Salary Negotiation: How to Ask for More (And Actually Get It)

Most people leave $5,000 to $15,000 on the table because they never ask. Or they ask wrong.

Here is everything you need to negotiate a higher salary - with actual scripts you can use.

The Mindset Shift

Negotiation is not confrontational. It is expected.

Employers build salary bands with room to negotiate. When they offer $80K for a role budgeted to $95K, they expect some back-and-forth.

Not negotiating does not make you look humble. It makes you look like you do not know your worth.

Step 1: Know Your Number

Before any negotiation, research:

1. Market data - What do similar roles pay in your location? 2. Company ranges - Use Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Blind 3. Your leverage - How in-demand are your skills?

Use the CareerCheck salary calculator to get real market data for your specific role and location.

Your target: Set a range, not a single number. Know your "would love" number and your "would accept" floor.

Step 2: Delay the Salary Talk

When asked salary expectations early in the process:

"I am focused on finding the right fit first. I am confident we can work out compensation once we both decide this is the right match."

If pressed:

"Based on my research, similar roles in this market pay between $X and $Y. I would expect something in that range depending on the full compensation package."

Always give a range. Anchor high.

Step 3: The Counter-Offer Script

When you receive an offer:

"Thank you for the offer. I am excited about the opportunity. Based on my experience in [specific skill] and market rates for this role, I was expecting something closer to $X. Is there flexibility on the base salary?"

Key elements:

Express enthusiasm (you want the job)

Reference specific value you bring

Cite market data

Ask a question (invites dialogue)

Step 4: Handle Pushback

If they say no:

"I understand budget constraints. Are there other parts of the compensation we could discuss? Sign-on bonus, equity, extra PTO, remote work flexibility?"

If they say this is standard:

"I hear that. Given my [specific experience/skill], I believe I bring additional value that warrants a higher starting point. Would $X be possible?"

If they need time:

"Of course, take the time you need. When can I expect to hear back?"

Step 5: Negotiate Beyond Salary

If base salary is stuck, negotiate:

Sign-on bonus - Often easier to approve (one-time cost)

Equity/RSUs - Ask about refresh grants or additional shares

Title - Higher title now means higher salary later

Start date - Delayed start = more vacation before you begin

Review timing - Ask for 6-month review instead of annual

Remote work - Save commute costs and time

Professional development - Conference budget, learning stipend

Asking for a Raise: Different Script

For current employees:

"Based on my contributions over the past year - specifically [quantified achievement] - and looking at market rates for my role, I would like to discuss adjusting my compensation to $X."

What to prepare:

Document of your achievements (with numbers)

Market salary data

Specific ask (percentage or dollar amount)

Timing matters: Ask after a win, during budget season, or at review time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Accepting immediately - Always say "Thank you, I need to review the full offer" 2. Giving your current salary - Many places have banned asking this 3. Apologizing - You are not asking for a favor 4. Making it personal - "I need this for rent" vs. "Market rate is X" 5. Threatening to leave - Unless you actually will

The Numbers That Change Everything

Even a $5K increase in starting salary compounds:

Over 10 years: $50K+ (assuming raises build on base)

Over career: $100K+ (new jobs benchmark from current salary)

That one uncomfortable 15-minute conversation pays dividends forever.

Know Your Worth First

Before you negotiate, understand where you stand. CareerCheck shows you:

Market rates for your role and location

How your skills compare to job requirements

What to emphasize in your negotiation

Never negotiate blind. Know your number, practice your script, and ask for what you deserve.