How do I ask my boss for a raise?

Question

I have a interesting situation at my place of business. I recently graduated with a Bachelor's in accounting. I am currently pursuing my Master's degree in accounting. I have been working at my job for 1-1/2 years, but after I graduated, my boss never gave me an appropriate raise.

The pros about where I work is that I have really flexible hours. Since I am attending college still, my boss allows me time to take off and study for a test or work on projects as needed. However, althought I do not take off that often, when I need the time, it is beneficial.

My boss knows that I will take less pay in order to have those flexible hours as needed, but I feel like I should be getting paid more after receiving my degree. I am currently getting paid $11.25 and I know that the average starting pay for someone with my education and experience is around $16.00.

Even though it is a small firm, I feel like I desreve to be paid more. How do I ask for a raise without soudnig greedy?

If it helps any, I know that she charges our clients $40.00/hr for the work that I do, and I don't even get paid 1/3 of that.

Answer 1

Charging the $40 for the work you do at $12 is a standard industry practice. You have overhead (like when you are standing around doing nothing and getting paid for it), taxes, social security, benefits, etc...

If your boss could bill you out at $50/hour, he would.

So, how go ask for a raise?

The best approach is a direct approach.

When the opportunity presents itself (not when he is jumping down your throat after a mistake is made, or when he loses his best client).

Simply present him the facts as you have here and ask if he can give you a raise.

He will likely say that since you are flex, you are getting the benefit.

There is nothing wrong with sounding greedy either (the democrats have really screwed up the brains of our youth with their mantras).

If you are worth $16 an hour, then you should be paid $16 an hour.

However, you may have to earn it too. Are you prepared to go above and beyond what you are doing now to justify the extra $$?

Bottom line: It does not matter what you are being paid if you do not earn it.

Footnote: I know a Professional Geologist (about 20 years experience) that is working at a company now that makes about $20K what the regional industry standard. Why? Because he does not earn it.


In lieu of going out trying to get work, he sits and plays video poker on the internet. It is hard to generate support for a raise if all you do is goof off (not you personally, but speaking in general terms).

Answer 2

Stage this for an employment landmark, such as 1 1/2 years, since you are close to that. Make an appointment to speak with you boss, and start off by asking her what she thinks of your performance so far. Ask her what she thinks you do well, what she thinks you could do better, etc. Start a diologue about your employment, and be sure to mention how much you enjoy your job and appreciate your boss. Then, mention to her that you have been there X amount of time. Tell that you look forward to a long time with the company, but you want to know if there is room in the budget for a 'cost of living' increase for you. She will then either say 'yes' or 'no', and then you can go from there. Go to Salary.com to get the average statistics of pay for your position in your state to show her if she asks how much you want.

Answer 3

I don't know but what it sounds like to me is that you are selling yourself short. I understand that you like the flexibility that your job offers but you in my opinion are underpaid. $11.25 is definitely not what you should be making out of college that is an insult, for 4 years of hard work to know make enough to pay off my loans. I don't know where you live & work but if you work in a metro area you are definitely getting screwed. I have seen many entry level positions beginning at $40, 000. You need to apply to a company that will value your skills and your desire to grow with the company and that will offer to pay for you to get your Masters through an accreditied online university which is a lot of work but offers a great deal of flexibility.

You should look into schools such as Kaplan University, University of Phoneix and such. I know it's not the answer you were looking for but it's an alternative.

Answer 4

Do some research - find out competitors pay rates, average salary information for others in the field with comparable education, etc. Get your information laid out and ready to present and go from there. Be professinal in your approach, have your research done that can back-up your reasons for asking for an increase. I would not use the threat of other employment...simply say that if they cannot make an effort to increase compensation that you will need to explore your options to best care for yourself financially. That's a non-threatening approach that's honest and professional.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

The best way to ask for a raise is if you already have something lined up and you tell them that you want to stay but will need to be compensated more or you will need to take the other job in order to meet your needs. Or, you could go ahead and ask but with the hourly rate they charge don't expect more than $16 an hour because they have to pay for space, state insurance, etc.

Answer 6

yeah you should def. get a raise!
i only have an associates degree in business and i work in the accounting department at my job for salary of around 13.50 an hour! you should really talk to him.
you should make more than me!