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Salary 6 min read · Updated June 2026

How to negotiate your salary without fear

Most people accept the first number out of relief. A short, well-prepared conversation can add thousands to your offer — and good employers expect it.

Know your number first

Walk in with a researched range based on the role, your level, and your market. The Career Hub salary benchmarks are a fast way to anchor your expectations before any conversation.

Let them go first, then anchor high

When asked for your expectations, deflect to their range when you can. Once a number is on the table, counter near the top of your researched range — you can always settle in the middle.

  • "Based on my experience and the market for this role, I was expecting something in the range of X to Y."
  • "I'm excited about the role. Is there flexibility on the base?"

Negotiate the whole package

Base salary is one lever. Signing bonus, equity, start date, remote flexibility, and PTO are all negotiable — and sometimes easier wins than base.

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