Salary Negotiation Guide — How to Negotiate Your Salary

Salary negotiation can add $10K-$50K+ to your annual compensation. Here's how to do it effectively.

Know Your Worth: Research salary ranges using Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Payscale, and Blind. Know the market rate for your role, level, and location.

Don't Disclose First: If asked for your current salary, deflect: 'I'm looking for a competitive offer based on the role and my experience.'

Wait for the Offer: Don't negotiate before you have an offer. Once you have it, you have leverage.

Express Enthusiasm: Start with 'I'm thrilled about this offer and excited to join the team.' Then negotiate.

Give a Range, Not a Number: 'Based on my research and experience, I was hoping for something in the range of $X-$Y.' Set the lower end at your target.

Negotiate Total Compensation: Consider base, bonus, equity, sign-on, benefits, PTO, and remote work flexibility. Equity can be worth more than base salary.

Justify Your Ask: 'Based on my experience in [specific skill] and the market data I've researched, I believe $X is fair.'

Be Prepared to Walk: If the offer is significantly below market and they won't budge, be prepared to decline. Having multiple offers gives you leverage.

Get It in Writing: Always get the final offer in writing before accepting. Verbal promises don't count.