’s no pathway forward, the market is telling you something

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of a pay rise can I ask for in Australia?

A reasonable performance pay rise is typically 5–15%. If your salary is significantly below market (10–25%), a larger ask supported by market data is justifiable. Annual CPI adjustments alone (2–4%) rarely keep up with wage growth in competitive markets.

How do I ask for a raise by email?

A raise conversation is best done face-to-face or via video call. Use email to request the meeting, not to make the ask itself. Written requests without a conversation feel transactional and are easier to dismiss.

Is it awkward to ask for a raise in Australia?

It can feel uncomfortable, but most managers expect and respect direct, professional conversations about salary. Frame it around market data and your contribution — not personal financial need.

This is general information only. For advice on your specific employment situation, consider speaking with a career coach or employment law professional.