There are some good reasons why an employer will most likely agree to a salary increase for you when you ask, assuming everything we have discussed thus far is well established and things are going steady in your role as a Business Analyst.
Here are the reasons:
- Direct cost of replacing you: If we assume that your employer would need to replace you if you decided to leave the organization, then it is worth realizing that the cost of replacing you is very high—likely, much higher than the salary increase you are after. This is why an employer will most probably be willing to give you an increase if asked in the right way.
Note that some organizations might not see this cost easily, and hence may make the costly decision to not give you an increase when you ask for one, but any organization that is switched on and likes having you around will most likely oblige.
- Indirect cost of replacing you: Finding a replacement Business Analyst not only takes time to find a suitable candidate but there are also all the intangible aspects such as knowledge, ramp-up time, and relationships that are lost when you leave and someone new has to take your place.
However, be warned that some employers are quite stubborn and don't take kindly to employees asking for salary increases without being able to demonstrate their own personal and professional value in a sound business case. This is to be expected, so don't ask before it makes sense.
It is important for you to make an assessment of whether or not your approach to asking your employer for an increase is done at the right time, in the right way, and when you have the best chance of success.