compensation advice

How to Negotiate Salaries with Confidence

Scout Editorial Team

27 December 2025 • 5 minute read

Salary negotiation isn't confrontation—it's collaborative problem-solving to align value with compensation. Coming prepared with market data, a clear range, and a confident script can add thousands to your offer and set a higher baseline for future raises.

Below is a concise playbook to research your range, deliver the ask, and close with confidence.

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Step 1: Research the market & set your band

Anchor with credible data before you share numbers. Build a tight range—not a single point.

Stack benchmarks: Use levels.fyi, Glassdoor, Blind ranges, and recruiter intel to triangulate base, bonus, and equity.
Build a range: Choose a 10–15% spread. Top anchors the conversation; bottom is your walk-away threshold.
Context matters: Adjust for location, level, company stage, and total comp mix (base vs. equity vs. bonus).

PRO TIP

Ask for the band first: “Can you share the compensation band for this level and location?” Let their range anchor the convo.

Step 2: Negotiate with concise scripts

Keep it brief, confident, and collaborative. Here are copy-paste ready scripts:

Initial ask: “Based on the scope and market data for this level, I'm targeting a total comp range of $X–$Y. How close can we get?”
If they lowball: “I appreciate the offer. Given my experience with [skills/ impact], can we revisit base toward $X and refresh equity to align with market?”
If they cite budget limits: “Understood. Are there levers on signing bonus, equity refresh timing, or title to bridge the gap?”
Competing offers: “I have another offer at $X total comp. I'd love to join this team—can we get closer to that package?”

PRO TIP

Avoid sharing current salary. If pressed, pivot to range: “I'm focused on market-aligned total comp in the $X–$Y range.”

Final tips: Close confidently

Negotiation is iterative—stay warm, grateful, and firm on your floor.

🧭 Separate levers: base, bonus, equity, signing, PTO, title, start date—each can move.
🧾 Get it in writing: ask for a revised offer letter or email recap before accepting.
🧠 Time-box: set a friendly decision date to keep momentum and avoid offer fatigue.

PRO TIP

If they can’t move comp, ask for an accelerated review (3–6 months), clear promo criteria, and a written agreement to revisit pay when targets are hit.

With solid research, a clear range, and concise scripts, you can negotiate calmly and land a package that reflects your impact. You've earned it.

Table of contents

Intro Step 1: Research & band your ask Step 2: Negotiate with scripts Final tips: Close confidently

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