What Salary Are You Expecting?

This question ‘What salary are you expecting?‘ is a salary negotiation checkpoint. Your goal is to:
✔ Avoid under/overpricing yourself
✔ Align with market rates and your experience
✔ Keep the conversation open for negotiation

Things to Know About ‘What salary are you expecting?‘

Key Strategies

Research First
- Use sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or LinkedIn Salary to find the market range for the role in your location/industry.
- Factor in your experience, skills, and education.
Deflect Tactfully (If Early in the Process)
- “I’m open to discussion based on the full compensation package. Could you share the budgeted range for this role?”
- This shifts the first number to them.
Provide a Range (If Pressed)
- Give a reasonable, data-backed range (e.g., “Based on my research and experience, I’m targeting $X–$Y.”).
- Anchor at the higher end of your realistic expectation.
Consider Total Compensation
- Mention flexibility if benefits (bonuses, equity, remote work) are strong.
- Example: “I’m open to flexibility for exceptional benefits like stock options or professional development budgets.”

Example Answers

For a Mid-Level Role

Based on my 5 years of experience in [field] and the market range for this role in [city], I’m seeking $85,000–$95,000. I’m happy to discuss further based on the full compensation package.

If You Want to Deflect

I’d love to better understand the full scope of the role and benefits before discussing numbers. Could you share the range you’ve budgeted?

For a Senior/Executive Role

Given my track record of [achievement], I’m targeting $150,000–$170,000 base, plus performance bonuses. I’m open to discussing equity or other long-term incentives as well.”

If the Range Is Too Low

I appreciate the context. My target is slightly higher at $X, given my expertise in [skill]. Is there room to adjust based on experience or responsibilities?

What to Avoid

❌ Giving a single number – It limits negotiation (unless you’re quoting their stated range).
❌ Underpricing yourself – “I’ll take whatever you offer.”
❌ Bringing up salary too early – Wait for them to initiate.

Pro Tips

✅ Delay if possible – The more they want you, the stronger your position.
✅ Practice phrasing – Keep it confident but collaborative.
✅ Know your walk-away point – Decide the minimum you’d accept.