Asking for a raise is never easy, but it can be especially difficult when you're a remote employee. You might feel like you're at a major disadvantage because you're not in the office, and you don't have a chance to build a personal relationship or connection with your boss in person.

Keep in mind, though, that just because you're not in the office doesn't mean you can't ask for a raise. In fact, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of getting a raise as a remote employee.

How to Negotiate Pay When You Work Remotely

Rises are an important part of keeping your career on track and staying optimistic during your professional journey, so don't be afraid to ask for one. By taking the chance of negotiating with your employer, you could drastically change the course of your career for the better.

So, if you're ready to start earning the salary you deserve, here are some tips that can put you on the right track for understanding your value as a remote employee as well as some tips on how to make a solid case for yourself.

Do Your Research

This first step is the most important. Before asking for a raise, you need to find out what the salary range is for your position. Do some research. Take a look at job postings for your position and see what the going rate is. Reflect on your previous experiences and think about what you bring to the table. What would happen if you were to just quit unexpectedly? How much would it cost to replace you?

Many workers in the life sciences industry have a degree and/or specialized training. They are in high demand and can easily find another job that pays more than their current salary. Understanding your own value gives you the power to confidently ask for what you deserve.

Once you've done your research, it's time to evaluate what you're currently being paid. You might be surprised to find out that you're being severely underpaid in relation to your value and contributions to the company.

If this is the case, don't hesitate to ask for a raise that would bring you up to par with what others in your field are making.

Prepare

Now that you know what you're worth, it's time to start preparing your case. This is where you'll make a list of all the reasons why you deserve a raise.

Have your responsibilities increased since your last pay raise? If so, come prepared to show how you've stepped up and what impact you've made on the company.

Do you have any new skills or training that you can bring to the table? Be sure to list them and be prepared to talk about how they've benefited the company.

Lastly, and most importantly, what is the cost of living in your area?

According to the data from BioSpace's 2022 Salary Report 53% of employers are paying their remote workers based on the cost of living in their office's location instead of where the remote worker lives. This leaves many workers at a disadvantage, especially those who live in high-cost areas.

If you're being paid based on the cost of living in a low-cost area but you actually live in a high-cost area, make sure to bring this up with your employer. You can explain how the high cost of living is impacting your quality of life and why you need to be paid accordingly.

Remember, your boss is not going to give you a raise just because you asked or because you think you deserve it. You need to have a solid case that outlines all the ways in which you've contributed to the company and why you deserve more money. Once you have a solid foundation for your case, it's time to schedule a meeting with your employer.

Make Your Case

When scheduling the video call, be sure to tell your employer exactly what the meeting is going to be about. This way, they can come prepared with any questions or concerns they might have. You do not want them to be caught off guard.

Start the meeting by thanking your employer for their time and for all the opportunities they've given you. Then, explain that you'd like to discuss your salary.

Be sure to bring up all the points from your list and back them up with concrete examples. For instance, if you say that you've taken on additional responsibilities, be sure to list those responsibilities and explain how they've benefited the company.

If you're asking for a raise that is based on the cost of living in your area, be sure to have data to back it up. You don't want to be caught off guard when your employer asks you how much more you need to live comfortably.

Lastly, be prepared to negotiate. Your boss might not be willing to give you the exact raise you're asking for. Be open to compromise and remember that a small raise is better than no raise at all.

Give it Time

Don't be surprised if your employer requires some time to sit on your request. They might need to speak to their boss or run your request by the company's budget committee. It's important to give them that time and not to pressure them for an answer right away. They might need a few days or even a week.

If they don't get back to you within a reasonable amount of time, follow up with them. In the meantime, continue doing your job to the best of your ability. You want to make sure that you're still meeting or even exceeding their expectations.

If you're not happy with their final offer, you can always try to negotiate for more. But, if you're not comfortable with that, you can always look for another job. Remember, you're more valuable than you think, and there are other companies out there who will be willing to pay you what you're worth.