Negotiate your salary like a pro

Research your market value

Before any negotiation, you need data. Use these sources to establish your range:

1. Levels.fyi — Best for tech compensation data
2. Glassdoor — Broad industry coverage
3. Payscale — Adjusted for location and experience
4. Blind — Anonymous real comp data from employees

Your target range:

• Bottom: What you'd accept (your walk-away number)
• Middle: What you'd be happy with
• Top: Your stretch ask (15-20% above middle)

When and how to negotiate

Timing is everything in salary negotiation:

When to bring up comp:

• ✅ After you have a written offer
• ✅ When they ask your expectations (deflect until offer stage)
• ❌ In the first interview
• ❌ Before they've decided they want you

The magic script:
"I'm really excited about this opportunity. Based on my research and the value I'd bring, I was hoping we could discuss a base salary in the range of $X-$Y. Is there flexibility there?"

Negotiate beyond base salary

Total compensation includes much more than base salary:

1. Signing bonus — Often easier to adjust because it is a one-time cost
2. Equity/RSUs — Can materially change long-term compensation at some companies
3. Annual bonus target — Ask how it is calculated and paid
4. Remote work — Can reduce commuting, relocation, and schedule friction
5. PTO — Extra vacation days have real monetary value
6. Professional development — Conference budgets, learning stipends, and certifications
7. Title — A higher title can support future compensation conversations

Leverage competing offers

Multiple offers are the strongest negotiation tool:

How to use them:

1. Be transparent that you have other offers (don't bluff)
2. Share the competing number only if it's genuinely higher
3. Give them a deadline: "I need to decide by Friday"
4. Frame it as wanting to choose them: "Your role is my top choice, but I want to make sure the comp is competitive"

Close the deal

Once you've agreed on terms:

1. Get everything in writing — Verbal promises mean nothing
2. Review the full offer letter — Check start date, title, comp, equity vesting
3. Confirm your start date — Negotiate 2-4 weeks if needed
4. Send a thank-you note — Reinforce your enthusiasm

Final tip: Negotiation doesn't end at the offer. Set yourself up for a strong first performance review by clarifying success metrics during your first week.