How do I negotiate a higher salary without being awkward
I got a job offer for $55k but I was making $60k at my last job. I really want this new role but I don't want to accept less money. How do I ask for more without sounding greedy or ruining the offer?
1 Answer(s)
Negotiating salary is not awkward — it's expected. Companies literally budget for negotiation. Here's exactly what to say.
Don't say "I need more money." Say this: "I'm really excited about this role and I'd love to join the team. Based on my experience and the market rate for this position, I was expecting something in the $65k-$70k range. Is there flexibility in the offer?"
That's it. You're not demanding — you're stating a range based on market data. Go to Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or Payscale and find the salary range for your role in your city. Use that data as your anchor.
If they say no, you have two options: accept the offer and negotiate other things (signing bonus, extra PTO, remote work days, a 6-month salary review), or politely say you need to think about it. Sometimes saying "let me think about it" creates enough space for them to come back with a better number.
The worst they can say is no. And if they withdraw the offer because you negotiated, that's a red flag about the company anyway.