How do I write a pay rise email in Australia?

A good pay rise email in Australia is short, specific, and asks for a conversation rather than a yes-or-no over email. Open with the timing trigger (anniversary, project completion, market shift). Lead with three to five concrete, measurable achievements. Anchor with a number — either a target salary or a percentage — backed by market data (SEEK, Glassdoor, industry survey). Close by proposing a 30-minute meeting. Keep it under 300 words.

Should I ask for a specific number, or just request a review?

If you have credible market data and a clear case, anchor with a specific figure or percentage — research consistently shows anchoring leads to higher final outcomes. If you're early in the conversation, a tenure-based anniversary, or unsure of the data, an open review request can be a less confronting first move that opens the dialogue.

When is the best time of year to ask for a pay rise in Australia?

The strongest moments are: just before the annual review cycle (typically late June – August in line with EOFY), at the anniversary of your start date, just after the close-out of a major piece of work or budget cycle, and after a period where market salaries have visibly moved (e.g. a wage decision, an industry-wide change). Avoid asking in the middle of a redundancy round, a financial-stress quarter, or a major restructure.

What if my employer refuses?

An employer is not obliged to grant a pay rise above the legal minimum (the National Minimum Wage or your applicable Modern Award rate). If they refuse, the constructive next steps are: ask what would need to change for a yes, ask for a written timeline (e.g. review in 6 months), or ask for non-cash compensation (extra leave, formal title, training budget). Our AI Advisor at /advisor handles the common follow-ups including counter-offer scripts.

Is asking for a pay rise protected under the Fair Work Act?

Asking about pay or making an enquiry about your remuneration is the exercise of a workplace right. Adverse action against you (for example, a sudden Performance Improvement Plan, a demotion, a reduction in hours) because you raised a pay query is prohibited under Part 3-1 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (general protections). If something like that happens shortly after a pay rise request, that timing matters and is worth seeking advice on.

Pay Rise Request Email Generator

Free email generator for asking for a pay rise in Australia. Pairs with the Pay Rise Calculator. Choose tone, anchor a number, lead with achievements, propose the meeting. Not legal advice.

Last verified: 2 August 2026Jump to calculator ↓

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

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Pay Rise Request Email Generator

How to make a pay rise email actually land

You and the manager

The numbers

The ask

Tone

Why now (timing)

Achievements (the strongest part of any pay rise email)

Market benchmark (optional)

Meeting (optional)

Is the figure right for you?

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