So here's the deal... I hate the idea of asking for more money, but we recently got our performance-based salary increases in my company, and my raise was a measly 4%, when I was expecting 8% based on my performance rating and what I've been doing. So, this AM I met up with my manager and said to him that based on performance I thought 8% was more accurate.
Well, what he came back with was "don't ask what you think this raise should be, ask how much you think you should be getting paid in general."
OK... So how do I figure out how much to ask for? I feel I should ask for more than 8% now.

My current salary is already 6% over the average for my job title. The max they can give in my pay grade is 20% over what I'm making. Should I ask for a 10% raise and hope for 8? Or should I try to get more and ask for something like 15%, which probably means no more raises for a while. What's the rule of thumb of asking % over what they'll give on average?

I've been with the company 7 years, with excellent reviews every go-around.

 

What % raise have you historically received there?

 

It's varied from 4% to 15%. The 15% was last year, when my job title changed, so it was the result of a promotion.

 

if you got a 15% last year then take the 8%

 

Well you should know by now what you can get away with there but IMO if you thinking of asking for 10% you better be a real superstar there and irreplaceable.

Reason I say that is that companies are really starting to tighten their belts now.

 

Does this seem too simple to? Why not just add 9% to your salary and ask that much? Why does it have to be 8 or 10? Go in between.

 

Quick update...
I talked to the guy that used to be my manager at my previous position within the company. I showed him the letter I'm going to present to my current manager on Friday morning. He gave me some suggestions, and I'm feeling pretty confident, but at the same time this is stressing me out a little.