If you are offered a position, you might have the option to negotiate your salary. However, some salaries are not negotiable. Do not bring up the topic of salary, benefits and sick/vacation time in an interview or before you are offered the position - wait for the interviewer to address these topics first. When offered a position, you can ask about salary and benefits.

Do Your Research

Before starting negotiation, it is important to do your research and to consider the following:

• The market value for the position. Use the following sites to help determine a rough salary range:
  • Glassdoor
  • Salary.com
  • California Career Zone
  • Payscale
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook
  • H1B Salary Database
  • Salary by location
• Your skill set, years of experience and degree
• Job location - salaries vary widely by geographic area and industry
• Other benefits (e.g., vacation time, relocation costs, a delay in starting, support for applying for an H1B visa) may also be considered as part of the negotiation. When looking at the job offer, it is best to first prioritize your needs.
• Your bottom line. Decide in advance if you are willing to walk away from the job offer if your counter offer is not accepted.

During the Interview

If asked how much you expect to earn, provide a range, not a single figure. If they will entertain a discussion, note that you are appreciative of this job opportunity, are keenly interested in working for them, and have conducted research indicating that $X to $X is more what you were anticipating for a salary.

Want further advice or have specific questions? Make an appointment with ICC advisor.