How to ask for a pay rise, with a letter that makes the case
Put your case in writing: what you have achieved, how your job has grown, what similar roles pay, and what you are asking for. The builder turns it into a short, confident letter asking for a meeting. Free to copy, download as Word or print.
Before you ask
Know what you want: a figure or a percentage, and the lowest you would accept.
Gather evidence: results, numbers, praise, and responsibilities you have taken on.
Check what similar jobs pay: adverts for the same role in your area are a good guide.
Pick your moment: before a pay review, or after a clear success.
What to put in the letter
Say what you want, why, and from when. Keep it short, factual and positive, and ask for a meeting so you can talk it through.
The rules
There is no general legal right to a pay rise. Your pay must go up if you are on the minimum wage and the rate rises, if you move into an older age band, or if your contract entitles you to a rise. From 1 April 2026 the National Living Wage for people aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour.
Pay rise letter examples
Asking for a pay rise after a strong year
Results, extra responsibility and a figure.
21 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Request for a salary review
I would like to ask for a meeting to discuss my salary as Customer Service Team Leader.
Here is what I have achieved since my last pay review in April 2025.
I led the team to the highest customer satisfaction score in the region in 2025. I cut average call waiting times from six minutes to two.
My role has also grown: I have taken on training all new advisers and running the weekend rota.
I have also looked at what similar roles pay, and team leader roles in Bradford are advertised at £33,000 to £36,000.
With this in mind, I would like to ask for a salary of £34,000.
I would welcome the chance to talk this through with you at a time that suits you, and I am happy to answer any questions.
Thank you for your time and support.
Yours sincerely,
Aisha Khan Customer Service Team Leader
Asking for a pay rise to match the market
Based on what similar roles pay.
21 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Request for a salary review
I would like to ask for a meeting to discuss my salary as Customer Service Team Leader.
Here is what I have achieved since my last pay review in April 2025.
I have been rated as exceeding expectations in my last two reviews.
I have also looked at what similar roles pay, and team leader roles in Bradford are advertised at £33,000 to £36,000.
With this in mind, I would like to ask for a salary in line with similar roles, of around £34,000.
I would welcome the chance to talk this through with you at a time that suits you, and I am happy to answer any questions.
Thank you for your time and support.
Yours sincerely,
Aisha Khan Customer Service Team Leader
Questions people ask
How do I ask for a pay rise?
Ask your manager for a meeting, and put your case in writing: what you have achieved, how your role has grown, what similar jobs pay, and what you are asking for.
Do I have a legal right to a pay rise?
Generally no. Your pay must rise if you are on the minimum wage and the rate goes up, if you move into an older age band, or if your contract says you get a rise.
How much should I ask for?
Base it on evidence: adverts for similar jobs in your area, and the value of what you have taken on. Know the lowest figure you would accept before the meeting.
What if they say no?
Ask what you would need to do to earn a rise, and when you can ask again. Get any agreement in writing.
More letters for work
Resignation letter: Notice to leave, with your last working day worked out.
Retirement letter: Formal notice that you're retiring, with your last day worked out.
Character reference: For a job, a tenancy or court, written from real examples.
Job offer letters: Accept, decline or ask for more, with your resign-by date.
Reference letters: Ask someone to be your referee, or write a reference.