How much can you realistically negotiate salary?

Asked by: Nadia Kutch  |  Last update: July 31, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (54 votes)

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.

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.

What is a reasonable amount to negotiate salary?

Entry-level base salaries are usually subject to no more than 10 percent of the original salary offered. Note that many top employers have set, non-negotiable salaries at this level. Mid-level positions typically have a negotiation range of between 10 and 20 percent.

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.

How much is too much to ask for when negotiating?

But the tactic has an upper limit. Their research found that asking for any range that would be more than 25% did not produce better results. Taking the Paysa survey and the Columbia Business School survey results together, it might make the most sense to consider negotiating for an increase in pay between 5-10%.

How to Negotiate Salary after Job Offer | 5 Practical Tips

17 related questions found

What is the 80 20 rule in negotiation?

Most people succeed or fail in a negotiation based on how well-prepared they are (or are not!). We adhere to the 80/20 rule – 80% of negotiation is preparation and 20% is the actual negotiation with the other party.

Can you lose a job offer by negotiating 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.

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 salary to ask for a new job?

The tip here is provide a specific number, not a salary range. Since employers will default to the bottom number of your range anyway, stick with providing just one number that you're targeting. In reality, this number should be 8% to 15% higher than your ideal number that you're keeping to yourself.

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.

How do you negotiate salary gracefully?

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.

What salary to ask for when given a range?

Don't be afraid to ask for something at or near the top of the range. The worst they can say is "no" and offer you something a bit lower.

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.

Can you lose a job offer by asking for too much?

The short answer is that you cannot lose a job offer just by negotiating your salary. However, you can lose it by how you negotiate. Think of negotiating like a pendulum.

Why accepting a counteroffer is a big mistake?

Your loyalty will be questioned

If you accept a counteroffer from your current employer after already accepting another offer, it will likely damage your relationship with both your current and future employers.

How much more should I ask for when negotiating salary?

Consider negotiating lower if 10-20% places you above the average. Is the pay in-line with average pay, but still believe you can negotiate based on your skills? Consider a range between 5-7% above. You don't want to risk your chances with a company that is genuinely interested in your financial well-being.

How to negotiate without losing the offer?

13 tips to prepare for salary negotiation
  1. Start by evaluating what you have to offer. ...
  2. Research the market average. ...
  3. Prepare your talking points. ...
  4. Schedule a time to discuss. ...
  5. Rehearse with a trusted friend. ...
  6. Be confident. ...
  7. Lead with gratitude. ...
  8. Ask for the top of your range.

What is the first step you should take when negotiating your salary?

Research your market value.

The first step to successfully negotiating your salary is to learn the salary range for your position and identify your target salary. The salary range is your “market value,” or the price people are willing to pay for the kind of work that you do.

What is the best answer for salary negotiation?

During salary negotiations, consider various factors such as cost of living, your current pay package, and any additional employment benefits like pension, leave entitlement, and employee stock option. A recommended approach is to present your expected salary within a range rather than a fixed figure.

Should I mention my current salary when negotiating salary?

Salary is only one aspect of compensation. Negotiation is a skill that requires preparation and practice. It's better to say nothing at all, than to regret saying too much. It doesn't matter what your current salary is.

How do you politely say the salary is too low?

“Thank you so much for the offer. I'm really excited about the company and the role. I want to be upfront with you that the salary is lower than I was expecting based on my skills and experience. I'd like to be at a number more like $X.

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.

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.

When shouldn't you negotiate salary?

Don't negotiate if you're happy with the entire package

A lot of us focus on total compensation, and for good reason. But there's more to a job than just the money. It could come with good perks (like the ability to work remotely more often), better work-life balance, or even a better learning experience.