Careers
Salary negotiation: how to ask for more (without the awkwardness)
A practical, evidence-led guide to negotiating your salary — how to research a fair number, when to raise it, exactly what to say, and the mistakes to avoid.
June 28, 2026 · 9 min read
Negotiating salary feels uncomfortable, so a lot of people skip it — and quietly leave money on the table for years, since most raises compound off the starting number. It doesn't have to be adversarial. Done well, negotiation is just a short, well-researched conversation, and employers expect it.
Know your number
Walk in with a researched range for your role, level and location — not a wish. Triangulate from several sources: the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook for authoritative wage data, any posted ranges (increasingly required by law), and peers in your field. Aim to ask near the top of a realistic range, not beyond it.
Timing and leverage
Your leverage peaks the moment you have an offer and before you've accepted — they've decided they want you. Avoid naming a hard figure early; if pushed, give a researched range. When the offer lands, it's completely normal to ask for time to consider it.
What to actually say
Keep it short and specific: thank them, express genuine enthusiasm, then ask. Something like — “I'm really excited about the role. Based on the scope and market rates for this level, I was hoping we could get to [number]. Is there flexibility?” Then stop talking. Silence is fine. If salary is fixed, pivot to other levers: signing bonus, start date, review timing, learning budget, remote flexibility.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't anchor on your current pay, don't apologise for asking, don't bluff a competing offer you don't have, and don't accept on the spot out of relief. A good employer respects a calm, prepared negotiation — it's a preview of how you'll advocate in the job.
Get to the offer on merit
The strongest negotiating position is being clearly the right hire. Spoon Hire gets you there on skill — a fair AI interview and a skills-first profile. Build yours, and read how to stand out as a candidate.
Frequently asked
How do I research a fair salary?
Use public wage data and multiple sources to build a range for your role, level and location. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook is a free, authoritative starting point, alongside company ranges and peer benchmarks.
When should I negotiate salary?
After you have an offer, not before. That's when you have the most leverage — they've chosen you. Avoid naming a hard number too early in the process.
What if they ask my current salary?
In many places employers can't ask, and you don't have to anchor on it. Redirect to your expected range based on the role's market value and what you bring.
Put it into practice with Spoon Hire.
Run fair, skills-first AI interviews and review anonymized, merit-ranked shortlists.