Getting a Raise: Actual Strategies to Boost Your Paycheck

Whether you’re clocking in at your first job or working your way up the career ladder, getting a raise can feel like unlocking a cheat code. But unlike cheat codes, real-life raises take strategy, effort, and timing. Here's the playbook every young professional should follow to boost their income without switching jobs (unless you want to).

Know your value and prove it

Before you can ask for more, you need to know what positions like yours are worth. Start by looking up salary data for your position using Glassdoor or PayScale. Then, start tracking your accomplishments. Things like projects completed, goals exceeded, and revenue or efficiency you helped create are always good things to talk about... often.

Pro Tip: Keep a “brag file” where you document wins daily or weekly. (This is also part of the Lazy Girl's Guide to Getting Promoted.) That way, when raise time rolls around, you’re not scrambling to remember what you did eight months ago.

Timing matters

In comedy and in the career world, asking for a raise is all about timing. Requesting one during a company-wide budget freeze? Probably not the best move. After a major win or during performance reviews? That’s your window.

Plan ahead: Schedule a conversation a few weeks before review season. This gives your manager time to advocate for you internally before any numbers are locked in.

Speak the language of impact

When it’s time to request a raise, avoid saying things like, “I’ve been working really hard.” Instead, link your work directly to results. This works especially well if you can link dollars or sales to your work. Try framing it like:

“Over the past 3 months, I led a customer outreach campaign that increased business by 22%. I'd like to talk about aligning my compensation with the value I’m delivering.”

This shows you're thinking like an owner, not just an employee.

Upskill strategically

Learning a new skill doesn’t automatically mean you deserve more money, but learning the right skill can. Ask yourself: “What skills are in demand in my industry?” Data analysis, project management, and digital tools like Excel or Notion often punch above their weight in value.

Targeted learning = targeted income. Sites like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning can help you pick up high-leverage skills for cheap (or free).

Take on more (Smartly)

If your role is pretty rigid, you could try volunteering for a cross-functional project. Even working on internal projects, or with other team leads can help. These roles build your resume, expand your visibility, and create a stronger case for a raise or promotion.

Just be careful not to overcommit. You're building a career, not burning out by 25.

Ask, don’t assume

Too many young workers think that if they work hard enough, someone will just notice. Hate to break it to you: they won’t. That’s not how most companies operate.

Ask confidently and clearly. Say things like “I’d like to talk about how I can grow here, both in responsibility and compensation.” Things like this can open the door to a raise or valuable feedback to get you there.

Consider performance-based pay

If your boss is hesitant about a straight raise, you could negotiate for bonuses or performance-based compensation. Asking for milestone-based pay increases (“If I hit XYZ target, can we revisit pay in 3 months?”) shows initiative and flexibility.

The raise is the beginning, not the end

A bigger paycheck doesn’t just mean it's time to start spending more. It means you have more power to invest, save, and build your wealth. Use every raise as more fuel to increase your net worth, not your expenses.

Remember: You’re not just asking for a raise. You’re asking for what you’re worth. And setting the tone for every paycheck that comes after.