How much more is OK to negotiate salary?

Asked by: Dr. Ellen Donnelly V  |  Last update: December 1, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (57 votes)

Start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above their initial offer. Remember, you're applying for entry level, and you shouldn't expect something on the higher range. Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average.

Is it OK to negotiate higher salary?

It's normal to ask for higher pay or more benefits before accepting a job offer. Most professionals agree that you should always negotiate salary when starting a new job. This is likely the easiest and most crucial time to talk about money.

What percentage increase should I negotiate salary?

If you are negotiating the salary for a new position or a job at a new company, asking for 10% to 20% more than what you currently make is often the general rule.

How big of a salary range should I give?

A good rule of thumb is to keep the lower end of your range at least 10 percent above your current salary, or the number you determine is a reasonable salary for the position. For example, if you currently earn $50,000, you may say that your range is $55,000 to $65,000.

How many times should you try to negotiate salary?

Don't drag on the salary negotiation too long. Depending on the situation, two times is the most I would recommend.

How to Negotiate Salary after Job Offer | 5 Practical Tips

35 related questions found

Is a 20 counter offer too much?

Your first counteroffer:

Do your skills exceed what's required of you? Start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above their initial offer. Remember, you're applying for entry level, and you shouldn't expect something on the higher range. Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average.

Should you accept first salary offer?

If you have specialized skills and an impressive resume, you could be leaving money on the table if you don't negotiate a salary offer. Most hiring managers will give you the opportunity to do some thinking about the offer and won't expect an immediate answer. So, do it!

What are 5 tips for negotiating salary?

Here are 5 tips for negotiating salary:
  • Know what you're worth. Websites like payscale.com and glassdoor.com are great resources to find out what is the average salary for people in similar roles. ...
  • Timing is everything. ...
  • Be realistic. ...
  • Don't ask too often. ...
  • Don't be afraid to ask.

What is a realistic salary expectation?

Rather than offering a set number of the salary you expect, provide the employer with a range in which you'd like your salary to fall. Try to keep your range tight rather than very wide. For example, if you want to make $75,000 a year, a good range to offer would be $73,000 to $80,000.

How do you politely say the salary is too low?

While I really appreciate the offer to work for such a great company, I, unfortunately, must decline at this time, as the salary isn't within my preferred range. I had a wonderful time speaking with you during the interview. I wish you luck in your search for a candidate. Thank you again for this opportunity.

Can I negotiate a 20% raise?

Depending on the reasons you cite for a pay raise and the length of time that has passed since your last raise, you could request a raise in the 10% to 20% range. However, the higher the percentage you request, the better your reasons should be.

How do I counter offer a salary?

  1. Do your research. If you haven't already researched salary ranges for your position, now is the time to do so. ...
  2. Consider non-salary benefits. ...
  3. Know your value. ...
  4. Take time to craft your counteroffer. ...
  5. Submit all your requests at once. ...
  6. Negotiate. ...
  7. Prepare for their response. ...
  8. Make your decision.

How much of a pay increase is worth moving for?

Generally speaking, a good and reasonable salary increase when changing jobs is between 10-20%. The national average is around 14.8%, so don't be afraid to ask for a similar increase. At a minimum, you should expect a wage growth of at least 5.8% when you change positions.

Is it awkward to negotiate salary?

As individuals transition into their first permanent positions they are frequently unprepared to effectively negotiate their starting salaries. Many job-seekers are uncomfortable discussing money, or fail to understand that they do, in fact, have leverage.

How can I negotiate salary without losing my job offer?

How to Avoid Losing a Job Offer During Salary negotiations.
  1. Practice Your Confidence. ...
  2. Brace Yourself to Answer Difficult Questions. ...
  3. Understand Industrial Trends. ...
  4. Schedule In-Person Talks. ...
  5. Accept Companies Constraints. ...
  6. Prepare your Best Arguments Before Negotiating. ...
  7. Try to Avoid Giving Ultimatums.

Is it good to counter offer salary?

Should you accept a first salary offer? Most hiring managers are willing to negotiate, so it's almost always a good idea to counteroffer.

How do you justify salary expectations?

Justify your salary expectation

Briefly explain the logic behind your salary expectations. Consider justifying it with your skills and experience, especially if you have quoted a figure above the industry average. An honest expectation supported by market data shows that you know your worth well.

What should I put down on salary expectations?

But instead of providing a number, try writing “negotiable,” or “market rate.” If you're forced to put in a number, try giving a salary range. But, if the application won't accept a range, enter a dollar amount you're comfortable with based on everything you know.

How do you talk about salary expectations?

3 ways to answer the salary question
  1. Deflect the question. If you're still early in the hiring process and still learning the specifics about the job duties and expectations, you may want to deflect any question about salary to discuss later on. ...
  2. Discuss total compensation. ...
  3. Provide a salary range.

What is a reasonable salary negotiation?

Your target number should always be more than the salary range you found in your research. Let's say the offer is $50,000. Based on your research, you know you should be making $60,000 to $65,000. So the target range you present in the negotiation process should be something like $68,000 to $72,000.

What should I say in salary negotiation?

I've done some research on the market value for this position and am seeing salaries a bit higher than what you've offered. I believe I bring excellent (list key skills) to the table, and would love to know if you're open to discussing the starting salary for this position.”

How to negotiate salary with HR tips?

  1. Understanding the Importance of Salary Negotiations. ...
  2. Tip #1 Be Aware of Where You Stand. ...
  3. Tip #2 “No” Doesn't Mean Game Over. ...
  4. Tip #3 The Importance of Simultaneously Negotiating Multiple Issues. ...
  5. Tip #4 Explain Why You Deserve What You Want. ...
  6. Tip #5 Understand Your Employer's Point of View.

Do recruiters expect you to negotiate salary?

What's the best job for you? 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.

Should you negotiate salary if you're happy with the offer?

You can almost never go wrong by negotiating salary. Many people are concerned that by asking for more money, they might lose the job offer — but that's almost never the case. After all, most job offers don't disclose the salary range upfront, so recruiters expect that you'll have to talk about it at some point.

Should you ask for more money than you want?

Ask for More Than What You Want

You should always ask for more than you actually want. Psychology shows that your bargaining partner will feel like he or she is getting a better deal if he or she negotiates down from your original ask. And don't fear asking for too much!