What percentage to ask for when asking for a raise

Teens 13–17 · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What does asking for a raise mean in simple words?

Asking for a raise means telling your boss you want to get paid more money for the work you do. It’s a way to say, “I think my job is worth more now, so I would like a higher paycheck.” This can happen for many reasons, like working hard, learning new skills, or doing more tasks than before. For example, if you started working at $9 an hour but now you help train new employees, a raise would reward the extra effort. For teens, learning how to ask for a raise is helpful because it builds confidence, communication skills, and shows you understand the value of your work, which is useful in any job or career.

How does asking for a raise work, with a step-by-step example?

Asking for a raise usually starts with a conversation with your manager. Here is a clear step-by-step way to do it:

1. Prepare your reasons – Write down what you’ve done well, extra responsibilities, or positive feedback. For example, “I have consistently arrived on time, helped my teammates, and learned how to operate new equipment.”
2. Research pay rates – Find out what others in your area and job type usually earn. You can ask friends, look online, or check with career resources.
3. Pick a raise percentage – Usually between 5% and 10%. For example, if you earn $10 an hour and want a 7% raise, you would ask for $10.70 an hour (because 7% of $10 is $0.70).
4. Request a meeting – Politely ask your manager for a time to talk about your pay, such as: “Could we schedule a time to discuss my performance and compensation?”
5. Have the conversation – Use clear and respectful language, like, “I’ve really enjoyed working here and would like to talk about a possible raise based on my contributions.”
6. Be ready to listen – Your boss might have questions or say no. Ask what you can do to earn a raise in the future and when to follow up.

This clear example shows how a raise can be requested professionally and realistically.

Why does knowing what percentage to ask for matter to teens?

Many teens work part-time jobs or summer jobs where pay rates can be low or fixed. Understanding what percentage to ask for helps you set reasonable goals and communicate your value clearly. Asking for too small a raise might not reflect your hard work, while asking for too large a raise could make your boss say no. For example, if you earn $8 an hour, asking for a 2% raise means only $8.16, which may not feel worth it. But asking for a 20% raise to $9.60 might be seen as too much. Knowing a reasonable range like 5% to 10% helps you find a middle ground where your request feels fair and serious. This skill also builds confidence in speaking up for yourself, which is important in school, sports, and future jobs.

What percentage is typical to ask for in a raise?

Usually, people ask for a raise between 5% and 10%. Here’s why this range works well:

• Less than 5%: This is a small increase and might not be worth the effort of asking. For example, a 3% raise on $10 an hour is just 30 cents more.
• Between 5% and 10%: This shows you value your work and understand the market. For example, 7% on $10 is 70 cents more, which can feel meaningful to both you and your employer.
• More than 10%: This is a big jump. It might be okay if you have a strong reason like a promotion or new skills, but often employers expect proof before approving such increases.

When deciding what to ask for, think about how long you’ve worked there and your recent accomplishments. For example, if you’ve been at a job for a year, taken on extra shifts, and helped improve the team, asking for 8% to 10% is reasonable. If you’ve only been there a few months, sticking closer to 5% or less might be better. This approach helps your request feel fair and professional.

What terms do people often mix up with asking for a raise?

It’s easy to confuse certain pay-related terms. Here are some common ones:

• Raise vs. Bonus: A raise means your regular pay goes up permanently. A bonus is extra money you might get once, like for working hard during holidays. For example, a raise increases your hourly wage; a bonus might be a $50 extra payment.
• Raise vs. Promotion: A promotion means moving to a higher job position with more duties. It usually comes with a raise, but not always. For example, becoming a team leader might mean a promotion and a raise, but sometimes you get promoted with the same pay at first.
• Raise vs. Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA): COLA is a small increase given to keep up with rising prices, usually set by the company. It’s not based on your performance. For example, an inflation increase might add 2% to your pay just to keep up with higher prices.

Knowing these differences helps you ask for the right thing and avoid confusion.

How should you prepare and what to do next when asking for a raise?

Good preparation makes a big difference in how successful your raise request will be. Here are concrete steps to get ready:

1. List your accomplishments: Write down specific examples like “I helped train two new employees,” or “I increased sales by 10% last quarter.”
2. Gather positive feedback: If your boss or coworkers have praised your work, note this to mention during your talk.
3. Check local pay rates: Use online resources or ask around to find out what people in similar jobs earn.
4. Decide on a raise percentage: Pick a number between 5% and 10% that matches your effort and the market.
5. Write a script or key points: Plan what you want to say, such as “I’d like to talk about my pay because I’ve taken on more responsibility and done well.”
6. Choose the right time: Aim for a quiet moment or after a positive review, not when your boss is stressed or busy.
7. Practice with someone: Practice with a parent, friend, or mentor so you feel more confident.

After the meeting, say thank you no matter the outcome and ask what you can improve for future raises.

What can you say when asking for a raise to sound clear and respectful?

Using respectful and clear language makes a good impression. Here are some example phrases you can use or adapt:

• “I enjoy working here and want to continue contributing. Could we discuss a possible raise based on my recent performance?”
• “Since I’ve taken on extra responsibilities and received positive feedback, I believe a 7% raise would reflect my work.”
• “I would like to talk about my pay. I’ve been working hard and learning new skills, and I hope we can review my compensation.”
• “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I’d like to discuss my current wage and the possibility of an increase.”

If your boss says no, respond politely with: “I appreciate you considering my request. Could you please let me know what I can do to earn a raise in the future?” This keeps the conversation positive and shows you are eager to improve.

What if your employer can’t give you a raise right now?

Sometimes the company may not be able to give you a raise at the moment. If that happens, don’t be discouraged. Here are some things you can do:

• Ask for other benefits: Such as more flexible hours, extra breaks, or opportunities for training.
• Set goals: Ask your boss what you can do to earn a raise later and when you can check back. For example, “If I improve my sales numbers by 10%, can we revisit this conversation in three months?”
• Keep improving your skills: Learning new skills or certifications can make you more valuable and increase your chances next time.
• Look for other jobs: If raises are not offered and you want higher pay, consider applying for other jobs that pay better or offer more growth.

This approach helps you stay positive and focused on your future.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate the dollar amount for a raise based on a percentage?

Multiply your current pay by the percentage you want. For example, for a 7% raise on $10 an hour, calculate $10 × 0.07 = $0.70, then add it to $10, so the new pay is $10.70.

Is it better to ask for a raise in person or by email?

It’s usually best to ask for a meeting in person or by video call so you can talk directly. You can request the meeting by email, but the actual raise discussion works better face-to-face.

What if I am still a teenager and my boss says I’m too young to ask for a raise?

Age should not stop you from asking. Show your value through your work and be polite. If your boss says no because of age, ask what you can do to prove yourself and earn a raise.

Can I ask for a raise if I’m a seasonal or temporary worker?

It depends on the job and employer. Sometimes seasonal jobs don’t offer raises, but if you’ve worked hard and taken on extra duties, it doesn’t hurt to ask respectfully.

What if I don’t get a raise after asking?

Stay professional and ask for feedback on how to improve. Use this time to gain skills and experience so you can try again later or find a better-paying job.