Quick answer

Ask for a raise a few weeks before your company's appraisal or budget season, with a written case: your measurable results, any added responsibilities, and market salary data for your role. Request a specific amount or range (for example, a 10–15% adjustment), schedule a private meeting with your manager, and follow up in writing. If the answer is no, ask what exactly you need to achieve and by when.

Key takeaways

  • Timing matters: ask before budgets are finalized (often Q3–Q4) or right after a strong result, not during layoffs.
  • Lead with results and responsibilities, not personal needs.
  • Use market data from job postings and salary reports to set a realistic range.
  • Ask for a specific number and be ready to discuss non-salary options (allowances, title, training, flexible work).
  • If declined, agree on clear criteria and a review date, and get it in writing.
On this page
  1. Step 1: Pick the right timing
  2. Step 2: Build your case
  3. Step 3: Decide your number
  4. Step 4: Ask in a private meeting
  5. Step 5: Follow up in writing
  6. If the answer is "not now"
  7. Negotiating a new job offer
  8. A note on minimum wage increases
  9. Frequently asked questions
  10. Sources

Many Filipino employees wait for a raise to come on its own, partly because of hiya and partly because asking feels confrontational. But managers often can't push for an increase they don't know you want, and companies plan budgets months ahead. A well-prepared, respectful request is normal professional behavior.

Step 1: Pick the right timing

Good times: - 4–6 weeks before your performance review - Before next year's budget is finalized, often in the third or fourth quarter - Right after a major win: a successful project, a big client, a saved cost - When your role has grown beyond your job description

Bad times: - During layoffs, a hiring freeze or a bad quarter - When your manager is in crisis mode - Right after a performance issue

Step 2: Build your case

Write a one-page summary with:

1. Results with numbers - "Closed ₱4.2 million in new accounts, 30% above target." - "Reduced report processing time from 3 days to 1." - "Maintained a 95% quality score for 12 straight months."

2. Added responsibilities - Training new hires, covering for a vacant role, handling a key client, leading a project.

3. Market data - Collect 5–10 current job postings for your role, level and city that show salary ranges. - Check salary reports from job platforms and professional associations. - Remember to compare similar companies and industries.

Step 3: Decide your number

Use our income tax guide to see how a raise translates into take-home pay. Only the portion above each tax bracket is taxed at the higher rate, so a raise always increases what you take home.

Step 4: Ask in a private meeting

Request a meeting rather than raising it in passing:

"Hi Ma'am Liza, could we schedule 20 minutes this week to talk about my role and compensation? I'd like to share a summary of my work this year."

In the meeting:

"Thank you for making time. Over the past year I've taken on training for new hires and handled the Cebu accounts after the reorganization. Our team exceeded the quarterly target by 18%, and I closed ₱4.2 million in new business. I've also looked at the market for senior account executives in Metro Manila, and the range is around ₱32,000 to ₱36,000. Based on my results and expanded role, I'd like to request an adjustment to ₱34,000. What would it take to make that happen in this review cycle?"

Then stop talking and listen.

Step 5: Follow up in writing

Send a short email the same day:

Subject: Follow-up: compensation discussion

Hi Ma'am Liza,

Thank you for discussing my compensation today. As mentioned, I'm requesting an adjustment to ₱34,000 per month based on [results] and my expanded responsibilities for [scope]. I've attached a one-page summary. I appreciate you raising this with HR, and I look forward to your feedback by [date].

Thank you, [Name]

If the answer is "not now"

Ask: - "What specific results would you need to see?" - "Can we agree on a timeline to revisit this, for example in three months?" - "Is there flexibility on allowances, title or training in the meantime?"

Document the agreement by email. If nothing changes after you've met the criteria, it may be time to look elsewhere. See how to resign properly.

Negotiating a new job offer

Your biggest raises often come when changing jobs. When you receive an offer:

  1. Thank them and ask for time to review (1–3 days is reasonable).
  2. Compare total compensation: basic pay, allowances, HMO coverage (including dependents), bonuses, leave, and work arrangement.
  3. Counter once, with a reason: "Given my experience in X and the market range of ₱ to ₱, would you consider ₱__?"
  4. Get the final offer in writing before resigning from your current job.

A note on minimum wage increases

Regional wage boards set the minimum wage. In Metro Manila, Wage Order NCR-28 raised the non-agriculture daily minimum to ₱755 effective September 26, 2026. Employers must apply it to minimum-wage earners, but they aren't required to give the same increase to employees already paid above the minimum. If that's you, negotiate on performance and market value.

Frequently asked questions

How much of a raise should I ask for in the Philippines?

For a raise within the same role, many employees ask for around 10–15% when they have strong results or added responsibilities. Promotions and job changes often bring larger increases. Base your number on market data for your role and city, not on a fixed rule.

When is the best time to ask for a salary increase?

A few weeks before your performance appraisal or before the company finalizes next year's budget (often the last quarter), or soon after you've delivered a major result. Avoid asking during company-wide cost-cutting.

Should I mention inflation or personal expenses when asking for a raise?

Focus on your value and market rates. You can mention that your current pay hasn't kept pace with the market, but personal reasons like a new loan or family expenses are weaker arguments for your employer.

What if my company only gives the minimum wage increase?

Wage orders raise the minimum for minimum-wage earners; companies aren't required to give the same peso increase to everyone above the minimum. If your pay is well above minimum, negotiate on performance and market value instead.

Is it okay to use a job offer from another company to get a raise?

It can work, but only if you're genuinely willing to leave. Employers may match, or they may see you as a flight risk. Present it respectfully and be prepared for either outcome.

Sources

Figures checked against these official and primary sources on October 4, 2026. Government rates and promos change, so confirm on the agency's site before you act.

  1. National Wages and Productivity Commission: NCR Wage Order No. NCR-28 (₱755 daily minimum)
  2. Philippine Statistics Authority: Wage and labor statistics
  3. DOLE PhilJobNet: Job postings for salary research

General information, not personal financial, tax or legal advice. See our editorial standards and disclaimer. Found an outdated figure? Email support@success.ph.