Start by forgetting what any external salary surveys say.  The general feeling is that most surveys tend to run high and are not reflective of the real world.  That said, what you ought to do is compile a list of all your accomplishments over the past 6 months or so - goals met, objectives achieved, initiatives taken, money saved or earned for the company, extra duties assumed - anything that will clearly show that you're not only doing a great job, but more than the job requires.  Once you have your list, politely ask the appropriate person for a performance and salary review.  Make two copies of your list - one for you and one for the person with whom you're meeting - so you'll both be looking at the same information.  If you're asked what sort of salary your have in mind, I'd express it as a range.  I'd say that based on what you've been able to accomplish, you were anticipating an increase in the 5% to 10% range.  5% would take you to around $76K and 10% would take you to slightly over $80K.  The point, in my opinion, is to come up with a reasonable salary range that will help you reach your goal, but not a range so high that you won't get anything.  The secondary point is there's no way you should base your request on what some survey - which has nothing to do with your company, your job, or your performance - says jobs like the one you have "should" pay.  As I wrote to somebody else, if I were the employer, I'd be tempted to suggest that you find a job with a salary survey company.

Paul W. Barada

The Negotiation Expert