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How to Ask for a Raise

As someone who makes a living caring for others, you offer your best work every day. If you’ve held the same job for a while and your pay rate hasn’t increased ̵2; but your experience and responsibilities have ̵2; it may be time to ask for a raise.

Not sure if the time is right? Check out these 7 reasons families should give caregivers a raise.

Caregivers often have a hard time asking for more money, especially if they feel like they̵7;re a part of the family. These tips will help you decide when and how to ask for a raise ̵2; so you̵7;re being paid for all of the amazing work you do.

1. Know When to Ask
   If you’ve held your current position for a year or longer at the same pay rate, now is probably a good time to bring up the topic. Most companies offer performance reviews and opportunities for pay increases on an annual basis ̵2; and so should a family that you work for. If you haven̵7;t had a review with your employer, ask for one. Share this article on Planning Your One-Year Review and use it as an opportunity to talk about a yearly raise.

   You’ll also increase your chances of getting a ̶0;yes̶1; if you have a recent accomplishment you can point to. Career coach Mary G. McIntyre says, “The best time to ask for a raise is when you have just completed a big project, solved a major problem, taken on new responsibilities or done something else that was noteworthy.”

   For example, if you’re a nanny and the family has recently expanded to include a new baby, it’s the perfect time to request a raise.

2. Research Your Field’s Typical Pay Rate
   “The first thing you should do before you ask for a raise is learn about typical salaries in your field,” says career planning professional Dawn Rosenberg McKay. Armed with this information, you’ll not only know whether you’re earning a competitive wage, but you’ll also be able to make a compelling case for a raise.

   Use Care.com̵7;s rate calculator, search the websites of professional organizations in your industry and even ask fellow caregivers to find out what others with similar positions are making.

3. Skip the Begging and Sell Yourself
   Being a caregiver like a nanny or senior care aide is an emotional profession, but you̵7;re still a professional ̵2; and you don’t want to play on your employer’s emotions in order to get a raise. Asking for more money because of personal issues like debt or unexpected responsibilities places your employer in an uncomfortable position, especially if they really don’t have the additional funds to increase your pay.

   Instead, frame your arguments for getting a raise on your own value. Be ready to demonstrate what you bring to the job and why you deserve a raise. McKay recommends that you make a list of all the things you’ve accomplished in your role. Start with the most recent accomplishments and work your way backwards. Then make a list of your relevant skills and the things that make you successful at doing your job.

   In a discussion on Care.com̵7;s Facebook page about how to get a raise, Dillon G. says she uses that same advice: ̶0;I always discuss the reasons why I feel it̵7;s deserved and go from there. I have never been denied, so it must work.̶1;

4. Schedule a Meeting
   When asking for a raise, it’s important to think like and present yourself as a professional. Casually mentioning to your employer that it would be nice if you earned more money is not going to make much of an impact. You need to take the prospect of a raise seriously ̵2; because if you do, then so will your employer.

   Once you have your case ready to present, ask your employer if you can schedule a time to meet and discuss a business matter.

   On Facebook, Meg H. recommended that you approach your boss in a private setting outside of your “on-duty” hours ̵2; either just before or just after you begin work. And kids should not be underfoot.

   Present your case and see what your boss says. If you get it, great! If your raise is turned down, ask what else you can be doing to deserve a raise and if you can review the matter again in six months. If your employer simply can̵7;t afford to pay you more, ask if there are additional things you can do to earn more money. Or can you compromise with a slow increase over time? But if you̵7;re not being paid what you should, it may be time to look for a new job.

5. Add it to Your Contract
   A contract can be invaluable when it comes to negotiating a raise. Have your duties changed from what is in the contract? Are you working longer hours than what you agreed to? You can point to the contract as a reason why you need a raise. You should also have a section in the contract that spells out when you̵7;ll have your annual review and when you̵7;re eligible for a raise. For more information, check out this sample contract.

   With some thought and preparation, you can ask for and receive a raise as a caregiver. Remember that you’re a professional, and you deserve professional consideration for the work that you do—so request your raise with confidence!

Melissa Rudy runs a freelance writing business, Words by Melissa, from her home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s in English literature and journalism.