"What are your salary expectations?" can feel like a trap. Say too much and you might price yourself out. Say too little and you could earn less for years. The good news: with a little preparation, you can answer confidently and keep room to negotiate.
Why employers ask
Employers usually aren't trying to trick you. They want to know whether your expectations fit the budget for the role before spending more time on interviews. Your goal is to give an answer that is realistic, backed by research, and flexible enough to discuss.
Step 1: Research the market rate
Before any interview, find out what similar roles pay in your location and industry:
- Salary guides published by recruitment agencies
- Salary data on job sites and professional networks
- Salary ranges shown in similar job adverts
- Conversations with people working in the same field
Write down a realistic range for your level of experience, not just the highest figure you find.
Step 2: Know your numbers
Decide three figures before the interview:
- Your target: what you'd be happy with
- Your walk-away point: the lowest offer you'd accept
- Your opening range: usually starting at or slightly above your target
Also think about the full package — benefits like housing, transport, health insurance, bonus or annual flights can be worth as much as a salary difference.
Step 3: Choose how to answer
Option A: Give a researched range
"Based on my research for similar roles and my experience in [skill], I'm looking for something in the range of [X to Y]. I'm open to discussing the full package."
Make the bottom of your range a number you'd genuinely be happy with, because employers often focus on it.
Option B: Turn the question around (early in the process)
"I'd like to learn more about the responsibilities first. Could you share the budgeted range for this role?"
This works well in a first screening call. If they push, be ready to give your range.
Option C: If an application form forces a number
Enter your researched target. If the form allows text, write a range or "negotiable."
What about your current salary?
You don't need to lead with your current salary, especially if you're underpaid or changing careers. Focus on what the new role is worth:
"My current package reflects a different role. For this position, based on the responsibilities, I'm looking for [range]."
Always be honest if you do share it — some employers verify.
Mistakes to avoid
- Naming a figure without any research
- Giving a range so wide it's meaningless
- Saying "whatever you think is fair"
- Talking about personal expenses as the reason you need more
- Accepting the first number on the spot without thinking it over
After the offer
When the offer arrives, you can still negotiate politely. Our job offer negotiation guide has scripts for that conversation.
Common questions
Is it bad to give a number first?
Not if it's well researched. A confident, realistic range shows you know your value.
Should I give monthly or yearly figures?
Use the format that's normal in the country and industry you're applying in, and say clearly which one you mean.
What if their budget is lower than my range?
Ask whether there's flexibility in other parts of the package, or whether there's a review after probation. If it's still below your walk-away point, it's fine to say no.
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