On Tuesday, New York City followed several other states’ leads, enacting a municipal law requiring companies to include a pay range in every job posting.

This can be a positive thing for employees, especially those on the lower end of the totem pole. If your company has recently made its pay structure public and you feel like you’re being paid on the lower end of the spectrum, it can be tempting to ask for a raise.

After all, if your job is being advertised at a higher pay range than what you’re currently making, it stands to reason that you could be earning more.

Before you go ahead and ask for a pay raise, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know about negotiating your pay when salary transparency has left you feeling underpaid.

The first thing you need to do is check if your pay range falls within the range of the position you’re applying for. Many companies have large pay ranges for their positions, so it’s possible that you’re already being paid at the top of your pay range - but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for more.

Oftentimes, companies are willing to negotiate pay, especially if they know that you’re worth more than what they’re currently paying you.

However, if you’re getting paid below or at the bottom of your pay range despite having stellar performance reviews, it’s definitely worth asking for a raise. In this case, it’s best to approach your manager with specific examples of your accomplishments and why you feel like you deserve a pay increase.

Before asking for a pay raise, it’s important to do your research. Find out what the average pay is for your position in your city and compare it to what you’re currently earning.

You should also look into your company’s policies on pay raises. Many companies have set procedures in place for how pay increases are determined and awarded. If you’re not sure how pay raises work at your company, ask your HR department or manager for more information.

Once you’ve done your research and you’re ready to ask for a pay raise, it’s important to present your case in the right way. First, schedule a meeting with your manager and let them know that you’d like to discuss your pay. In the meeting, start by expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to work at the company.

Then, explain why you feel like you deserve a pay raise. Be sure to back up your claims with specific examples of your accomplishments and how you’ve contributed to the company’s success.

If your manager isn’t able to give you a pay raise right away, ask if there’s anything you can do to earn one. Perhaps you can take on additional responsibilities or complete a project that will help to increase your value to the company. Whatever the case may be, be sure to follow up with your manager after the meeting to stay on their radar.

However, don’t make the mistake of trying to bend too far back to prove your worth. If you’re constantly working overtime or taking on extra assignments without being compensated for it, that’s a sign that your company is taking advantage of you. In this case, it may be time to start looking for a new job where you’ll be valued and fairly compensated for your work.

Even if you have a strong case for why you deserve a pay raise, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get the raise you’re asking for. Sometimes, managers may not be able to approve pay raises due to budget restrictions. In other cases, your company may have a policy in place that only allows for pay increases after a certain period of time.

If your manager isn’t able to give you the pay raise that you’re asking for, don’t be discouraged. Ask if there are any other opportunities for advancement or compensation, such as a bonus or stock options. You can also use this as an opportunity to negotiate other perks, such as more paid time off or flexible work hours.

However, if your manager outright rejects your request for a pay raise, it may be time to start looking for a new job. If you’re not being paid what you’re worth, it’s unlikely that your situation will improve without changing jobs. Remember, you don’t have to stay at a job that doesn’t value your skills and experience. Believe it or not, there’s a large pool of companies out there who would be happy to pay you what you’re worth.

This is the time to determine your own worth and stick to your guns. Reflect a bit on your accomplishments, what you bring to the table, and what value you have compared to others in your field. How would you price yourself in the current market? This is not an easy task, but it will give you a much better idea of what you should be asking for.

Asking for a pay raise can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that you deserve to be paid what you’re worth. By doing your research and presenting your case in a professional manner, you’ll increase your chances of getting the pay raise you’re asking for, and if your employer isn’t able to give you a pay raise, don’t be discouraged.

Use this as an opportunity to negotiate other perks or look for a new job where you’ll be valued and fairly compensated.