Are you allowed to negotiate salary?

Asked by: Karley Bogan  |  Last update: November 3, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (25 votes)

Negotiating a job offer can feel uncomfortable, but most employers are open to candidates doing it.

Is it OK to negotiate salary when offered a job?

It is absolutely okay to negotiate, but it is also essential to do so with solid reasons and a case explaining why you deserve what you're asking for.

Will I lose a job offer if I negotiate salary?

No. The more reasonable and realistic your request, the less likely it is. If you ask for a small increase to the offered salary or some small additional perks, you may not get them but it's unlikely that the offer is going to be pulled.

How much of salary can you negotiate?

Mid-level positions typically have a negotiation range of between 10 and 20 percent. Higher-level management and executive positions offer the greatest opportunities for negotiation.

How do you politely ask to negotiate salary?

Hi (Recipient's name), Thank you for offering me the position of (job role). I would be delighted to accept, but I wanted to ask whether we could discuss the starting salary. I believe the starting salary doesn't reflect my (skills, experience, market conditions, other comparable roles, etc.).

Should You ALWAYS Negotiate Salary?

35 related questions found

How to counter offer salary?

  1. Do your research. If you haven't already researched salary ranges for your position, now is the time to do so. ...
  2. Consider non-salary benefits. ...
  3. Know your value. ...
  4. Take time to craft your counteroffer. ...
  5. Submit all your requests at once. ...
  6. Negotiate. ...
  7. Prepare for their response. ...
  8. Make your decision.

How do you politely ask for a high salary?

Be confident and concise
  1. A warm introduction expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
  2. An indication that you would like to discuss your salary.
  3. A polite yet direct explanation of what it is that you are seeking.
  4. A summary of your skills, experience and relevant accomplishments.
  5. Any relevant supporting research.

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation?

In the intricate dance of career progression, salary negotiation stands as a pivotal moment, shaping your financial future and professional trajectory. Amidst the myriad of advice circulating the web, one rule emerges as the lodestar guiding successful negotiations: Know Your Worth and Articulate It Confidently.

Is a 20% counter offer too much?

If the salary offered is within the low range for similar positions, consider an initial counteroffer 10-20% higher, and if the salary offered is within the average range, consider a counteroffer 5-7% higher. In addition to compensation data, you should research the cost of living for the area you'll be working in.

How do you politely say the salary is too low?

I am quite excited and intrigued by the position and the opportunity to work for such a great company. However, the salary is lower than I was expecting, considering my background and experience. I would be more comfortable if the amount was closer to $X, and I would really like to see if we can make this work.”

Does HR expect you to negotiate?

Negotiating your compensation package can be a stressful experience for many, however most employers expect candidates will negotiate their offer. Whatever you accept as compensation sets a tone for your time at that employer and a starting point for your earnings, so it's important to know what you want.

Can asking for a raise backfire?

Asking for a raise is not a reason to fire you, although to may damage trust. Also, don't ask too regularly. Explore the situation properly when you do come to ask, but let things lie for a while afterwards. Only ask again when you have improved your performance and are hitting the criteria.

How to respond to a low salary offer?

How to respond to a low salary offer
  1. Ask for time. ...
  2. Understand your minimum acceptable salary. ...
  3. Conduct research. ...
  4. Make a plan. ...
  5. Practice negotiations. ...
  6. Show enthusiasm. ...
  7. Negotiate for early performance reviews. ...
  8. Focus on your skills and expertise.

Will I lose job offer if I negotiate salary?

“First, understand that companies expect you to negotiate. If you're respectful, realistic, and strategic when negotiating salary, there is little risk that you'll lose the job offer entirely,” said Cole.

Is it awkward to negotiate salary?

Any discussions about compensation tend to be awkward. It can be embarrassing to ask for more money and justify why you want more. Even just discussing your salary with friends can be scary because no one wants to find out they are making much less than the people around them.

How to ask for a higher end of salary range?

What to Say or Do in Negotiations
  1. Avoid the salary issue altogether. ...
  2. Say your salary requirement is negotiable.
  3. State your current salary and say your requirement is negotiable.
  4. Say you are earning market value for someone in your field. ...
  5. Give a range in which the low-end figure is 10% above your current salary.

Do employers expect you to negotiate salary?

Unless the employer explicitly stipulates that their offers are nonnegotiable, that's typically a mistake. In fact, because they expect job candidates to negotiate salary, employers typically offer somewhat less than they are willing to pay.

What is a good salary range to give?

When you write your salary requirements, you should include a range and not a specific sum. For instance, if you would like to make $35,000, then you should state that your salary requirements are between $30,000 and $40,000, rather than $35,000. This way, there is an opportunity to negotiate.

What is a respectable counter offer?

Making a counter offer at a 10 to 20 percent higher value than the initial offer is considered a reasonable range, especially if the initial offer is in the low salary range for similar positions.

What not to say in salary negotiation?

"Sorry" According to Doody, "negotiating is uncomfortable, and our natural tendency is to try to smooth the edges on a difficult conversation. Saying sorry could signal to the recruiter or hiring manager that you might be willing to back down, and that could be expensive. Don't apologize for negotiating."

Should you ever accept the first salary offer?

Just as experts often advise job candidates to never accept an employer's first offer for a salary, an employer may counter your desired salary with a new number. You can choose to accept the employer's counter offer or negotiate further.

How much can you realistically negotiate salary?

Start with a figure that's no more than 10-20% above their initial offer. Remember, you're applying for entry level, and you shouldn't expect something on the higher range. Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average.

How to haggle salary offer?

What are some key steps for negotiating salary? First, express your enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for the initial offer. Next, make your case for a higher salary by highlighting your experience and skills. Ideally, you should also provide market research that supports your request.

How do you humbly ask for a salary increase?

How to Ask for a Raise
  1. Pick the Right Time to Ask. ...
  2. Ask for a Meeting to Review Your Salary. ...
  3. Consider the Benefits You Want. ...
  4. Develop a List of Accomplishments and Company Impact. ...
  5. Rehearse the Points You'll Raise in Your Salary Review. ...
  6. State the Specific Figure or Percentage Increase That You Want for Your Raise.

How to answer expected salary?

Don't just give them a specific number, instead, offer a salary range that shows your familiarity with the industry standards. If the recruiter inquires about your current salary, be honest and tell them why you are worthy of this much salary.