Salary negotiation is one of the highest-ROI skills you can develop. A $5,000 increase at age 25 compounds into over $500,000 of additional lifetime earnings. Most people leave this money on the table.
Do your research first
Know the market rate for your role, experience level, and city. Use Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Levels.fyi, and Payscale. Go in with data: “The market rate for this role is $X, and based on my experience I am targeting $Y.”
Never give a number first
When asked “what are your salary expectations?” early in the process, deflect: “I am more interested in finding the right fit — what is the budgeted range for this role?” Put the first number on them.
The counteroffer formula
Express genuine enthusiasm, then counter: “I am really excited about this role. Based on my research and experience, I was expecting something closer to $X. Is there flexibility?” Counter 10–20% above the offer to leave room to meet in the middle. State a specific number, not a range.
Negotiate the full package
If base salary is firm, negotiate signing bonus, equity, remote flexibility, extra PTO, professional development budget, or earlier review cycle. Total compensation matters more than base alone.
If they say no
“Can you tell me what would need to change for that to be possible — either now or at the next review?” Keeps the door open and signals you take your compensation seriously.