How to ask for a raise when you've taken on more responsibilities

When you've taken on more responsibilities, ask for a raise by showing that the change is permanent, not temporary coverage, listing the new duties and the results they produced, and asking for pay that matches the expanded role. Name a specific number and ask for a decision, not just feedback.

First, check that the change is permanent

Covering for a coworker for two weeks is different from absorbing a second role for six months. Before asking, confirm that the new duties are ongoing, expected of you and not going back to someone else.

Have you had these duties for more than two or three months?
Would things break if you stopped doing them tomorrow?
Did anyone say the arrangement was temporary, with an end date?

Track what you took on

Write down each new responsibility, when it started, how often it happens and roughly how much of your week it takes. A simple list with dates is far more convincing than "I've been doing a lot more lately."

Turn extra work into results

Managers approve raises for value, not workload. For each new duty, add what it changed: time saved, errors reduced, customers helped, projects delivered or work that didn't have to be hired out.

How to say it

"Since [month], I've taken on [responsibilities] on top of my original role, and it's led to [results]. I'd like my compensation to reflect the role I'm doing now. I'm asking for [number]. Can we talk about how to get there?"

Questions

Should I ask for a new title too?

If your duties now match a more senior role, asking for the title can strengthen the case for higher pay. Lead with pay, and treat the title as part of the same conversation.

What if they say the extra work is part of my job?

Compare your original job description with what you do now. Point to the specific duties that weren't there before and when they started.

Can I ask to give back the extra duties instead?

Yes. If a raise isn't possible, asking which responsibilities should continue and which should be removed is a legitimate outcome.