Salary Increase Request Letter (Word)
Use during performance reviews, work anniversaries, or after completing a major project to formally motivate a salary increase.
How to edit this template
- 1Replace everything in square brackets with your own details, then delete the brackets.
- 2Back up your request with facts — achievements, added responsibilities, or market-related salary research.
- 3Choose a reasonable moment to send this, such as after a performance review, a work anniversary, or completing a major project.
- 4Keep a professional, confident tone rather than an apologetic one — you are asking for a fair review, not a favour.
- 5A filled-in example is included below — use it as a guide for tone and length, not for copying word-for-word.
Before you submit it
- Confirm the recipient's latest format, document and submission requirements on its official website.
- Replace every example name, date, address and reference number with your own accurate information.
- Remove personal information that the recipient has not asked for, especially when sending the document by email.
- Check whether the final document must be signed, witnessed, commissioned or certified before submission.
Filled-in example
[Your Full Name] [Job Title] [Date] [Manager's Name] [Job Title] [Company Name] Dear [Manager's Name], RE: REQUEST FOR SALARY REVIEW I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary. I have been in the role of [Your Job Title] at [Company Name] since [Start Date], and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. Over the past [time period, e.g. 12 months], I have [summary of achievements, added responsibilities, or results delivered]. Based on [your reasoning, e.g. my expanded responsibilities and current market rates for this role], I would like to request an adjustment to [desired salary or percentage increase]. I value my role at [Company Name] and would appreciate the chance to discuss this further at a time that suits you. Thank you for considering my request. Kind regards, [Your Full Name] Filled-In Example Precious Nkosi Senior Marketing Coordinator 14 August 2026 David van der Merwe Marketing Director Coastal Brands Group Dear David, RE: REQUEST FOR SALARY REVIEW I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary. I have been in the role of Senior Marketing Coordinator at Coastal Brands Group since March 2023, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you. Over the past 12 months, I have taken on management of two additional product lines, grown our social media following by 45%, and led the successful launch campaign for our summer range, which exceeded sales targets by 20%. Based on my expanded responsibilities and current market rates for similar roles in the industry, I would like to request a salary adjustment of 12%. I value my role at Coastal Brands Group and would appreciate the chance to discuss this further at a time that suits you. Thank you for considering my request. Kind regards, Precious Nkosi
Guides that explain this process
Free government job-seeker support in South Africa: how to use SAYouth.mobi (zero data), register on ESSA with the Department of Employment and Labour, and get NYDA support — plus job scam warnings.
Plain-English explainer on how jobs are created in South Africa: private sector growth, the EPWP, the Presidential Employment Stimulus, and why unemployment stays above 33%.
Plain-English table of South African salary tax brackets, PAYE rates, rebates, and common taxable deductions for employees.