Research Market Salary for Your Target Role
Knowing what your target role pays in your market is non-negotiable. Candidates who do not know their market value either undersell themselves and leave money on the table or price themselves out of opportunities. Either outcome is avoidable with 30 minutes of research.
Knowing what your target role pays in your market is non-negotiable. Candidates who do not know their market value either undersell themselves and leave money on the table or price themselves out of opportunities. Either outcome is avoidable with 30 minutes of research.
Step by Step
Research salary ranges on multiple platforms Check all of these:
Glassdoor Salaries: glassdoor.com/salaries
LinkedIn Salary: linkedin.com/salary
Indeed Salary: indeed.com/career/salaries
Payscale: payscale.com
Levels.fyi for tech roles specifically
Search your exact target job title and filter by your location. Note the range across all platforms.
Factor in your experience level Salary ranges are wide. Where you fall depends on your years of experience, the size of the company, the industry, and specific skills you bring. Be honest about where you sit within the range.
Identify your three numbers Your target salary: The number you would be genuinely happy with. This should be in the upper-middle of the market range for your experience level. Your minimum acceptable salary: The lowest you would accept given your financial situation. Know this number clearly and do not go below it. Your opening ask: If asked to name a number first, this should be 10 to 15% above your target to give room to negotiate down to where you actually want to land.
Write your numbers down and save them somewhere private
Tips for success
Research salaries in your specific city, not nationally. Salary ranges vary significantly by location.
If a job posting lists a salary range that is below your minimum acceptable salary it is worth considering before applying rather than after investing significant time in the process.
Total compensation includes more than base salary. Benefits, vacation, remote work flexibility, bonuses, and equity all have real monetary value. Factor them into your assessment.