The Watercooler

Here’s How to Answer the Question, “What’s Your Expected Salary?”

One of the more challenging and potentially awkward aspects of interviewing for a job is the compensation discussion. It can be a lot of pressure to figure out a number that you are happy with and communicate your monetary value as a potential employee in a way that projects confidence without seeming arrogant. Learn more about the best practices on how to answer the question, “What’s your expected salary?”:

Do Your Research

To make your response as objective as possible, be prepared by doing your research ahead of time. Look up market value and salary trends for your line of work, geographic area, years of experience, and any other relevant factors. This will give you a baseline to determine what would be an acceptable figure to discuss, as well as to gauge if any offer is significantly under market value. 

Come Up with a Range

Once you’ve done your salary research, use it to develop a salary range that you can respond with when the interviewer asks for a salary amount you expect. This prevents you from inadvertently pricing yourself out of a job offer and gives you some room for negotiating versus having a rigidly defined set number. 

Pivot the Topic to Their Needs

When the interviewer asks you, “What’s your expected salary?” you can try to get a sense of what they want out of the position before you respond with your salary range. For example, “I’m looking forward to finding out more detail about the expectations of the role first, but I’m open to a salary that aligns with the responsibilities and the value I would bring to the organization.” Be aware though that some employers have strict policies about not disclosing salary though, so be ready with a backup response of the salary range you came up with from your research, i.e., “To my understanding, the market value for a job like this in our area is $XY to $YZ.

Highlight Your Qualifications

To give a persuasive response to the salary expectation interview question, open by highlighting your qualifications. For example, you can start out by saying, “Based on my experience and track record of success, I would like a salary in the $X to $Y area.” Not only does it answer their immediate question, but also reminds them of objective reasons you would be worth the investment. 

Discuss Flexibility 

Remember: your annual salary is not the only form of compensation that makes a major difference in your overall financial situation and lifestyle. Other factors, such as comprehensive benefits, generous amounts of paid time off, a flexible schedule, or remote work options, can offset (or even be more personally valuable to you) than just a larger salary. You can add to your response something like, “I am certainly willing to be flexible and am not tied to a particular number as long as the overall compensation is fair.” 

Explore New Opportunities

Are you ready to start your job search? Team up with PrideStaff Akron for help finding the new opportunity that’s right for you. We can match you with available positions that align with your professional goals and skills. Search our available jobs to learn more.  

Expected Salary FAQ

What does expected salary mean?
Expected salary is the amount of pay a candidate reasonably hopes to earn in a new role. It may refer to an annual salary, hourly wage, or salary range based on the position, location, experience level, skills, and current market rates.
What is the best answer to “What is your expected salary?”
The best answer provides a researched salary range while showing flexibility. For example: “Based on my experience, the responsibilities of the role, and current market rates, I’m targeting a salary between $X and $Y. However, I’m open to discussing the complete compensation package.”
How should you answer salary expectations in a job interview?
To answer a salary expectations question, research comparable positions before the interview and prepare a realistic range. Explain that the range is based on the role, your qualifications, and local market conditions. PrideStaff’s guide to evaluating whether you are being paid fairly can help you assess a potential offer.
Should you provide an expected salary range or one exact number?
An expected salary range is generally more useful than one exact number because it leaves room for negotiation. The lower end should still be an amount you would seriously consider, while the upper end should reflect your experience, skills, and the responsibilities of the position.
What should you put for expected salary on a job application?
When an application requires an expected salary, enter a researched range when the form allows it. If it accepts text, you may write “negotiable based on the position and total compensation.” When the form requires one number, choose a reasonable figure near the middle of your researched range.
What is expected annual salary?
Expected annual salary is the gross amount of base pay a candidate expects to earn during one year before taxes and deductions. It generally does not include bonuses, commissions, overtime, health insurance, retirement contributions, or other benefits unless the employer asks for expected total compensation.
What is the difference between expected salary and expected compensation?
Expected salary refers primarily to base pay. Expected compensation or expected remuneration may include base salary plus bonuses, commissions, paid time off, insurance, retirement contributions, and other benefits. Review the entire package rather than judging an opportunity by salary alone. PrideStaff associates can also learn more about available employee benefits.
How do you calculate your anticipated salary for a new position?
Start by researching salaries for the same job title in the relevant geographic area. Then consider your years of experience, certifications, specialized skills, education, past accomplishments, and the scope of the position. Use that information to establish a realistic expected salary range rather than simply repeating your current pay.
Can you say your salary expectations are negotiable?
Yes. Saying your salary expectations are negotiable shows flexibility, but it is still helpful to provide a range when an employer requests one. A strong response might be: “My expected salary is in the $X-to-$Y range, although I’m flexible depending on the responsibilities, benefits, and growth potential.”
How should you answer “What are your compensation expectations?”
When asked about compensation expectations, discuss more than annual salary. Consider bonuses, benefits, paid time off, schedule flexibility, remote-work options, advancement opportunities, and other factors that affect the overall value of the job. For more interview and job-search guidance, explore PrideStaff’s Job Seeker FAQs or connect with a local PrideStaff office