How to Negotiate Your Salary: The Script That Got Me $15K More
Research shows most people leave $10,000-50,000 on the table because they're afraid to negotiate. Here's a proven negotiation script and framework that has helped many professionals earn significantly more.
The Truth About Salary Negotiation
Here's what nobody tells you: 93% of employers expect you to negotiate. When you don't, they assume you either don't know your worth or aren't confident enough. Neither looks good.
A common scenario: Someone accepts a $65,000 offer immediately out of excitement. Six months later, they discover a colleague with the same title and experience started at $78,000. The only difference? The colleague negotiated.
That $13,000 difference compounds over time. Over 5 years with standard raises, that's over $80,000 in lost earnings. This is why negotiation matters.
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make
Accepting the first offer without negotiation. Companies always have budget flexibility. The first offer is rarely their best offer. They're testing you.
The Psychology Behind Successful Negotiation
Rule #1: Negotiate After the Offer, Not Before
Once they've made an offer, they've already decided they want you. You have all the leverage. They've spent weeks interviewing, they've rejected other candidates, and now they're emotionally invested in hiring you. Use this.
Rule #2: Never Give a Number First
If they ask your salary expectations during interviews, deflect:
"I'd prefer to learn more about the role first. What's the budget range for this position?"
Whoever mentions a number first loses negotiating power.
Rule #3: Anchor High (But Reasonably)
Research market rates on Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Payscale. Then ask for 10-20% above their offer. This gives you room to "compromise" while still getting more than the initial offer.
A Proven Negotiation Script (Real Example)
Here's an example script that has successfully been used to negotiate higher salaries. For instance, when receiving a $75,000 offer for a Software Engineer role:
"Thank you so much for the offer—I'm really excited about this opportunity and the team. I've been doing some research on market rates for Software Engineers with my experience level in [city/remote], and based on what I'm seeing on Glassdoor and Levels.fyi, similar roles are typically in the $85,000-95,000 range.
Given my 3 years of experience with React and my background in [specific relevant skill], I was hoping we could meet at $90,000. I'm confident I can bring immediate value to the team, especially with [mention a specific project or challenge they mentioned in interviews].
Is there flexibility in the budget to get closer to that number? I'm really excited to join and want to make this work."
Typical Result:
In this example, the company came back with $88,000—not quite $90K, but a "compromise" was reached. That's $13,000 more than the original offer. Such negotiations typically take 3-5 days and one brief conversation.
Breaking Down Why This Script Works
1. Start with Enthusiasm
"I'm really excited..." shows you want the job. You're not playing hardball—you're collaborative. This makes them want to work with you, not against you.
2. Use Data, Not Emotions
"Based on Glassdoor and Levels.fyi..." grounds your ask in market reality. You're not asking for more because you need it—you're asking because that's what the market pays.
3. Give a Range, Then Anchor
"$85K-95K range... hoping for $90K" shows flexibility while anchoring high. They'll likely counter in the middle of your range.
4. Reinforce Your Value
"Given my 3 years of experience with React..." reminds them why they made the offer. You're worth it.
5. End with Collaboration
"Is there flexibility... I want to make this work" frames it as a partnership, not a demand. You're giving them a way to say yes.
Common Scenarios & How to Handle Them
Scenario 1: "This is our final offer"
What to say:
"I completely understand budget constraints. Would there be flexibility in the start date, signing bonus, or equity to bridge the gap? I'm also open to discussing a performance review at 6 months to revisit compensation."
Often "final" just means they can't move on base salary. Bonuses, stock, PTO, and remote work are negotiable.
Scenario 2: "We need an answer by tomorrow"
What to say:
"I appreciate the offer and am very interested. To give you a thoughtful response, I'd need until [3-5 days from now]. Would that work?"
Never let them rush you. If they truly want you, they'll wait. Pressure tactics are red flags.
Scenario 3: "You don't have enough experience"
What to say:
"I understand. What if we structure it as $X base now, with a performance-based review at 6 months? If I deliver [specific goal], we revisit to $Y. That way, I earn the increase."
This shows confidence and willingness to prove yourself. Many companies will agree to this.
Real Numbers: What You Can Expect
- •Entry-level roles: Typically can negotiate 5-10% more ($3K-7K on a $60K offer)
- •Mid-level roles: 10-15% more ($8K-15K on an $80K offer)
- •Senior roles: 15-20% more ($15K-30K on a $120K offer)
- •Tech/specialized roles: 20%+ more possible with competing offers
The 5-Step Negotiation Process
Receive the Offer
Thank them enthusiastically. Ask for the offer in writing. Tell them you need 2-3 days to review.
Research Market Rates
Check Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Payscale, and LinkedIn Salary. Find 3-5 comparable roles.
Prepare Your Script
Use our AI tool below to generate a personalized negotiation script based on your situation.
Deliver the Counteroffer
Call or email (phone is better for building rapport). Practice your script 3-5 times first.
Negotiate & Close
They'll likely counter. Be willing to compromise slightly. Once agreed, get it in writing before resigning.
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Try the Free AI Salary Negotiator →FAQs About Salary Negotiation
Can they rescind the offer if I negotiate?
Extremely rare. If they rescind an offer because you negotiated professionally, that's typically a red flag about company culture. Industry research shows this almost never happens from reasonable, data-backed negotiation.
What if I'm unemployed and desperate?
Negotiate anyway. You don't have to mention your situation. If the offer is $60K and market rate is $70K, ask for $68K. Even if they only come up to $63K, that's $3K more than accepting immediately. Over 5 years, that's $18K+.
Should I negotiate via email or phone?
Phone is better for building rapport and reading their tone, but email works if you're more comfortable. Email also gives you a paper trail. Either way, be professional and collaborative.
What if they say the budget is truly maxed out?
Ask about: signing bonus, stock options, extra PTO days, remote work flexibility, professional development budget, earlier performance review, or relocation assistance. There are many ways to add value beyond base salary.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Fair Pay
Negotiating isn't greedy—it's professional. Companies negotiate everything: office leases, vendor contracts, software licenses. Why shouldn't you negotiate your own compensation?
A $15K salary increase compounds to over $90,000 in extra earnings over 5 years when you factor in raises and bonuses. One brief conversation can change your financial trajectory.
Don't leave money on the table. Use the script. Do the research. Ask for what you're worth.