Salary Bump
How to Negotiate a Salary Increase
It’s time to talk about money—because you deserve to be paid what you’re worth. Yet, did you know that Latinas earn only 51 cents to every $1 earned by white men?
That wage gap won’t close unless we demand our value. In a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University, only 7% of women negotiate their salary, compared to 30% of men.
The most powerful tool in salary negotiation? Knowing the market rate for your role.
Step 1: Know Your Worth
Before negotiating, research salary ranges for your role, industry, and location. Use:
Glassdoor – Check reported salaries for your job title.
Payscale – Get a free salary report.
LinkedIn Salary Insights – See what professionals in your field earn.
Pro Tip: If you're underpaid, negotiate at least 10-20% higher than your current salary.
Step 2: Build Your Case
List 3-5 measurable contributions you've made in the past year. Example: "Since I launched [Project X], revenue increased by 15%."
Pro Tip: Keep a “brag sheet” of wins throughout the year—it makes negotiations easier.
Step 3: Make the Ask with Confidence
Your script for the conversation:
"I really enjoy my work here and am proud of my contributions, such as [X, Y, and Z]. Given my impact and market salary data, I’d like to discuss adjusting my salary to [$$$]. How can we make this happen?"
Step 4: Be Ready for Pushback
If they say “We don’t have the budget”, reply with:
"I understand. Are there other forms of compensation—like a bonus, stock options, or additional PTO?"
If they say “Now’s not the right time”, respond with:
"I hear you! Can we set a date in three months to revisit this conversation?"
Step 5: Practice, Then Go for It!
Reminder: Women who negotiate earn $1M more over their careers than those who don’t.
Negotiation isn’t just about asking for more—it starts with your relationship with money. As Ileana Musa, Managing Director, Head of Sales at Morgan Stanley Private Bank, highlights in this video: "We didn’t grow up talking about wealth at the dinner table. And that silence is costing us."
It’s time to redefine financial confidence, own our value, and make negotiation a non-negotiable skill. Are you ready? You are powerful. You are worthy. Now go get that raise!
Con cariño,
Claudia & Cynthia
Founders of A LA LATINA
P.S. Download this free Salary Negotiation Worksheet to research, prepare, and confidently secure the raise or salary you deserve.
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