How to Negotiate Your Salary: A Script That Actually Works
Most people leave $5,000-15,000 on the table by not negotiating. Here's exactly what to say.
Negotiation is the single highest-ROI financial skill you can develop. A $10,000 raise in your 20s, invested over a career, is worth over $1 million in lifetime earnings and investment growth.
Before the Conversation
Research your market rate on Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Payscale. Talk to peers in similar roles. Know your number before you walk in.
The Script
"I'm really excited about this role and I'd love to make this work. Based on my research and the value I'd bring — [specific examples] — I was hoping we could discuss a base salary of [your number, 10-15% above their offer]."
If They Say No
"I understand there may be constraints on base salary. Are there other areas we could explore — signing bonus, extra PTO, remote work flexibility, professional development budget, or an early performance review with a raise path?"
Key Principles
- Never give your number first if you can avoid it.
- Always negotiate after receiving a written offer — never during interviews.
- Be collaborative, not adversarial. You're solving a problem together.
- Silence is your friend. State your ask, then wait.
The Compound Effect
Every raise is permanent and compounds with future raises, bonuses, and 401(k) matching. Negotiating once for 15 minutes can be worth hundreds of thousands over your career.
TrendingBudget Team
Practical financial advice from people who actually budget.