How to Negotiate Salary

Wait until you have a written offer

Never negotiate against a number you were given verbally in an interview. Wait for the formal offer letter, thank the employer, and ask for 24-48 hours to review it. This buys you time to research and removes the pressure of an on-the-spot response.

Anchor to data, not need

Employers respond to market data, not personal financial pressure. Use sources like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, or your industry's salary survey to cite a specific range, then ask for the top of that range.

• "Based on my research for this role and level in [city], I was expecting something closer to $X."
• "Is there flexibility on base salary, or should we look at signing bonus and equity instead?"
• "I'm excited about this role — I just want to make sure we land somewhere fair for both of us."

Negotiate the whole package, not just base

If base salary is fixed, ask about signing bonus, additional PTO, remote flexibility, or an accelerated review date at 6 months instead of 12. These are often easier for a hiring manager to approve than a base salary exception.

Get it in writing

Once you agree on final terms verbally, ask for an updated offer letter reflecting the changes before you resign from your current role.