Expert advice on salary research, negotiation strategies, and maximizing your total compensation package.
Most professionals leave money on the table due to negotiation hesitation
of workers have never negotiated their salary
lost lifetime earnings for not negotiating initial salary
of companies expect candidates to negotiate salary offers
average salary increase when changing jobs (vs. 3% for staying)
Expert guides and tools to help you research, negotiate, and maximize your compensation
Preview of our comprehensive salary data across key industries
| Position | Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $95,000 - $180,000 | $125,000 |
| UX Designer | $85,000 - $150,000 | $110,000 |
| Product Manager | $100,000 - $190,000 | $135,000 |
| Data Scientist | $100,000 - $185,000 | $130,000 |
| Position | Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $75,000 - $120,000 | $90,000 |
| Medical Laboratory Scientist | $60,000 - $95,000 | $75,000 |
| Healthcare Administrator | $85,000 - $160,000 | $115,000 |
| Physical Therapist | $75,000 - $115,000 | $95,000 |
| Position | Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | $70,000 - $130,000 | $95,000 |
| Investment Banker | $100,000 - $250,000 | $165,000 |
| Risk Manager | $85,000 - $145,000 | $110,000 |
| Financial Advisor | $65,000 - $140,000 | $90,000 |
Key approaches to help you navigate compensation discussions confidently
Gather data from multiple sources: industry reports, salary websites, personal networks, and job postings
When possible, avoid sharing your salary expectations until the employer has made an offer
Consider benefits, bonuses, equity, flexibility, development opportunities, and other perks
Frame your request around the value you bring, using quantifiable results from past experiences
Rehearse key talking points with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach
Approach as a problem-solving discussion where both parties are seeking a fair outcome
Expert answers to common salary negotiation questions
The best time to negotiate salary is after you've received a job offer but before you've accepted it. At this point, the employer has decided they want you, giving you maximum leverage. For current positions, the ideal times are during performance reviews, after completing major projects successfully, when taking on significant new responsibilities, or when you have competing offers.
Research appropriate salary ranges by consulting multiple sources: industry salary surveys, website compensation tools like Glassdoor and PayScale, professional associations' salary reports, government data (Bureau of Labor Statistics), networking with industry professionals, and reviewing job postings for similar positions. Consider factors like location, company size, your experience level, and specific skills when evaluating this information.
When asked about salary expectations, it's best to tactfully redirect the question initially. Say something like: 'I'd like to learn more about the role and responsibilities before discussing compensation. However, based on my research for similar positions in this industry and location, and considering my experience and skills, I'm targeting a range of [higher end of your researched range] to [about 15-20% higher].' This approach shows you've done your homework while keeping the conversation open.
Yes, it's absolutely appropriate to negotiate benefits along with salary, as they form a significant part of your total compensation package. Consider discussing: additional paid time off, flexible working arrangements, educational assistance, professional development opportunities, sign-on bonuses, enhanced retirement contributions, stock options or equity, improved health insurance, wellness benefits, and performance-based bonuses. Sometimes employers have more flexibility with benefits than with base salary.
When responding to a lower-than-expected salary offer, remain professional and positive about the opportunity. Thank them for the offer, reaffirm your interest in the position, and then express that the salary is lower than you anticipated based on your research and value. Provide specific market data for similar roles and highlight your unique qualifications. Suggest a specific counter-offer range and be prepared to discuss other aspects of compensation like benefits, vacation time, or flexible working arrangements. Always keep the conversation collaborative rather than confrontational.