How to Negotiate Your Promotion Salary: A Woman’s Guide

You put in the work, delivered results, and finally, you’re up for a promotion. Amazing! There’s just one thing—what about your salary? 

Over the past decade, women have gone from being less likely than men to negotiate their salaries, to being more likely. But despite that progress, a gender gap remains: Men generally receive higher compensation than women. 

If you’re moving up in your company, it’s time to make sure your paycheck reflects your worth and your work. Keep reading to learn how to negotiate a salary for a promotion.

What's the average salary increase for a promotion—and why negotiating matters

There’s a difference between an annual raise and a promotion raise.

Payscale’s 9th Annual Salary Budget Survey reveals that average annual pay increases dropped to 3.6% in 2024, down from 4% in 2023, signaling a softer labor market. Looking ahead, U.S.-based employers are budgeting for 3.5% annual raises for 2025. This is just a way to correct salaries due to inflation. 

Having those numbers in mind, the typical salary increase for a promotion is higher because it reflects the growth of your role following an exceptional performance. The average salary increase for a promotion typically starts at 10% and can go up to around 20%, but companies don’t always offer that upfront. Some employers may provide the lowest possible raise, expecting employees to negotiate. 

If you don’t advocate for yourself, you could be leaving money on the table—not just now, but for the rest of your career. Since future raises are often based on your current salary, a low increase today could cost you thousands over time.

When negotiating a promotion salary, make sure your earnings reflect your contributions and market value.

How to prepare for negotiating your promotion salary

Nothing in the corporate world comes without preparation. Here are ways you can exercise the negotiation muscle.

Research the average salary increase for a promotion in your field

Before going into the conversation, research the typical salary increase for promotion in your field and role. Check sites like Glassdoor and talk to colleagues in similar positions. Having a data-backed number in mind will strengthen your case.

Understand your company’s salary policies

Some companies have strict guidelines for promotions and pay increases, while others have more flexibility. Understanding the company’s history with promotion salary increases can help you tailor your approach. If you know past promotions resulted in 15% raises, you’ll be better prepared to negotiate something similar.

Also, check the specific salary structure for your department, as company budgets are often distributed differently across areas. “This will help you set realistic expectations and build your negotiation strategy,” says Yolanda M. Owens, a career coach at The Muse.

Always document your wins

Numbers speak louder than words. Make a list of your accomplishments since your last salary review—projects you led, revenue you generated, processes you improved. The more evidence you have of your impact, the easier it will be to justify a higher promotion and salary increase request.

Practice your pitch

Confidence is key. Prepare a script that highlights your contributions, market research, and salary expectations. Practice it out loud, with a friend, or even in the mirror. “Promotions are subjective and need to make business sense for serious consideration,” Owens says. The more comfortable you are with your argument, the more persuasive you’ll be in the actual negotiation.

Have someone to back you up

Having someone else who can co-sign on your worth and contributions may help boost your negotiation results. “Leverage an internal mentor at the company to advocate for a salary promotion on your behalf, especially if your mentor is someone senior in the organization or a respected peer of your manager/supervisor,” Owens says. 

How to negotiate your promotion salary

After your homework is done, it’s time for action. Here's how to negotiate salary with a promotion, step by step:

1. Start with gratitude, then get to business

Express excitement for the promotion and appreciation for the opportunity. Then, transition into the salary conversation:

I’m thrilled about this new role and excited to take on more responsibility. I’d love to discuss how my compensation will reflect this step forward.

2. Present your case

Now’s the time to share your research and results. If the average salary increase for a promotion in your industry is 15%, and your company typically offers 10%, you can justify asking for more:

Based on my contributions, the industry standard, and my research on our company’s pay structure, I believe a 15% increase is a fair reflection of my impact and responsibilities.

3. Be ready for pushback

Your manager might say budgets are tight or that they can’t go beyond a certain amount. Instead of backing down, ask questions:

I understand budget constraints, but given my contributions, is there room to explore additional compensation, like a bonus or stock options?

If they truly can’t budge on salary, see if you can negotiate other benefits—extra paid time off (PTO), professional development opportunities, or a title upgrade that positions you for a higher salary later.

4. Know when to push and when to accept

If the company is open to discussion, keep the conversation going until you reach a fair number. If they won’t negotiate at all, assess whether you’re comfortable with the offer. If not, you may want to consider looking for opportunities elsewhere where your work is more valued.

What if they say no?

If the company refuses to offer a competitive promotion increase salary, ask for a timeline for future salary reviews: 

I understand this is the current offer. Would it be possible to revisit compensation in six months based on performance?

This keeps the door open for future discussions while showing your commitment to the company’s success. 

Own your worth

Negotiating is just a skill to practice. Walking into a salary negotiation with confidence, research, and a clear case for your raise makes all the difference. You’ve earned this promotion—now make sure your salary reflects it.