How to ask for a pay rise

coworkers in a meeting room talking
 
Asking for a salary increase can be daunting. But in New Zealand’s current economic climate, we could all do with a bit more in our pay packet.
 
It’s never easy to approach your boss and ask for more money, especially when budgets are tight. Some find it awkward while others worry that asking for a raise will make them appear demanding. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
 
The reality is that asking for a pay rise is a necessary step for anyone who wants to maximise their worth and achieve their financial goals. It shows your employer that you work hard at the contributions you make to the organisation, are committed to your job, and want to be compensated for your efforts.
 
So why is it so difficult to ask for a pay rise? Some people just simply don’t know how to best approach it. From preparing your case to having a contingency plan, we can help you navigate this tricky step in your career.
 

Being able to ask for a pay rise is more important than ever.  

The Hays Salary Guide FY26/27 shows that while most professionals are still receiving pay rises, salary growth has stabilised at around 3.3% - broadly in line with inflation and lower than last year’s 4.5% average. As a result, many employees remain dissatisfied with their pay progression, highlighting a continued gap between expectations and reality. 
 
This means there is a strong possibility your increase may not meet expectations, making it even more important to approach salary discussions strategically. 
 
The value of individual salary increases is rarely set in stone, though, so make sure you maximise your value by being prepared for this conversation with your boss. 

Learn how to ask for a pay rise

Learn how to ask for a pay rise from the experts at Hays in this online video. Discover practical tips and advice to further your career in New Zealand today. 

Your six-point plan to prepare for a pay rise request. 

1. Prepare your reasoning

For your salary increase request to be successful, you first need to demonstrate to your boss why you deserve the raise. 
 
It’s not enough to simply point to the increased cost of living. Instead, you need to ensure you have specific and quantifiable evidence to present when asking for a salary increase.   
  
Start by considering what you’ve achieved since your last pay increase that warrants a raise today? Prepare a list of recent achievements that exceed your current set objectives. It may help to look back at your last performance review or your original job description. Then list any changed or increased work volumes or duties you’re now undertaking and extra projects you’ve been involved in.   
  
For each accomplishment, align it with how it benefitted the organisation. The aim is to provide strong evidence to justify a pay rise, so focus on outcomes. For example, perhaps you have brought in 22 per cent more business year-on-year, are managing a 25 per cent increase in the overall volume of work or were involved in a project that exceeded objectives. 
 
Be proud of your work and include examples of achievements that you are particularly proud of. This could include a major milestone you achieved, successful teamwork, or a process improvement that has long-term benefits. 
 
In a market where pay rises are more selective, clearly demonstrating measurable impact and business value is critical to strengthening your case.
 

2. Research comparable salaries  

Next, research the salary you feel your performance and results are worth by reviewing recent salary guides. This allows you to back up your request with evidence from the current market and demonstrate that the salary you are asking for is in line with your market value.

The Hays Salary Guide FY26/27 highlights that salary increases are now more targeted, so benchmarking your role, skills and experience against current demand is essential when forming realistic expectations. 

3. Set a meeting and keep calm   

Once you have your evidence gathered, ask your manager for a meeting to review your salary. Don't spring this meeting on your boss. Instead, book a time with your manager and let them know that the objective of the meeting is to present your case for a salary review.   
  
When it comes time for the meeting, maintain a professional manner. Try to avoid becoming too emotional and don’t discuss any personal reasons why you might need extra money. Instead, present the business evidence you’ve gathered to support your pay rise request. A well-structured, evidence-based case will give you the strongest possible foundation for a positive outcome. List your evidence to help keep the meeting on track, and to write yourself notes to refer to. 
 
Don’t expect an answer straight away when asking for a pay rise. Your boss will likely need to review their budget, talk to HR, and compile any necessary documentation before potential pay increases become official. 
  
At the end of the meeting, let your boss know that you’ll follow up with an email summarising your request. Your email should cover the main points you presented and discussed. This provides a written record of the conversation and ensures there’s no room for confusion or misunderstanding.
 

4. This is a two-way conversation  

Coming to the meeting with high expectations of big increases could put your manager on the back foot. You want a positive reaction from your manager when asking for a pay rise, so present your reasons, and then actively listen to their feedback. 

You will have your own points you want to get across but be mindful that this is a conversation, and your manager may have valuable feedback for you that can be used to work towards more success in the future.

In today’s market, where organisations are balancing costs carefully, being open to feedback and demonstrating flexibility can strengthen your position. 

5. Be willing to negotiate  

Your boss may want to negotiate the value of your salary increase, so be prepared to discuss the salary you feel your results, and market value, are worth. Throughout this conversation, remember your justifications for asking for a pay rise in the first place. 
 
Also, consider how much you are willing to compromise – it can help to have a salary range in mind instead of a single figure, with a top and a bottom amount that you think would be fair.
 
Given that many salary increases are currently modest, it can also be beneficial to negotiate beyond base pay, including bonuses, flexibility, or development opportunities. 
 

6. Have a contingency plan  

You should also have a fallback position in case your employer cannot afford to increase your salary at this point in time. For example, can you agree on a date for pay review in three- or six months’ time? Could your boss instead offer additional benefits, such as paying for additional study or membership of a professional body, or providing you with extra annual leave? 
 
With salary budgets under pressure, alternative benefits are playing a growing role in total compensation and can help you maintain career progression even if an immediate pay rise isn’t possible.
Download Hays Salary Guide FY25/26