Salary Negotiation Calculator
Know exactly what you're worth. Enter your details to get market-rate estimates, a negotiation range, and an AI-generated counter-offer script.
Your Market Value Estimate
Based on your experience, location, and industry
Suggested Negotiation Target
Aim for the upper range. Employers expect negotiation and typically have room above the initial offer.
How to Negotiate Your Salary
- Research the Market Rate Before any negotiation, know the going rate for your role, experience level, and location. Use our calculator above, check Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and LinkedIn Salary Insights. The more data points you have, the stronger your position.
- Quantify Your Value Prepare 3-5 concrete achievements with measurable impact. "I increased conversion by 22%" is more powerful than "I improved the website." Employers pay for results, not responsibilities.
- Let Them Make the First Offer Avoid naming a number first. When asked about salary expectations, respond with: "I'd like to understand the full scope of the role first. What range did you have budgeted for this position?"
- Counter with Confidence When you receive an offer, express enthusiasm for the role, then present your counter. Anchor your ask 10-15% above the midpoint of your target range. Always justify with market data, not personal needs.
- Negotiate the Full Package Salary is just one component. If the base is firm, negotiate signing bonuses, equity, remote work days, PTO, professional development budgets, or title. These can add $10K-$30K in total compensation value.
Salary Negotiation Scripts
Initial Offer Response
"Thank you so much for this offer. I'm genuinely excited about this role and the team. I've done some research on market rates for this position in [location], and based on my [X years] of experience and the impact I've delivered at [current company] -- specifically [achievement] -- I was hoping we could discuss a base salary in the range of [target]. Would that be possible?"
Counter-Offer After Pushback
"I appreciate you explaining the constraints. I understand budgets are tight, and I want to make this work for both sides. Would you be open to meeting in the middle at [adjusted number]? Alternatively, I'd be happy to discuss a signing bonus or an accelerated review timeline -- say a performance review at 6 months with a path to [target] based on hitting [specific metrics]."
Leveraging a Competing Offer
"I want to be transparent -- I've received another offer at [competing salary]. Your company is my first choice because of [specific reason], but I want to make sure the compensation reflects the market. Is there flexibility to bring the offer closer to [target]? I'd love to accept today if we can close that gap."
Salary Data by Industry
Average US salary ranges for mid-career professionals (3-8 years experience)
| Industry | Low Range | Median | High Range | Top Metros Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tech | $95,000 | $135,000 | $180,000 | +25-35% |
| Finance | $75,000 | $115,000 | $160,000 | +20-30% |
| Healthcare | $65,000 | $95,000 | $140,000 | +15-25% |
| Marketing | $55,000 | $80,000 | $120,000 | +15-25% |
| Education | $42,000 | $58,000 | $85,000 | +10-20% |
| Government | $48,000 | $68,000 | $95,000 | +10-20% |