Negotiating Your Salary: How to Ask for More Money

The difference between negotiating your salary and accepting the first offer could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over your career. Yet most people never negotiate because they don't know how.

Let's fix that.

Why Negotiation Matters

A single successful negotiation can have massive long-term impact:

Example:

• Starting salary offer: $50,000
• Negotiated salary: $55,000 (+10%)
• After 10 years with 3% annual raises:
  • Without negotiation: $67,195
  • With negotiation: $73,915
  • Difference: $6,720/year

That's not counting the compound effect on bonuses, 401(k) matches, and future job offers based on your salary history.

When to Negotiate

New job offers: Almost always. Most employers expect it.

Current job: At these moments:

• Annual review time
• After completing a major project
• When taking on new responsibilities
• After getting a competing offer
• When you discover you're underpaid

Know Your Worth First

Before any negotiation, research what the position pays:

Resources:

• Glassdoor salary data
• LinkedIn Salary Insights
• Levels.fyi (tech industry)
• PayScale
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Talking to people in similar roles

Factors that affect your range:

• Location (cost of living adjustments)
• Years of experience
• Specialized skills or certifications
• Company size and industry
• Current market conditions

The Basic Negotiation Framework

Step 1: Let Them Make the First Offer

If asked your salary expectations early, deflect:

"I'd like to learn more about the role before discussing compensation. Can you share the budgeted range for this position?"

If pressed:

"Based on my research and experience, I'm looking for something in the $X-Y range, but I'm flexible depending on the total compensation package."

Step 2: Respond Positively, Then Pause

When they make an offer:

"Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about the opportunity. I'd like to take a day to review the full compensation package."

Never accept immediately, even if it's great.

Step 3: Make Your Counteroffer

Come back with a specific, justified ask:

"After reviewing the offer, I'm very excited about this role. Based on my research and the value I'll bring, I was hoping for $X. Is there flexibility in the base salary?"

Step 4: Handle Pushback Gracefully

If they say the salary is firm:

"I understand. What flexibility is there in other areas—signing bonus, additional PTO, or an earlier review for a raise?"

Scripts for Common Situations

Asking for a Raise (Current Job)

Request the meeting: "I'd like to schedule time to discuss my compensation. I've been reflecting on my contributions and would appreciate the opportunity to talk about my growth here."

In the meeting: "Over the past [time period], I've [specific accomplishments]. Based on my research and the value I'm providing, I believe a salary adjustment to $X is appropriate. Can we discuss this?"

Negotiating a New Job Offer

Initial counter: "Thank you for this offer. I'm excited about joining [Company]. Based on my experience with [specific skill] and the market rate for this role, I was hoping for a base salary of $X. Is there room to get closer to that number?"

If they can't move on salary: "I understand the base salary constraints. Would you be open to a signing bonus of $X or additional equity/PTO to bridge the gap?"

Responding to "What Are Your Salary Expectations?"

"I'm focused on finding the right role and would love to learn more about the position first. What's the budgeted range for this role?"

Or, if you must give a number:

"Based on my research and experience, I'm targeting the $X-Y range, depending on the full compensation package."

What Else Can You Negotiate?

If base salary is truly fixed, these may have flexibility:

Money:

• Signing bonus
• Annual bonus target
• Equity/stock options
• Relocation assistance
• Professional development budget

Time:

• Vacation days
• Flexible work arrangements
• Remote work options
• Start date

Title & Growth:

• Job title
• Earlier performance review
• Defined promotion timeline
• Reporting structure

Common Mistakes to Avoid

What If They Say No?

A "no" on salary isn't the end:

1. Ask what would need to change - "What would it take for me to earn $X in this role?"
2. Request a timeline - "When can we revisit this conversation?"
3. Get it in writing - Document any promises about future raises
4. Negotiate other benefits - Pivot to non-salary items
5. Make your decision - Is the total package acceptable?

Negotiating as a First-Generation Professional

If you grew up in a family where money wasn't discussed openly, negotiation can feel especially uncomfortable.

Remember:

• Negotiation is expected and professional
• You're not being greedy—you're being fair
• Companies budget for negotiation
• The worst outcome is usually "no"
• One conversation can change your financial trajectory

The Power of Silence

After you make your ask, stop talking. Silence is uncomfortable, but it's powerful.

Let the other person respond. Don't fill the silence by talking yourself down or offering concessions before they've even replied.

"Based on my research and experience, I'm looking for $85,000."

Then wait.

This simple technique dramatically improves negotiation outcomes.