# How to Request a Raise or Additional PTO from Your Manager
By Amanda Kavanagh
Requesting a salary increase or more Paid Time Off (PTO) can seem intimidating, but with the right approach and preparation, you can enhance your likelihood of a favorable outcome. Whether you’re pursuing a pay raise or extra time off, it’s vital to tackle the discussion with a solid plan in mind. Here’s how to make your appeal persuasive and tough for your manager to decline.
## 1. Think Long-Term
A frequent error employees make is expressing a desire for a raise or additional PTO and immediately making the request. Effective negotiations, particularly for pay raises or more leave, necessitate a long-term game plan.
In the weeks or months preceding your request, concentrate on enhancing your credibility and demonstrating your value to the organization. If you seek a salary increase, show how essential you are. If more PTO is your goal, illustrate that you’re organized, meet deadlines, and can efficiently delegate tasks. Consistency is crucial. Your manager should recognize that you are persistently contributing to the organization’s success, even if it involves taking on challenges beyond your typical responsibilities.
## 2. Research Salary Benchmarks
Prior to requesting a raise, it’s important to have a realistic grasp of the typical compensation for your role. Start by investigating industry averages for your job title. Numerous reports and surveys are available online to provide insights into the average pay for your position.
For example, the [Stack Overflow Survey](https://survey.stackoverflow.co/2024/) shares data on compensation for various tech positions, although some figures may seem on the lower end. You can also check the [BGR Job Board](https://jobs.bgr.com/?source=article&utm_source=article&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=BGR4424) for what similar companies are offering for analogous roles. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides comprehensive salary information across various fields. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for computer and information technology positions was $104,420 in May 2023.
Here are some salary figures from the BLS for tech occupations:
– Computer Programmers: $99,700
– Computer Systems Analysts: $103,800
– Information Security Analysts: $120,360
– Software Developers, QA Analysts, and Testers: $130,160
– Web Developers and Digital Designers: $92,750
If feasible, you can also inquire with colleagues in similar positions regarding their salaries, but remember that factors like location, education, and experience can influence pay.
## 3. Prepare Your Argument
When requesting a raise or more PTO, it’s critical to emphasize how your efforts have positively impacted the organization. This isn’t about your personal situations or stages in life; it’s about the value you provide to the business.
For instance, if you’ve streamlined a repetitive task that conserves company resources, or if you’ve undertaken duties outside your job scope, like keeping technical documentation updated, these accomplishments are crucial to highlight. Whenever possible, support your contributions with concrete metrics. For example, if you enhanced system performance or decreased load times, include specific numbers that reflect the significance of your work.
## 4. Choose the Right Moment
Timing plays a vital role in asking for a raise or additional PTO. Some organizations have predetermined times for performance evaluations, such as annually or on your hire date anniversary. If your company follows this model, it’s advisable to wait for your scheduled review rather than seeking a meeting outside the established timeframe.
If your company lacks a formal review system, aim to present your request when your contributions are fresh in everyone’s minds. For example, after successfully finishing a significant project or when the company reports strong financial performance, these moments can strengthen your case.
## 5. Recognize When to Move On
At times, despite your best efforts, your request for a raise or more PTO may be turned down. If that happens, it’s crucial to evaluate whether your current position still aligns with your goals. As Kenny Rogers famously sang in “The Gambler,” “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.”
If you feel underappreciated and your concerns remain unaddressed, it may be time to explore new opportunities. The [BGR Job Board](https://jobs.bgr.com/?source=article&utm_source=article&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=BGR4424) is an excellent starting point for your search for a new position that provides the pay and work-life balance you deserve.
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