Answering Salary Expectations
How to handle "What are your salary expectations?" without anchoring yourself low or pricing yourself out.
Definition
The salary expectations question is asked early in the recruiting process — usually by the recruiter on the first call — to filter candidates who fall outside the budgeted range. Whoever names a number first is "anchored" to it, which is why experienced candidates either deflect to research-backed market data or quote a wide range tied to total compensation, not just base salary.
Why It Matters in Interviews
According to Levels.fyi compensation data, candidates who name a specific number on the first call earn 8 to 15% less in their final offer than those who deflect to market research. At the senior end, that gap can exceed $40,000 per year on a single role. The question is also a legal flashpoint — in many U.S. states (California, New York, Colorado, Washington) it is now illegal for employers to ask about salary history, and recruiters are required to share the role's posted range on request.
How to Use It
Default to a deflection: ask the recruiter to share the band first. If pushed, give a wide range based on total compensation (base + bonus + equity) anchored to public market data from Levels.fyi or the role's posted range, and frame it as "open to a competitive package given the full picture." Related reading: How to Answer "What Are Your Salary Expectations?" and How Do You Negotiate Salary After a Job Offer?.
Example
"Before I share a number, could you walk me through the band you have for this role? I want to make sure we're aligned on the full package — base, bonus, and equity — rather than anchor on a single figure prematurely. Based on what I've seen on Levels.fyi for comparable senior roles, I'd be looking in the $230K to $280K total compensation range, but I'm flexible depending on equity mix."
Quick Tips
- In CA, NY, CO, and WA you can legally ask the recruiter to share the role's pay range — they must disclose it.
- Always quote total compensation, not base salary alone — this is how senior roles are actually structured.
- Use Levels.fyi or Glassdoor data to anchor your range, not a friend's anecdote.
- Never reveal your current salary unless legally required — it caps your upside.
FAQ
What if the recruiter refuses to share their range?
In states with pay transparency laws (CA, NY, CO, WA), they're legally required to. Elsewhere, give a wide range tied to public market data and frame it as flexible pending the full package.
Should I include equity in my number?
Yes. At senior tech roles, equity often makes up 40 to 60% of total compensation. Quoting only base undervalues you significantly.