How to Negotiate Your Salary Increase After a Role Change

Have you ever gotten a promotion or pay increase, then applied for another position shortly after—same company, same managers—only to be offered the same pay for a role with more responsibilities?

Yeah… that have happened to me.

And if you’re anything like me, you reviewed the offer and realized it didn’t fully align with the role. You may have even found yourself wondering:

How do I respond without sounding difficult or ungrateful?

Here’s the truth: advocating for your pay isn’t being ungrateful or difficult—it’s being professional.

Negotiating your salary can feel intimidating, especially if this is your first job out of pharmacy school or you’ve never negotiated before. But if you genuinely believe you’re worth more than what’s being offered, you should advocate for yourself.

So, here are 5 professional tips to help you negotiate your salary after a role change.

1. Do Not Accept the Offer Letter (Yet)

If you plan to negotiate, do not accept the offer immediately.

Negotiations happen before acceptance. Once you accept, the company may not be willing to reconsider compensation.

Pause. Review. Negotiate first.

2. Do Your Research

Before any conversation, make sure you’ve done your homework.

Start with:

• The job posting from your company

• The listed responsibilities for the new role

• Differences between your current duties and the new position

Highlight what’s changing:

• Increased responsibility

• Leadership expectations

• Additional projects or assignments

  
  

Next, look at pay ranges:

• Many companies include a salary range in the job posting

• If not, research similar roles at comparable companies

  
  

Use job boards like Glassdoor or Salary.com to find positions with similar job descriptions and note their pay ranges. Choose benchmarks that closely align with your company and role.

The more you know, the stronger your ask becomes.

3. Always Negotiate Verbally — Not by Email or Text

This is a big one.

While paper trails are important, specific salary numbers should be discussed verbally, not over email or text.

The best approach:

1. Send a brief email requesting a call to discuss the offer

2. Ask for their availability

3. Have the conversation live

Example:

“Thank you for the offer. I’d love to discuss it further. Please let me know a time that works for a quick call.”

After the call, follow up with a thank you email reiterating that you appreciate their time and look forward to hearing back.

Simple. Professional. Effective.

4. Make Your Case Clearly

This is where preparation matters.

During the negotiation call, clearly explain why a pay increase is appropriate.

Be sure to discuss:

• Your tenure with the company (if applicable)

• The current job market for this role

• Your reliability and performance

• Special projects or added responsibilities

• Differences between your current role and the new position

• How the new role increases expectations and accountability

This isn’t about emotion—it’s about value.

You’re showing them:

This role is more, and my compensation should reflect that.

5. Practice Your Pitch & Be Firm (But Professional)

Practice what you’re going to say ahead of time. Confidence comes from preparation.

Avoid phrases like:

• “I’m sorry to ask…”

• “I know money is tight…”

• “I don’t want to be difficult…”

You’re not begging. You’re negotiating.

Also, don’t be vague. Vague asks get vague answers.

Instead of:

“I was hoping for a raise…”

Try:

“I’m seeking an increase to $___ based on my current role, performance, and the current job market.”

Clarity shows confidence.

Bonus Tips:

• Know Your Timing – Ask during performance reviews, after major accomplishments, or when taking on more responsibility.

• Be Ready for Pushback – If they say “now isn’t the right time” or “budget is tight,” ask what benchmarks you need to meet for a future increase.

• Consider Non-Salary Compensation – PTO, flexible schedules, CE reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, professional development, or title changes can all be negotiated.

• Get Everything in Writing – Once agreed, make sure the new salary, effective date, and any negotiated terms are reflected in the updated offer letter.

• Remember – Flexibility doesn’t mean settling, it means advocating strategically.

Final Thoughts

Negotiating pay can feel uncomfortable—especially when you’re staying within the same company, but advocating for yourself is part of professional growth.

Whether you’ve been there for years or you’re just starting out, you’re not asking for too much.

You’re asking for what aligns with the role.

And that matters.

💬 Need advice on negotiating your pharmacy salary, or have you successfully negotiated your salary? Comment below!