“This is above my pay grade”: how to say it politely
Why it can fall flat
“this is above my pay grade”
Others are likely to hear it as a shrug, a sign you think the problem isn't worth your effort, or a sarcastic joke. Usually you mean the decision isn't yours, and you want to point them to whoever can make it.
Say this instead
- 01
This needs sign-off from our finance director, Courtney, so the decision isn't mine to make. I'm happy to introduce you to her.
Client · Email
Use this with a client asking for something like a discount, since you can connect them with the person who decides.
- 02
This one needs a decision above my level. Could you tell me who should weigh in, or would you rather take it from here?
Boss · Chat
Choose this when you're unsure who owns the call and want your boss to direct it without feeling dumped on.
- 03
That's not mine to decide. I'll forward your request to Mikhail today so it reaches the person who can actually answer it.
Coworker · Chat
Try this when a colleague asks for something outside your role and you can pass the request along yourself.
- 04
Hi Remy, a refund isn't something I can authorize myself. I'm passing your request to my manager, who will reply to you directly.
Customer · SMS
Send this when a customer expects an answer from you but someone else decides, because it stays short and clear.
- 05
Good question, but the budget decision isn't mine to make. I'll raise it with Sophie at our Thursday meeting and update you afterward.
Someone you manage · Chat
Pick this when someone you manage asks for something you can't settle alone, since it shows you're acting on it.
- 06
Offer terms are set by the hiring manager and HR, so I can't speak to the salary range. Could you raise it with them directly?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Reach for this as an interviewer or hiring-team member when a recruiter asks about pay or terms you don't control.
- 07
I'd like to give you a useful answer, but this involves budget and policy beyond my role. Could we set up a quick meeting with you and Hannah to settle it?
Boss · Email
Suggest this when a decision needs several people, because proposing a meeting moves things forward without a flat refusal.
Examples
Hi Nandini, Thanks for your note about extending the payment terms. That decision sits with our finance team, so I've forwarded your request to them along with the details you gave. If it would help, I can also set up a short call so you can explain the situation to them directly. Best regards, Jordan
Hi Tyler, thanks for flagging this. Moving the launch date isn't a decision I can make, so I'd like to bring it to Lavanya. Are you free for 15 minutes tomorrow to walk through it together?
What to avoid
- Don't joke or shrug it off with lines like “not my job” or “I just work here”.
- Leaving the person stuck is the quickest way to frustrate them, so name who decides or say what happens next.
- Guessing what the decision-maker will say or hinting at the outcome sets expectations you can't back up.
- Criticizing the policy or the people above you while you explain only makes the message sound bitter.
- Promising results you don't control, such as “they'll definitely agree”, can leave you embarrassed later.