How to Negotiate Salary After a Job Offer
A step-by-step playbook for the salary negotiation conversation, including scripts, BATNA strategy, and the levers most candidates miss.
Definition
Salary negotiation after a job offer is the conversation in which you respond to the initial compensation package and work toward terms you can accept. The components most candidates negotiate are base salary, sign on bonus, equity, target bonus, start date, and (in tech) leveling. The deeper compensation negotiation playbook covers the full lifecycle; this article focuses on the post-offer conversation specifically.
Why It Matters in Interviews
Offers are negotiated more than candidates think. Levels.fyi data shows that the median tech offer increases by 8 to 15% during negotiation, with senior offers regularly moving 20% or more. Across industries, candidates who counter at all gain a median of $5,000 to $20,000 more than candidates who accept the first number. The asymmetry is large because the company has already decided they want you — losing the candidate over a 5 to 10% gap is rarely an option for the hiring manager.
How to Use It
Use a 4 step playbook: 1) acknowledge the offer enthusiastically and ask for it in writing, 2) take 24 to 72 hours to evaluate, 3) counter with a specific number tied to market data and other offers, 4) iterate to a number you can accept. Never accept on the call; never give a counter without specifics; never bluff a competing offer you do not have.
Quick Tips
- Always express enthusiasm before negotiating. Tone matters more than tactics.
- Ask for the offer in writing, including base, bonus, equity, sign on, and start date.
- Take 24 to 72 hours to respond. Same-day acceptance leaves money on the table.
- Use levels.fyi or comparable data for tech roles; use Glassdoor or built-in for others.
- Counter with a specific number, not "I was hoping for more".
- Negotiate the whole package: base, sign on, equity, bonus, vacation, start date.
- Sign on bonus is the easiest lever — it does not affect the band or future raises.
- Equity is the second easiest lever for tech, and the highest leverage long term.
- Always anchor to a real reason: market data, another offer, or your specific value.
- Get the final offer in writing before you resign your current job.
FAQ
How much can I expect to negotiate up?
Median tech increase is 8 to 15%. Senior roles regularly move 20%+ on total comp. Non-tech industries average 5 to 10%.
Should I negotiate if I do not have another offer?
Yes. Anchor to market data instead. "Based on the levels.fyi data for [role]" is a perfectly valid counter.
What if they ask for my current salary?
Many states ban this question now. If asked, you can decline politely or pivot to "What I am focused on is the comp for this role, which I would expect to be in the $X to $Y range."
Can I negotiate after I have already verbally accepted?
Once you have verbally accepted, the window mostly closes. You can sometimes ask for a small adjustment ("can we revisit the sign on?"), but a major counter at this stage damages the relationship.
When should I walk away?
When the final offer is below your minimum acceptable number AND you have other options or runway. Walking away from a number you can survive on but do not love is fine; walking away from a number you cannot survive on is mandatory.
