Performance-Based Raise Request Letter — Free Template
A performance-based raise request, sometimes called a merit raise request, argues that your results have earned higher pay. It's the most persuasive kind of raise letter when you have strong, measurable achievements, and it gives your manager the evidence they need to make your case to whoever approves the budget.
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October 15, 2026
[Your manager's name]
[Company name]
Re: Request for a salary increase
Dear [Your manager's name],
I have worked at [Company name] as [Your job title] for [How long you've been in the role], and I value the opportunity to contribute to the team. I am writing to request a salary increase to [The salary you're asking for], based on my performance and the results I have delivered.
[Your key achievements and responsibilities]
I am committed to continuing to grow in my role and to supporting the team's goals. I would appreciate the chance to meet and discuss this request at a time that works for you, and I am happy to provide any additional information that would be helpful.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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Lead with measurable results
Numbers make a performance case concrete: revenue generated, costs saved, customers retained, projects delivered on time, errors reduced. Compare them with targets, team averages or last year's results if you can.
Not every job has neat numbers. In that case, describe specific outcomes — a process you improved, a problem you solved, a client who praised your work — and their effect on the team or the business.
Show growth beyond your job description
Mention responsibilities you've taken on beyond your original role: training colleagues, leading projects, covering for a vacant position, building a tool or process others now use. Doing more than the job asks is one of the clearest arguments for being paid more.
Keep a running list of wins throughout the year so you don't have to reconstruct them when it's time to ask. It also makes your performance review easier.
Ask at the right time
The best time is before raises are decided, which is often a few months before your annual review or before the company sets its budget for next year. Ask your manager when those decisions happen.
Right after a big win is also a good moment, while your contribution is fresh. Pair your letter with a request for a meeting so you can talk it through.
What to do, step by step
Do your research
Look up pay for similar roles in your area using salary surveys, job postings and professional associations. Know your company's review cycle and how raises are usually decided.
Gather your evidence
List your results from the past year or since your last raise: numbers, projects, new responsibilities and positive feedback. Specific evidence is what makes a raise request persuasive.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Ask for a specific figure, explain the main reason, and back it up with your achievements and any market data.
Pick the right moment
Good times to ask are before budgets are set, during a review, or after a big win. Avoid asking during a crisis or right after bad company news.
Send it and ask for a meeting
Email the letter or bring it to a one-on-one, and ask for time to discuss it. Be ready to talk through your points calmly and to listen to the response.
What if your manager says no to your raise request?
Stay calm and ask what it would take. Ask which specific results or skills would justify the raise, and when you could revisit the conversation. Write down what you agree and send a short email summarizing it.
If money is tight, ask about other options: a one-time bonus, extra paid time off, a better title, flexible hours, training paid by the company, or a review date in three or six months rather than a full year.
If you're repeatedly told no without a clear path forward, and your research shows you're paid well below the market, it may be worth looking at other opportunities. You don't need to threaten to leave; simply knowing your options can help you decide what's right for you.
Example performance-based raise request letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jasmine Carter
October 5, 2026
Mr. Reyes
Bluewater Analytics
Re: Request for a salary increase
Dear Mr. Reyes,
I have worked at Bluewater Analytics as Senior Account Manager for three years, and I value the opportunity to contribute to the team. I am writing to request a salary increase to $84,000 per year, an increase of about 8 percent, based on my performance and the results I have delivered.
Over the past year, I grew my client portfolio from 18 to 27 accounts and kept a 96 percent renewal rate, which brought in about $410,000 in new annual revenue. I also led onboarding for three new team members and created the client reporting template the whole team now uses.
Based on salary surveys and job postings for similar roles in the Chicago area, the typical range for this position is about $80,000 to $90,000.
I am committed to continuing to grow in my role and to supporting the team's goals. I would appreciate the chance to meet and discuss this request at a time that works for you, and I am happy to provide any additional information that would be helpful.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jasmine Carter
Frequently asked questions
What is a merit raise?
A merit raise is a pay increase given because of strong individual performance, as opposed to a cost-of-living adjustment or a raise tied to a promotion. Many companies handle merit raises through annual performance reviews.
How many achievements should I list?
Two to four strong, specific achievements are usually enough. A short list of your best results is more convincing than a long list that includes routine tasks.
What if my performance review was average?
A performance-based request will be harder. You might instead ask what you'd need to achieve to earn a raise at the next review, agree on clear goals, and then make your case once you've met them.
How much of a raise should I ask for?
Base it on research rather than a fixed rule. Look at market pay for your role and location, your company's usual raise range and the value you've added. Ask for a specific figure near the top of what you can justify, leaving some room to negotiate.
Should I ask for a raise in writing or in person?
Both work best together. A letter or email lays out your case clearly and gives your manager something to share with decision-makers, while a meeting lets you discuss it and answer questions. Many people send the letter first and then meet.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.