Salary Negotiation (2024)

How much to ask for

Remember, your total compensation isn’t just your annual salary. It also includes things like health care benefits, paid time off, transportation perks, bonuses and more. When it comes to negotiating, doing research to get an idea of what a typical offer is for similar job positions can help ensure your counteroffer is within reason.

Glassdoor allows you to see self-reported salaries from current and former employees at specific companies. Also, Payscale will evaluate your offer letter and compare it to industry and area statistics. Both of these resources can provide data to strengthen your negotiation.

With most online tools, salary information will be reported as a range. For most entry-level positions, the lower start of the range will be the most appropriate pay bracket. If the salary offered is within the low range for similar positions, consider an initial counteroffer 10-20% higher, and if the salary offered is within the average range, consider a counteroffer 5-7% higher.

In addition to compensation data, you should research the cost of living for the area you’ll be working in. When you get an offer, you will want to make sure it’s enough to pay for food, rent, transportation and bills. Ideally, you’ll also have enough for savings, fun and any other expenses you have. NerdWallet’s cost of living calculator can help you compare two cities and how much you’ll need to earn to meet the cost of living.

Salary Negotiation (2024)

FAQs

Salary Negotiation? ›

In the intricate dance of career progression, salary negotiation stands as a pivotal moment, shaping your financial future and professional trajectory. Amidst the myriad of advice circulating the web, one rule emerges as the lodestar guiding successful negotiations: Know Your Worth and Articulate It Confidently.

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation? ›

In the intricate dance of career progression, salary negotiation stands as a pivotal moment, shaping your financial future and professional trajectory. Amidst the myriad of advice circulating the web, one rule emerges as the lodestar guiding successful negotiations: Know Your Worth and Articulate It Confidently.

How to politely negotiate salary? ›

Provide a relevant example from your past that can persuade the hiring manager to increase your income. Outside of income, you can also negotiate benefits, time off or other valuable perks. Put together a few talking points before you contact the employer, and be as specific as possible.

What is a reasonable salary negotiation? ›

Overall, we recommend that you start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above the initial salary. If the pay is in-line with average pay, but you believe you can negotiate based on your skills and experience, consider a range between 5-7% above.

What not to say in salary negotiation? ›

The least I'd be willing to take is…”

Salary negotiations are like high-stakes poker, so you don't want to reveal your hand right away. If you say the least amount you'd accept for a salary, there's a good chance that 's what you'll be offered—and nothing more.

How much can you realistically negotiate salary? ›

Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average. Is the pay in-line with average pay, but still believe you can negotiate based on your skills? Consider a range between 5-7% above. You don't want to risk your chances with a company that is genuinely interested in your financial well-being.

Should I accept the first salary offer? ›

Just as experts often advise job candidates to never accept an employer's first offer for a salary, an employer may counter your desired salary with a new number. You can choose to accept the employer's counter offer or negotiate further.

How do you humbly negotiate salary? ›

  1. Calculate your value. Knowing your own value is the most important step toward negotiating a better salary with your employer. ...
  2. Research the market. ...
  3. Prepare your reasons. ...
  4. Rehearse your negotiation pitch. ...
  5. Explain your work-related expenses. ...
  6. Be flexible. ...
  7. Don't be afraid to walk away. ...
  8. Thank the employer for their time.
Feb 10, 2023

How to accept a job offer but ask for more money sample? ›

"I'm very excited about the position and know that I'd be the right fit for the team. I'm also excited about your offer, and knowing that I'll bring a lot of value to the table based on my experience that we discussed during the interviews, I'm wondering if we can explore a slightly higher starting salary of $80,000.

Can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary? ›

So, can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary? Technically yes, though it's highly unlikely if you do it right. One thing is for certain: you won't get what you want if you don't ask for it!

How do I counter offer a salary? ›

How to Negotiate a Salary Counter Offer
  1. Pause before responding.
  2. Ask a follow-up question.
  3. Turn the salary expectation question around.
  4. Get the salary range.
  5. Conduct comparative salary research.
  6. Prepare an organized argument.
  7. Ask for a 10-to-20-percent bump.
  8. Look for non-salary levers to pull.

Do employers expect you to negotiate salary? ›

What is this? But you should know that in almost every case, the company expects you to negotiate and it's in your best interest to give it a shot. In fact, a study by Salary.com found 84% of employers expect job applicants to negotiate salary during the interview stage.

How does HR determine salary offer? ›

Then, HR personnel rank the jobs in each family, either by an ordinal ranking system or a points system that compiles different elements of each job. Following this internal analysis, human resources practitioners conduct market research to find salary data for each job, studying the median and range for each position.

How to convince HR for expected salary? ›

Here are a few things to keep in mind when asking for higher starting pay:
  1. Assess your value. ...
  2. Aim slightly higher. ...
  3. Put it in writing. ...
  4. Consolidate your counteroffer. ...
  5. Be professional. ...
  6. Prepare for all outcomes.
Mar 28, 2024

How do you politely say the salary is too low? ›

Feel free to adjust it to your liking: “Thank you so much for the offer. I'm really excited about the company and the role. I want to be upfront with you that the salary is lower than I was expecting based on my skills and experience.

What is the best answer for salary negotiation? ›

Here are some helpful tips to consider as you prepare for a salary negotiation.
  • Start by calculating your value. ...
  • Research the market average. ...
  • Prepare your talking points. ...
  • Rehearse with a trusted friend. ...
  • Be confident. ...
  • Ask for more. ...
  • Share expenses you are incurring. ...
  • Be flexible.
Oct 30, 2023

What points to say while negotiating salary? ›

8 Phrases You Should Use During Salary Negotiations
  • 1. “ Similarly situated employees”
  • 2. “ Market research”
  • 3. “ I would be more comfortable if…”
  • “I want to be as flexible as possible.”
  • 5. “ Value”
  • “If you can do that, I'm on board.”
  • “Can I take time to consider your offer?”
  • “I appreciate your help with this.”
Mar 19, 2023

What is the first step you should take when negotiating your salary? ›

Research your market value.

The first step to successfully negotiating your salary is to learn what the salary range is for your position and identify your target salary. The salary range is your “market value”, or the price people are willing to pay for the kind of work that you do.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6199

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Birthday: 2001-07-17

Address: Suite 794 53887 Geri Spring, West Cristentown, KY 54855

Phone: +5934435460663

Job: Central Hospitality Director

Hobby: Yoga, Electronics, Rafting, Lockpicking, Inline skating, Puzzles, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Clemencia Bogisich Ret, I am a super, outstanding, graceful, friendly, vast, comfortable, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.