How to ask for a salary increase?

Can anyone help with how to go about asking for a salary increase? The right wording, who to go to, what to say, etc?

Here's the situation...

I work in a private university. Been here almost 4 years. Started this job supporting 8 people (faculty/staff) with x amount of salary. Within that year, I was added more people to support. Number went from 8 to 20+ people. Almost 2 years ago, redid job description and got a very small raise because of this increase. Was not happy with the small increase because after taxes it's like nothing but there was nothing I could do. It's now been almost 2 years since that increase and I have continued to support 20+ people and have done a bit more than I'm supposed to here. I really feel unappreciated and it's bothering me. It's not like I want a huge raise and asking them to triple my salary since they tripled my responsibilities but when you go from 8 to over 20 more people I would hope for a bit more money since they don't want to hire anyone else. It was kind of an insult to only get x amount more considering. And it also upsets me that the other support person here does LESS than me and makes A LOT more than me. She has been with the university for over 20 years, but only in my department for almost 5 years. So 1 year longer than me. She kept moving from department to department so she never moved up but makes a lot more than me. My boss even told me that this other person begged for her to give her the job and she did because she felt bad. In total I have only been with the university for almost 6.5 years. Anyway, for her to do the same thing but I do more, isn't it only fair to give me a bit more??? I feel I do deserve it and have gone above and beyond my job description. I was even a part of a big, important project and not even a thank you. I answer to my boss who then answers to her boss. So anything about us goes through him too. Well, my boss of course knows we all want more money and we've casually said it over the years, but I really want to discuss it seriously now. If I had known what everyone else was making doing the same thing or less, I would have asked for more when I was hired. I thought it was an ok salary at first and didn't want to push it and then not get the job. What do I say to my boss since I don't want to go over her head without saying something to her first? I'd like to say something to her and then hope to meet with her boss since he is the go to person in the long run. How and what do I say so I don't blow this? I don't want to sound demanding, I just want him to understand how I'm feeling and why? If I don't get a raise so be it, I did what I could. You don't know unless you try? I just can't keep sitting here upset. WDYT?? Thanks!

ETA: Or should I do nothing and just suck it up? Be honest!

And... I just want to say that I am more than grateful to just have a job and have one that I finally and actually like! I don't want to jeopardize anything, but I don't think I should just deal with it either?

Also wanted to add that it's also frustrating that they don't give us anymore money but they keep hiring more and more faculty and giving huge raises and tenure to other faculty!

Message edited 3/22/2012 11:06:24 AM.

Re: How to ask for a salary increase?

I do not think I understand your post.

Re: How to ask for a salary increase?

I recently asked for an increase and got one. Prior to that I hadn't gotten a raise in 2 years.

I went in with a list of my accomplishments over the last 2 years along with what the comparable salaries are for the marketplace and why I felt I deserved a raise.

And if you don't ask-you don't get!!!!!!!!

Re: How to ask for a salary increase?

Do you get a regular performance review (like annually or mid year)? If so, I would think that would be the time to bring it up.

If not, I would schedule a meeting with your immediate boss (even though her boss may need to ok it, I think you should start with her and not jump the chain). And I would come in with a concrete list of all of the additional responsibilities you've taken on since being hired, and like KittyGags said, highlight your accomplishments (assisting with the big project). I would have it all in writing, so that your boss can see it all in black and white and pass it on to her boss or other higher-ups who may need to approve any salary increase.

But I would keep the focus on YOU and the value you bring to your position, without bringing up what your colleague makes (who has more seniority but does less). I understand why the situation would annoy you, but I don't think it would help your case to bring it up. You may just wind up looking petty and if it got back to your colleague, it would obviously be an issue.

I would keep expectations low -- even if you don't get a pay increase this time, you may set the stage for future increases (when it is more economically feasible, for example). Also, maybe if you can't negotiate a salary increase, you can negotiate some other persk (additional vacation days, some flex time, etc.).

Good luck!

Re: How to ask for a salary increase?

Yep.

And this is exactly why I try not to ever discuss salary with my peers.

I know personally where I work, there are different factors weighed into how much someone gets paid. I have my Master's degree for example, so that qualifies me for more.

Also how much of a raise are you expecting to make?

I have found that it's pretty rare to say, get an increase of hundreds of dollars if you are at the same company unless you end up getting your Master's and even then, it's not always super huge.

I also personally hate when people play the "but I do more than her card". I have had this said straight to my face numerous times by someone without a professional degree and experience, and she really has no clue because she thinks if I'm out in the field, I'm not doing any work.

Having been in a supervisory role several times in the past, if an employee came to me and used that card it would not be effective.

Re: How to ask for a salary increase?

Thanks everyone!

Re: How to ask for a salary increase?

I do have my annual review coming up very soon actually. That's probably the time to talk about it.

I have NEVER talked about actual salaries with anyone at work before. I definitely know better than that. I know my coworker makes a lot more than me because she tells me all the time that they won't give her a raise because she's at the maximum salary of her level in her position. And I have access to the university's job compensation list of all the ranges of the salaries and job titles. You just have to be an employee to access it. And no, she doesn't have anything more than an associates degree. And this particular coworker is quick to tell me how much so and so makes when she is told, but I have never discussed it. You're not supposed to.

I would also never bring up someone else in my request. It's definitely not professional.

And no, I'm not expecting hundreds of course, but a bit more than what they gave me already. It really wasn't anything to justify what they've given me. How do you not feel upset when they were considering hiring a 3rd support person to take on the extra work load and then not so they don't have to spend the money and just leave it on us instead without the appropriate compensation for it? Paying another salary is a lot of money. I'm not asking for that you know? I truly feel that you hire me to support x amount of people. If you want to triple that, then I should get triple the salary! But, I know in reality it doesn't work that way. But there are many days that I do feel that way!

And I really am upset that I didn't even get a thank you and a good job on the hardwork I put in on that particular project. Not one kind of acknowledgement from anyone that matters work wise. Several faculty and staff have said what a great job I did, but no one else that should be saying it.

Message edited 3/23/2012 12:57:22 PM.

Re: How to ask for a salary increase?

Another suggestion if you are not doing so already, is to apply for other positions elsewhere and see what comes up.

Since you already are employed this often makes one a more desirable candidate elsewhere and gives you leverage with your current employer.

I work in a very thankless profession myself so I know it is easy to cross one's mind about leaving for those kinds of reasons, as well. Especially when you are not always given praise for doing a good job by your employers.

Your co-worker sounds like a real winner. I think we all have one of them (you saw what I wrote above ;) ).