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Salary Negotiation

Negotiating a job offer usually means countering 5–10% above it with market pay data. The calculator shows what that difference is worth per paycheck and over 10 years, followed by the steps and scripts to ask for it.

Updated November 3, 2026. Free, no sign-up; everything runs in your browser and nothing you type is stored.

What a counter-offer is worth

Offer ($ a year)Your counter ($ a year) Yearly raises (%)Tax on the extra (%)401(k) match (% of pay)

Asking for more is worth

–

–With raises building on the higher base

–Take-home difference

–Extra match

–Size of the ask for the employer

Salary negotiation in 6 steps

Get the real market rate first. Look up your job's median and 75th–90th percentile pay on our BLS salary pages (May 2025 data), and check posted pay ranges. Many states, including California, Colorado, New York, Washington and Illinois, require employers to publish pay ranges in job ads.
Let them give a number first if you can. If you're asked for expectations early, say you'd like to learn more about the role first, or give a researched range whose low end you'd be happy with.
Counter in writing or by phone, with a reason. Thank them, restate your interest, and anchor slightly above your target, tied to market data and what you bring.
Negotiate the whole package. If base pay is capped, ask about a sign-on bonus, an earlier pay review, extra PTO, remote days, title or 401(k) match.
Don't negotiate against yourself. After you counter, wait for their answer before lowering your number.
Get the final offer in writing before you resign from your current job.

Scripts you can copy

When asked for your salary expectations:

I'd like to understand the full scope of the role first. Based on what I've seen for similar roles, I'm targeting the range of $[target]–$[higher]. Is that within your range for this position?

Countering a written offer:

Thank you, I'm excited about this offer. Based on my experience with [skill/result] and market data for this role, I was hoping for a base salary closer to $[counter]. If we can get there, I'm ready to accept.

When they say the budget is fixed:

I understand. Could we look at a sign-on bonus of $[amount], or a salary review at six months tied to clear goals? Either would make this work for me.

Asking for a raise in your current job:

Over the past year I [result with numbers]. Market data for this role puts pay at about $[figure]. I'd like to discuss bringing my salary to $[ask].

Several states and cities also ban employers from asking about your salary history, so you're generally not required to share it. Check your state's labor department for current rules.

Common questions

How much should I counter a job offer?

A common approach is 5–10% above the offer, backed by market pay data for the role and location. Ask for a specific number, not a range, once you have an offer.

Can a job offer be withdrawn if I negotiate?

It's rare when the request is polite and backed by data. Most employers expect some negotiation; the risk is higher if you make demands or keep reopening terms.

Should I tell them my current salary?

You don't have to, and many states and cities ban employers from asking. You can say you'd rather focus on the pay range for this role.

What else can I negotiate besides salary?

Sign-on bonus, start date, PTO, remote work, title, an early pay review, relocation help, education budget and 401(k) match.

How much is a $5,000 raise worth over time?

With 3% yearly raises building on it, about $57,000 over 10 years, before counting any extra retirement match.

Sources

General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.