Is a 20% counter offer too much?

Asked by: Sunny Botsford  |  Last update: October 29, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (41 votes)

How much should you counter offer salary? Making a counter offer at a 10 to 20 percent higher value than the initial offer is considered a reasonable range, especially if the initial offer is in the low salary range for similar positions.

What is a reasonable counter offer percentage?

For most entry-level positions, the lower start of the range will be the most appropriate pay bracket. If the salary offered is within the low range for similar positions, consider an initial counteroffer 10-20% higher, and if the salary offered is within the average range, consider a counteroffer 5-7% higher.

How much salary negotiation is too much?

But the tactic has an upper limit. Their research found that asking for any range that would be more than 25% did not produce better results. Taking the Paysa survey and the Columbia Business School survey results together, it might make the most sense to consider negotiating for an increase in pay between 5-10%.

What is an acceptable counteroffer for a job?

A reasonable counteroffer depends on the job market for similar positions in your area. However, keep in mind the hiring manager has a budget, which means a large increase is less likely. A counteroffer of 10% additional pay is more likely to be successful than a counteroffer of 50%, for example.

Can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary?

Do Employers Rescind Job Offers When Candidates Negotiate? It happens. A Salary.com survey reported that 19% of respondents had lost a job offer because they negotiated. That's almost 1 in 5 people.

Ask These Calibrated Questions to Get a Raise

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Can a job offer be rescinded after a counteroffer?

“Be mindful of your tone. If you come across as entitled, demanding, or adversarial, the employer may reject your counteroffer, or worse, rescind their original offer and move on to someone else,” warned Cole. “Also, don't ask for more than a few days to think things over.

Do employers expect you to negotiate salary?

Unless the employer explicitly stipulates that their offers are nonnegotiable, that's typically a mistake. In fact, because they expect job candidates to negotiate salary, employers typically offer somewhat less than they are willing to pay.

How much is too high for counter offer?

On the high end, 20% is a pretty big difference between their offer and your counter, but it's not so big that it will come across as excessive when used in the right situation. We need to determine where in the typical counter range—between 10% and 20%—you should counter.

What is a respectable counter offer?

Making a counter offer at a 10 to 20 percent higher value than the initial offer is considered a reasonable range, especially if the initial offer is in the low salary range for similar positions.

Why accepting a counteroffer is a big mistake?

Your loyalty will be questioned

If you accept a counteroffer from your current employer after already accepting another offer, it will likely damage your relationship with both your current and future employers.

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation?

In the intricate dance of career progression, salary negotiation stands as a pivotal moment, shaping your financial future and professional trajectory. Amidst the myriad of advice circulating the web, one rule emerges as the lodestar guiding successful negotiations: Know Your Worth and Articulate It Confidently.

What not to say in salary negotiation?

"Sorry" According to Doody, "negotiating is uncomfortable, and our natural tendency is to try to smooth the edges on a difficult conversation. Saying sorry could signal to the recruiter or hiring manager that you might be willing to back down, and that could be expensive. Don't apologize for negotiating."

Can you lose a job offer by asking for too much?

The short answer is that you cannot lose a job offer just by negotiating your salary. However, you can lose it by how you negotiate. Think of negotiating like a pendulum.

How to politely counter offer salary?

Tips for negotiating a counteroffer
  1. Be kind, patient and professional: You should be clear and firm when conveying what you want, but avoid coming off as aggressive.
  2. Be willing to compromise: Consider perks other than the salary and be willing to come to a compromise if the company is a great fit for you.

What is the counter offer rule?

A counteroffer functions as both a rejection of an offer to enter into a contract , as well as a new offer that materially changes the terms of the original offer. Because a counteroffer serves as a rejection, it completely voids the original offer. Thus, the original offer can no longer be accepted .

Do companies expect you to counter offer?

If the role you want offers something other than what you expected from it during the negotiations, then it's reasonable to present a counteroffer. Many companies are willing to be flexible with their offers, so requesting small changes can help you get the most from that company's offerings.

Why is it a common mistake to try to win a negotiation?

Mistake 9: Trying to "Win"

They may not have everything they wanted, but they have enough for the deal to be worthwhile. It's important not to be greedy. If the other party compromises, and the deal is acceptable to both of you, you could jeopardize it if you play "hardball" and put future negotiations at risk.

Should I accept the first salary offer?

Just as experts often advise job candidates to never accept an employer's first offer for a salary, an employer may counter your desired salary with a new number. You can choose to accept the employer's counter offer or negotiate further.

How do I say no to a counter offer?

How to decline counteroffer
  1. Select the medium that makes you most comfortable. ...
  2. Express your gratitude. ...
  3. State your rejection clearly. ...
  4. Give a short, yet honest reason for declining the job. ...
  5. Provide a referral. ...
  6. Express your willingness to keep in touch.

How long to hear back after a counter offer?

A reasonable amount of time to respond to a counter offer is within 24-48 hours. This allows the employer to make a well-informed decision and also shows respect for the candidate's time. It might take a few days in certain situations, like when a budget needs to be approved.

What is a reasonable salary negotiation?

Note that many top employers have set, non-negotiable salaries at this level. Mid-level positions typically have a negotiation range of between 10 and 20 percent. Higher-level management and executive positions offer the greatest opportunities for negotiation.

How much should a seller counter offer?

Counter at Your List Price. Most sellers will make a counteroffer with a price that's higher, but still below their list price, because they're afraid of losing the potential sale. They want to seem flexible and willing to negotiate to close the deal.

When should you not negotiate salary?

So even if an offer is a tad below what you're expecting, if the other aspects of the job make up for it, consider not negotiating. There's nothing more irritating to a hiring manager than a candidate agreeing to the salary range given in the beginning, then changing their mind at the end.

How do you politely say the salary is too low?

I am quite excited and intrigued by the position and the opportunity to work for such a great company. However, the salary is lower than I was expecting, considering my background and experience. I would be more comfortable if the amount was closer to $X, and I would really like to see if we can make this work.”

Do hiring managers expect you to negotiate salary?

Negotiating your compensation package can be a stressful experience for many, however most employers expect candidates will negotiate their offer. Whatever you accept as compensation sets a tone for your time at that employer and a starting point for your earnings, so it's important to know what you want.