Get the salary you deserve with a professional compensation proposal template that communicates your value, so you can confidently negotiate better pay in your creative career.
Whether you're a freelancer or work at a creative agency, asking for a raise can be intimidating. As a freelance writer, I've been there, staring at my computer screen, wondering how to tell a client I need to raise my rates without losing the work entirely. Now, as I approach my second work anniversary at my current company, I'm facing that familiar challenge again– but this time, it's about asking my employer for the raise I know I deserve.
A well-written raise letter changes everything. This guide shows you exactly how to write a salary proposal that works. You'll discover what a salary proposal is and why it matters, what problems happen when you don't have one, step-by-step instructions to create your winning proposal, real examples, and proven tips to help you earn what you're worth.
What is a Salary Proposal?
A salary proposal is a professional letter you write to request a salary increase from your boss or a potential employer. It's like making your case for why you deserve a raise or better pay. In this letter, you explain what good work you've done, what you've accomplished, and why you should earn more based on what other people in similar jobs are making. It's a formal way to request the salary you want, rather than simply hoping your boss will give you a raise.
How Does a Salary Proposal Template Help?
- Instead of guessing what someone should earn, a salary proposal puts everything in writing. This ensures no confusion about pay rates, the work that needs to be done, or when payments are due. Both sides understand what to expect.
- When you take time to write a proper salary proposal, it proves you're serious about your work. This professional approach leads to better working relationships and clients who want to work with you again.
- A good salary proposal includes research about what other people in similar jobs earn. You can then justify your rates rather than picking random numbers. You can demonstrate to clients that your price is fair, considering your skills, experience, and the market's standard rates.
- By setting clear boundaries and expectations upfront, salary proposals prevent scope creep and undervalue your services. Everyone agrees on the terms before work begins, which saves headaches later.
- A well-written proposal shows you can communicate clearly and think professionally. This can lead to more extended contracts, full-time job offers, or clients recommending you to others.
For example, a content writer's comprehensive proposal showcasing writing samples, SEO knowledge, and project management skills impressed a startup so much that they offered a full-time position and referred the writer to two partner companies.
What Happens Without a Compensation Proposal Letter?
- Without a clear proposal, clients often assume you're cheap or don't value your work. They might offer you much lower rates than what you're worth, and you'll have no good way to argue for more money.
- When it's time to discuss money, you'll struggle to explain why you deserve better pay. You won't have any proof of your accomplishments, market research, or clear reasons for your rates. This makes you look unprepared and unprofessional.
For example, when a client asks, "Why should I pay you $50 per hour?" a writer without a proposal can only say "Because I'm good," while a writer with a proposal shows examples of past work, client reviews, and research proving that similar writers charge $45-$55 per hour.
- Clients often ask for "just one more thing" or "small changes," which can quickly escalate into major work. Since you never set clear boundaries from the start, you end up doing way more work than you originally agreed to– all for the same low price.
- Other creative professionals who use proper proposals will seem more serious and trustworthy than you. Clients might think you're inexperienced or don't run your business well, which can harm your reputation and future opportunities.
- Without proposals to document your value and justify raises, you'll keep earning the same low rates year after year. Your skills and experience grow, but your income doesn't, making it hard to build a sustainable creative career.
- You can't plan your finances or budget properly when every project has different, unclear payment terms. This creates stress and makes it harder to grow your business or save money.
When to Send Your Rate Increase Email
- After getting a job offer. This is your most decisive moment to negotiate. The company already wants to hire you, so they're more likely to say yes to your salary request.
- During your performance review. When your boss is already talking about your good work and accomplishments, it's the perfect time to ask for a raise. They're already thinking about how valuable you are.
- When you take on more responsibilities or receive a promotion, your pay should increase accordingly. It makes sense to get paid more when you're doing more work.
- At the start of new projects or when renewing contracts. This is when you and your client are already discussing work and money, making it natural to bring up your rates.
- When you discover you're underpaid. If you find out that other people doing your job earn more money, you have a good reason to ask for a raise. Show your research as proof.
- After big wins or completing successful projects. When you've just finished excellent work or helped win a big client, your value is obvious. Use these victories to support your request for better pay.
- Don't ask too early. Avoid bringing up money before the employer understands how good you are at your job. Let them see your value first, then ask for what you deserve.
For example, don't ask for a raise during your first week when you're still learning the job. Instead, wait until you've completed your first successful project or received positive feedback, then use those accomplishments to support your request.
What to Include in Your Salary Proposal Template
Whether you're writing a formal document or a simple email, every effective salary increase proposal template follows the same basic structure.
Essential Elements of a Raise Request Template
- Start with a proper greeting. Address your letter to your boss, HR person, or the hiring manager by name. Introduce yourself and mention your current job title.
- Say what you want clearly. Don't beat around the bush. Inform them immediately that you're requesting a raise or proposing a salary for a new position.
- Show off your good work. List what you do at your job, your most significant accomplishments, and any extra work you've taken on. Use numbers whenever possible—like "increased sales by 20%" or "finished project two weeks early."
- Include salary research. Show what other people in similar jobs earn in your area. Use reliable websites or reports to prove your requested salary is fair and normal for your type of work.
For example, "According to PayScale, Marketing Assistants in Dallas with my experience level earn between $42,000 and $48,000 annually, making my request of $45,000 well within market range."
- Ask for a specific amount. Don't just say "I want more money." Give them an exact number or range based on your research and what you currently earn. Make sure it's reasonable.
- Show you're open to talking. Let them know you're willing to discuss the proposal and negotiate if needed. This shows you're flexible and professional.
- End politely. Thank them for considering your request and include your phone number or email so they can reach you easily.
- You can also mention other benefits like health insurance, vacation days, bonuses, or other perks that matter to you. Sometimes employers can't increase your base pay but can offer other valuable benefits instead.
Tips and Best Practices
- Understand your company's financial situation. Research how well your agency or client is doing financially and what their profit goals are. Consider whether they're growing, struggling, or doing well, because this affects how much they can pay. Show in your proposal that you understand their business situation and how your request fits within their reality.
- Use numbers to prove your worth. Don't just say you're good at your job, show it with specific examples like "increased client retention by 30%" or "saved the company $5,000 by streamlining processes." Include percentages, dollar amounts, and time saved to make your impact crystal clear. Describe any additional tasks you undertake beyond your standard job responsibilities that contribute value.
- Back up your request with market research. Find out what other people in similar jobs earn in your area and include this information in your proposal. Use reliable salary websites, industry reports, or competitor data to prove your requested salary is fair and normal for someone with your experience and skills.
- Tell your story in a logical order. Start by explaining the situation or opportunity, then show how you've contributed or solved problems, provide evidence of your success, and finally make your salary request. Keep it short and focused—don't overwhelm them with too much information or irrelevant details.
- Highlight your best work and experience. Summarize your professional background and mention your most successful projects or clients. Include brief examples that show you can deliver excellent results.
- Be crystal clear about money and terms. State exactly how much you want to earn, whether it's a salary, hourly rate, or project fee. For freelancers, a detailed contractor rate proposal should specify not only the rate but also payment schedules and project scope.
- Show you're open to discussion. Let them know you're willing to discuss the proposal further and adjust terms if needed. Suggest setting up a meeting or phone call to discuss details, which shows you're collaborative and flexible.
For example, "I'd love to sit down and discuss this request with you. I'm available for a meeting any afternoon this week or next Monday morning. I'm also open to exploring different ways to structure this increase if that works better for the company."
- Keep a positive, professional tone throughout. Use confident but polite language that shows you're serious and professional. Thank them for their time and consideration.
- End with a clear next step. Tell them precisely what you want them to do next, like scheduling a meeting, signing an agreement, or starting a trial project. Make it easy for them to respond by providing your contact information and suggesting specific dates or times to talk.
FAQs
How do I ask for a salary proposal?
Schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your salary. Ask them what the best way is to request a raise, like "Can I submit a written proposal for a salary increase?" Most bosses prefer it when you ask professionally instead of just demanding more money.
How to write a salary raise proposal?
Write a short letter that says you want a raise, lists your good work and accomplishments with specific examples, shows research on what similar jobs pay, asks for a particular amount, and thanks them for considering it. Keep it to one page and focus on facts, not personal money problems.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to write a compensation proposal that gets results.
A well-written salary proposal helps you get paid what you're worth by clearly showing your value and justifying your request with facts. As I prepare for my own second work anniversary salary discussion, I'm using these same strategies that transformed me from that uncertain freelancer staring at her screen to someone who can confidently ask for what she deserves.
Whether it's your first raise request or your fifth, remember that asking for a raise doesn't have to be scary when you're prepared.
Ready to take your creative career to the next level? Sign up for a 14-day free trial with ManyRequests and discover how proper project management can help you deliver better results for your next salary proposal.
