How to negotiate a salary after getting a job offer
Key takeaways
Employers typically expect some type of negotiation when they make you a job offer.
Remember to get your final offer in writing, including the revised salary and benefits.
It’s unlikely you’ll lose a job offer if you try to negotiate the salary.
Negotiating your salary after getting a job offer is an important part of the job hunt—and often expected by employers. However, an Indeed study reports that more than half (58%) of respondents don't typically negotiate their salary. Negotiating a salary after an offer doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little bit of research, planning, and practice, you’ll be ready for the negotiations and one step closer to meeting your money goals.[1]
5 Tips to prepare for negotiating your salary
Preparation is a key component of salary negotiation. Here are some of our favorite tips to consider before you make a counteroffer.
1. Do your research
Look into typical rates for the job and industry around your location, so you can confidently ask for the top of your range. Salary transparency and information sharing is becoming more commonplace. This can help you gauge whether the salary offer is fair. Check online, ask recruiters, or talk to your network about average salaries for the role.
Did the employer give you a salary range upfront? Was it specific to your location and experience level? How does it compare to your research? If it's about average, you may have some wiggle room when you negotiate. Or if you notice that the offer is on the high end for the employer's range or industry average (or both), you may choose to negotiate for additional benefits or perks instead.
2. Consider perks and benefits
It's likely your offer included perks and benefits beyond the paycheck. Evaluate the employer's total compensation package to see if it makes sense for your personal, professional, and financial goals—in both the short and long term.
Is health insurance a must-have benefit, or do you already have a great plan through your spouse's employer? Are you looking for a job with just the basic benefits like health care, paid time off (PTO), and a retirement plan? Or do you want an offer that also includes extra perks like tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, bonuses, stock options, or equity? What about remote or hybrid working options, flexible hours, or unlimited vacation?
3. Know what you bring to the role
Understanding your true value as a new team member is important when negotiating. You already know that the employer wants to hire you since they've made an initial offer. However, does the offer reflect your actual worth?
If the number feels too low—based on what you bring to the table—this is your chance to reiterate all the great qualities that set you apart from other candidates in the first place. Do you have a specific type of training or a particular area of expertise? Do you have proven experience that uniquely benefits the employer? Remind them.
4. Rehearse the conversation
The idea of negotiating a salary may feel intimidating or uncomfortable. Organizing your talking points ahead of time can help you feel more prepared for the conversation. Jot down your desired salary and any notes you need for the negotiation. Consider whether you'll be speaking with someone in human resources, the direct hiring manager, the owner of the company, or a recruiter. Will the meeting be in person, a video chat, or phone call?
Then practice, practice, practice. You can rehearse on your own in the mirror, record yourself, or ask a trusted friend for help. Ask for feedback to ensure you're coming across confident, but not cocky. Run through different scenarios—like the employer making a counteroffer, refusing your suggestion, or needing time to run the numbers.
5. Know when to end negotiations
When salary negotiations get dragged out, it can be frustrating for you and the employer. It's usually best practice to make one or two counteroffers. If you're not able to come to an agreement after a few conversations, it may be time to walk away respectfully. Or if the employer's revised offer isn't exactly what you wanted, but still fits within your range, you can consider taking the role.
What not to do when negotiating your salary
Keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your salary negotiation.
1. Don't show your cards first
The timing of compensation discussions varies widely by employer, industry, and even by state. Try to wait for the employer to make an offer before you tell them your salary goals. However, this may not always be possible if the employer or a recruiter asks about your salary expectations before making an offer. If this happens, provide a range that's acceptable to you—and don't lowball yourself. Remember, you can always negotiate down, but it's much harder to negotiate up from a lower number.
2. Don't settle for less than you're worth
If negotiations are unsuccessful, you may be stuck with an offer that's less than you deserve and be tempted to take the job anyway. Accepting an offer that's less than your worth or below market value can have major financial consequences, like loss of income or less money for retirement. It may also mean the company won't have the budget for future salary increase, raises, or other perks. Consider taking a job with a lowball offer carefully. If the final offer is too low, it could be best to move on.
3. Don't forget the written documentation
A verbal agreement, handshake, or email is a great start to wrapping up a final negotiation. However, once you've agreed on new terms, it's best to get the final offer in writing—ideally in a format that both you and the employer sign. Ask for written documentation of the salary, job description, benefits, perks, and any other details you negotiated. This may be a contract, offer letter, or other type of paperwork confirming what was discussed.
Can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary?
It's unlikely a job offer will be rescinded just because you tried to negotiate the salary. However, if you're rude, arrogant, or too pushy, the employer may choose to pull their offer or leave you hanging with a "We'll get back to you." If you do decide to walk away, be sure not to burn any bridges. Once you've reached a stopping point in the salary negotiations, turn down the offer graciously. Consider writing a quick thank-you note or email to show your appreciation, and ask the employer to keep you in mind for future opportunities that may be a better fit.
Why it's important to learn how to negotiate your salary
Negotiating a salary isn’t usually just about the money, especially if you’re currently living paycheck to paycheck. Yes, you're asking for a higher income, but you're also advocating for your career, family, and financial future. Keep that in mind if you're second-guessing your decision to negotiate.[2]
Some job seekers worry that asking for more money will make potential employers view them negatively. However, many employers actually expect potential hires to negotiate their initial salary offer—and the employer's initial offer often reflects that. Solid negotiation skills can help you boost your income, but it can also boost your work-life balance with a strong compensation package.
The bottom line
Salary negotiations can feel intimidating at first, but remember, they're considered common after an employer makes you an initial offer. Plus, a higher salary can help make it easy to live within your means and meet your financial goals. While it may not always be possible to get the salary you wanted, with the right negotiation skills you may be able to find a happy compromise. Or, if you're still not feeling valued, you can pass on the offer and continue finding a better-paying role.
Robert Half. “How to Negotiate Salary After You Get a Job Offer.”
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “Financial well-being: What it means and how to help.”
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