Whether you’re stepping into a new job or aiming for a promotion at your current one, we all know that mastering salary negotiation is crucial. Or do we? According to Fidelity Investments, 58% of young professionals don’t negotiate their job offers—and honestly, we get it. Talking money can be intimidating. But here’s what’s even scarier: not doing it. That same survey found that 87% of people who do negotiate end up increasing their starting salaries by an average of $5,000.
Take this eye-opening example: A well-known study by Linda Babcock for her book Women Don’t Ask showed that only about 7% of women tried to negotiate their first salary, compared to 57% of men. Those who negotiated boosted their pay by over 7%.
That might not sound like a huge jump, but as Stanford negotiation professor Margaret A. Neale explains: If you accept a 100,000salarywhileyourco−workernegotiatesupto100,000salarywhileyourco−workernegotiatesupto107,000, and you both get identical raises and promotions from then on, you’d need to work eight extra years to match their retirement wealth.
So, no matter your gender, whether it’s your first job or your fifth, knowing how to negotiate your salary is non-negotiable (pun intended). And we’ve got your back—here’s a roundup of expert tips to prep you like a pro.
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34 Tips for How to Negotiate Salary
Learn exactly how to navigate salary talks, from prepping your highlight reel to eating the right meal. Here’s everything you need to know.
Getting Prepped for Your Salary Negotiation
- Prepare a one-sheet
Before diving into numbers, organize your thoughts into a one-page summary of why you’re an incredible employee. List your wins, awards, glowing feedback from colleagues or clients, and quantifiable results from past roles—like revenue you brought in or outcomes tied directly to your work. - Know your value
To get paid what you’re worth, research the going rate for your role in your industry and location. Walking in without a number leaves you vulnerable to a hiring manager steering the conversation. Use sites like Salary.com or Glassdoor, and compare salaries at competitor companies too. Pro tip: Ask peers in your field (both men and women) to avoid gender pay gap pitfalls. - Talk to recruiters
Recruiters know what your skills command in the market—use that to your advantage! If they haven’t reached out, email them your resume and ask for insights on typical pay for your position. Even a salary range helps. - Pick the top of the range
When you land on a salary range, resist the urge to ask for the middle. Aim high. Employers often post lowball ranges to hide their pay strategy, and they’ll likely negotiate down—so you need room to still land a number you love. - Know the (exact) number
Research shows that precise numbers (like 64,750insteadof64,750insteadof65,000) work better. Employers assume you’ve done deeper homework to land on that exact figure, making them more likely to meet you closer to your target. - Consider job-related expenses
Factor in costs like relocation, commuting (gas, public transit), or home office setup if you’re shifting to remote work. These impact your take-home pay. - Determine your walk-away point
Decide the lowest offer you’d accept before saying “no.” It’s tough to turn down an offer, but knowing your limit empowers you. (Here’s how to decline a job offer politely.) - Plan the right timing (for raises)
Ask for a raise when the company’s doing well—not during layoffs. Align with performance review cycles, but don’t wait until reviews start; bosses often decide raises beforehand. If raises happen in January, bring it up in November. - Practice makes perfect
Rehearse your pitch in the mirror, on video, or with a friend until it feels natural. - Set the meeting for Thursday
Studies say you’re more likely to get a “yes” on Thursdays. People soften as the week winds down, per Psychology Today. - Plan your pre-negotiation meal
Eat brain-boosting foods: oatmeal with fruit for breakfast, or a protein-rich lunch (avocado toast, grilled chicken) 90 minutes before an afternoon meeting. Skip the garlic, and hydrate!
Starting the Conversation
- Power up
Strike a “power pose” (hands on hips, chest out) before the talk to boost confidence and lower stress. - Drink some coffee
Caffeine helps you hold your ground—just don’t overdo it and get jittery. - Walk in with confidence
Your entrance sets the tone. Smile, stand tall, and keep the vibe positive. - Start with questions
Ask things like, “What are your top priorities right now?” to understand their needs and tailor your pitch. - Show what you can do
Walk through your one-sheet highlights, emphasizing times you went above and beyond. Then, share how you’ll crush it in the future. - Focus on the future, not the past
If asked about your current salary (often illegal), pivot: “I’d prefer to discuss this role’s expectations first.” - Put yourself in their shoes
Think: What problems do they need solved? Position yourself as the solution. - Negotiate like you’re advocating for someone else
Women often negotiate better for others. Channel that energy for yourself! - Stay positive
Keep it friendly, not aggressive. Frame your ask as a win-win. - Show gratitude
A simple “thank you” reinforces professionalism and appreciation for their time.
Making the Ask
- Put your number out first
The first number anchors the conversation. Control it by going first. - Ask for more than you want
They’ll negotiate down, so aim high. Worst case? They counter. - Don’t use a range
Saying “between 60K–60K–65K” invites them to pick the lower end. - Focus on market value
Talk industry standards, not your current pay. - Prioritize your requests
Rank what matters most (salary, location, PTO) to guide trade-offs. - Skip personal reasons
Avoid “my rent went up.” Stick to your value and market data. - Use email if it fits
If you’ve mostly emailed, negotiate there too—just keep it warm and conversational. - Listen actively
Their responses reveal how to shape your counteroffer. - Don’t fear “no”
Negotiation starts when someone says “no.” It’s part of the process.
Getting an Answer
- Take 24 hours to decide
Avoid snap decisions. Sleep on it, especially with multiple offers. - Ask follow-up questions
If they balk at your number, dig deeper: “What’s the budget based on?” - Counter with confidence
A “no” isn’t the end. Rebut with market data and your value. - Don’t make threats
Avoid ultimatums like “I’ve got other offers.” Keep it collaborative.
FAQs
Why negotiate?
89% of companies expect it. Not negotiating could cost you $1M+ over your career.
When to negotiate?
After you get a written offer—never before.
How much to ask for?
Aim 10–20% above your goal so you land in your ideal range.
What else can I negotiate?
Benefits, remote work, PTO, bonuses, titles, and more.
Scripts to Use
- Counteroffer: “Given my research and experience, I’d feel more comfortable with $X.”
- Multiple offers: “Another company offered $X. Can you match this?”
- Raises: “I’ve increased revenue by 15% and earned certifications. Let’s discuss a raise.”
Final Tip
Yes, this is a lot. In a perfect world, offers would be dreamy right out of the gate. But negotiation is a muscle—the more you flex it, the stronger (and richer) you get.
