How to Negotiate a Higher Salary (What to Say)
Name a researched range, let the employer speak first, and negotiate the whole package, not just base pay.
Short answer: Research a market range first, avoid naming a number before the employer does, and when you counter, ask once for a specific figure at the upper end of your range with two sentences of evidence. Most employers expect one counter and have room for 5–15% above the first offer.
Negotiation fails most often for one reason: the candidate names a figure early, based on their current pay rather than the market, and anchors the whole conversation low.
Before the conversation
- Find three data points for the role, seniority and city — job ads with salaries, public pay scales and people in the field.
- Set three numbers: your walk-away, your target and your ambitious ask (target plus about 10%).
- List three concrete results you delivered, each with a number attached.
What to say
When asked for expectations early: 'I'd rather understand the scope first. What range has been budgeted for this role?' When you receive an offer: 'Thanks — I'm keen. Based on the market for this scope and what I brought in my last role, I was targeting X. Can you meet that?' Then stop talking.
Levers beyond base pay
| Lever | Typical flexibility | Worth asking |
|---|---|---|
| Base salary | 5–15% | Always |
| Signing bonus | High | When base is capped |
| Extra leave | Medium | Often easier than cash |
| Remote days | Medium | Real financial value |
| Six-month review | High | Good fallback ask |
Asking for a raise in your current job
Book a dedicated meeting rather than raising it in a review, bring a one-page summary of results from the last 12 months, and ask for a specific figure. If the answer is no, ask what specifically would need to be true in six months — and get that written down.
Want to go further? Read our guide on How to Cut Your Weekly Food Waste Without a System or browse everything in Money.
Frequently asked questions
- Can negotiating cost me the offer?
- Rescinded offers over one polite, evidence-based counter are very rare. Aggressive ultimatums are a different matter.
- Should I mention another offer?
- Only if it is real and you would accept it. Bluffing collapses badly if tested.
- How much can I ask above the offer?
- Typically 5–15%, higher if your research clearly shows the offer is below market.
Sources & references
About the author
Daniel Okoye
Technology Writer
Daniel tests consumer hardware and software and explains what actually changes for everyday users, without the marketing language.
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