A Simple Salary Negotiation Method You Can Reuse for Any Job

Asking for a raise can feel uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be a guessing game.

At BoostBC, we like approaches that are simple, repeatable, and driven by clear numbers. The salary negotiation method below is exactly that: a short, reusable framework you can apply in any role, in any industry, every time you ask for a raise.

This blog walks you through the full method, complete with the math, examples, and a script you can adapt to your own situation.

Why This Salary Negotiation Method Works

Most people ask for a raise using vague arguments:

• “I’ve been here a long time.”

• “I work really hard.”

• “I feel underpaid.”

Those statements are true but not very persuasive.

This method flips the conversation from feelings to facts:

1. You show the value you generate in dollars.

2. You compare your pay to market rates.

3. You present a clear, confident case that your raise is still profitable and fair.

When you do this, your manager doesn’t have to “do the math” or guess. You’ve already done it.

Step 1: Show the Value You Create (With Real Numbers)

Start with one task, client, or project you handle and break it down into simple numbers:

1. How much revenue it brings in.

2. How many hours you personally spend on it.

3. What you earn per hour.

Then show how profitable it remains, even after your raise.

Example 1: Project-Based Work

Imagine you work on a client project.

• Client pays: $5,000

• Your time: 25 hours

• Your current pay: $40/hour

First, calculate your labour cost:

• Labour cost = 25 hours × $40/hour

• Labour cost = $1,000

Next, calculate how much value the company keeps:

• Company value = $5,000 − $1,000

• Company value = $4,000

Now imagine you ask for a raise to $45/hour.

• New labour cost = 25 hours × $45/hour = $1,125

• Company value = $5,000 − $1,125 = $3,875

Your raise costs the company an extra $125, but they still keep $3,875 on that project.

Your key message:“This project remains very profitable even after my raise.”

That’s a powerful, concrete argument.

Step 2: Build a Pattern With 2–3 More Examples

One example is good. A pattern is better.

Choose 2–3 additional tasks or clients and run the same math. Here are a few ready-made structures you can copy.

Example 2: A Service Call

• Client pays: $300 for a service call

• Your time: 2 hours

• Current pay: $30/hour

Before the raise:

• Labour cost = 2 × $30 = $60

• Company value = $300 − $60 = $240

If you move to $35/hour:

• Labour cost = 2 × $35 = $70

• Company value = $300 − $70 = $230

The company still keeps $230 per call. Very healthy.

Example 3: A Recurring Monthly Task

• Client pays: $800/month for ongoing work

• Your time: 10 hours per month

• Current pay: $28/hour

Before the raise:

• Labour cost = 10 × $28 = $280

• Company value = $800 − $280 = $520

If you move to $32/hour:

• Labour cost = 10 × $32 = $320

• Company value = $800 − $320 = $480

The company still keeps $480 every month from this client.

Example 4: A Monthly Retainer You Help Deliver

• Client pays: $2,000/month

• Your time: 20 hours per month

• Current pay: $40/hour

Before the raise:

• Labour cost = 20 × $40 = $800

• Company value = $2,000 − $800 = $1,200

If you move to $45/hour:

• Labour cost = 20 × $45 = $900

• Company value = $2,000 − $900 = $1,100

The client is still very profitable. Your raise barely dents the margin.

Example 5: A Project You Lead

• Client pays: $15,000 for a large project

• Your time: 40 hours as the project lead

• Current pay: $45/hour

Before the raise:

• Labour cost = 40 × $45 = $1,800

• Company value = $15,000 − $1,800 = $13,200

If you move to $50/hour:

• Labour cost = 40 × $50 = $2,000

• Company value = $15,000 − $2,000 = $13,000

The project remains extremely profitable after your raise.

How to Use These Examples

For each example in your own job, fill in:

1. Revenue from the task/client/project.

2. Your hours.

3. Your current hourly rate.

4. Your proposed hourly rate.

5. Profit before and after your raise.

Then summarize the pattern:

• “On this project, you still keep $X.”

• “On this client, you still keep $Y.”

• “Across these examples, my raise keeps all of this work profitable.”

You’re not just asking for more money — you’re showing that it’s a sustainable business decision.

Step 3: Compare Your Wage to the Market

Next, show that your request fits the market.

Search for your role on:

• Indeed

• Glassdoor

• LinkedIn

• WorkBC (for BC-specific data)

• Competitor job postings in your region

Look for the pay range for roles similar to yours, in your area, with similar responsibilities.

Then you can say:

“Similar roles in our area are paying between $X and $Y per hour (or $A–$B per year). My request is within that range.”

Now your case has two pillars:

1. You are profitable for the business, even after your raise.

2. Your requested rate is aligned with the wider market.

Step 4: Present Your Case With a Simple Script

Once you have examples and market data, put it together into a short script you can rehearse.

You can adapt something like this:

“Over the past year, I’ve taken on [key responsibilities or projects]. I wanted to review my compensation based on the value I’m generating and current market rates. For example, on [Project/Client A], the client pays $5,000. I spend about 25 hours on it, so at my current rate of $40/hour the labour cost is $1,000 and the company keeps about $4,000. Even if my rate increased to $45/hour, the labour cost would be $1,125 and the company would still keep $3,875. I’ve run the same numbers on a few other clients and the work remains very profitable across the board. I also looked at similar roles in our area on [Indeed/Glassdoor/etc.], which are paying in the range of $X–$Y per hour. Based on all of this, I believe an increase to $45/hour (or a salary of $X) is fair and sustainable. It reflects the value I’m delivering while maintaining strong profitability for the company. How do you feel about moving my rate to that level?”

This script:

• States your value clearly.

• Shows you did your homework.

• Makes it easy for your manager to say yes.

Turn This Into a Reusable 1-Page Worksheet

You can turn everything above into a simple one-page worksheet you’ll reuse every time you ask for a raise:

Section 1 – Your Role & Responsibilities

• Your job title

• 3–5 key responsibilities

• Major projects/clients you contribute to

Section 2 – Value Calculation (Repeat for 3–4 Examples)

For each example, fill in:

1. Client / project / task name

2. Revenue: $________

3. Your hours: ______ hours

4. Current rate: $________ / hour

   • Labour cost now: hours × current rate = $________

   • Company value now: revenue − labour cost = $________

5. Proposed rate: $________ / hour

   • Labour cost after: hours × proposed rate = $________

   • Company value after: revenue − labour cost = $________

Section 3 – Market Comparison

• Typical range for your role locally: $______ – $______ / hour

• Source(s): Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, WorkBC, competitor job postings

Section 4 – Your Final Ask

• Target hourly rate or salary: $________

• 2–3 bullet points that summarize your case:

  • “My work remains profitable after the raise.”

  • “My request matches current market rates.”

  • “I’ve taken on [specific responsibilities/results].”

Section 5 – Your Script

Write your own version of the script from the previous section so you can read or rehearse it before your meeting.

How to Use This Method Every Time You Ask for a Raise

A few final tips to make this approach even stronger:

• Update the numbers regularly.Reuse the worksheet before every performance review or raise discussion.

• Choose your timing.Tie your request to completed projects, great results, or upcoming review cycles.

• Stay calm and collaborative.You’re not demanding; you’re presenting a business case that’s good for both you and the company.

• If they say “not yet,” ask for specifics.“What would you need to see from me over the next 3–6 months to comfortably move me to this pay range?” Then write those targets into your worksheet.

Where BoostBC Fits In

At BoostBC, we help businesses across British Columbia grow with clear strategy, measurable performance, and transparent value — the same principles behind this negotiation method.

If you’re a business owner or leader in BC and you want help:

• improving profitability,

• clarifying roles and responsibilities,

• or building systems that support fair, sustainable pay,

BoostBC can support you with strategy, marketing, and technology that make your numbers work harder for you.