Asking for a raise can be incredibly nerve-wracking, but you deserve it. Whether it’s been more than a year since your last raise or the scope of your job has changed drastically since your last pay increase, you deserve to earn a fair engineering salary.
If your manufacturing salary is on the low end, you probably feel unappreciated. Money certainly isn’t the only reason you show up to work each day, but it does make a difference. Professionally, being paid a fair salary makes you feel valued, and personally, it dictates your standard of living. Take control of your career by using these tips to secure a much-earned pay increase.
Five Ways to Get the Raise You Deserve
Conduct Background Research
When asking your boss for more money, don’t go into the discussion without backup. Use data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to find average engineering or manufacturing salaries for your specific field, in your local area. If your salary is below average, print these numbers off to support your request.
Quantify Your Contributions
Managers don’t hand out raises for no reason. Prove your worth to the company by highlighting some of your recent achievements. Make your contributions resonate by quantifying them, and if possible, find a way to highlight their dollar value. For example, maybe you refined an outdated process that is now saving the company $50,000 per quarter.
Ask for a Specific Number
Your boss isn’t a mind-reader. If you don’t request a specific amount of money, they won’t know the number that will make you happy. It’s best to ask for more than you actually expect to receive because you’ll likely need to negotiate to reach a final agreement.
Time it Right
Proper planning is crucial to your success when requesting a raise. If you just walk into your boss’s office and ask, you’ll catch them off guard, likely when they’re in the middle of something else. Do it right by requesting a meeting in advance, and telling your boss what you’d like to discuss. This ensures they’ll have time to talk and be in the right mindset when you approach them.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Win your boss over by letting them know how much you enjoy your job and how grateful you are to have them as a manager. Be firm with your request for more money, while making it clear the company is a place you truly want to grow your career. This will reassure your boss you’d like to stick around for a while, which should entice them to do what it takes to keep you happy.
If you feel undervalued in your current engineering or manufacturing position, it might be time to start exploring your options. As engineers ourselves, the experts at Premium Staffing, Inc. understand the importance of waiting to find the right fit. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your career!