Job offer negotiation

How to negotiate a tech job offer

Negotiating your job offer is expected and rarely rescinds offers. Learn what is negotiable, when to negotiate, and the exact scripts to use for salary, equity, and start date.

The negotiation mindset

Companies expect negotiation. Making a reasonable counter-offer has almost never caused an offer to be rescinded. The risk of negotiating is low; the reward is compounding.

A $5,000 higher base salary, compounded over a career through raises and future offers anchored to it, is worth far more than $5,000. Negotiating once — professionally and warmly — is one of the highest ROI conversations you will ever have.

What you can negotiate (it is more than just salary)

Most people only think to ask about base salary. Every item below is legitimately on the table.

Base salaryThe most important lever — affects every future raise and bonus calculation.
Signing bonusOften more flexible than base, especially at startups. Useful when base is capped.
EquityShares or options — vesting schedule, cliff length, and strike price are all fair game.
Start dateTypically flexible by 2–4 weeks. Useful if you need time between roles.
TitleAffects your future negotiating power at the next company. Worth asking about.
Remote work policyWFH days per week, home office stipend, async-first expectations.
Professional development budgetCourses, conferences, books. Often has a set pool — ask what is available.
PTO / vacationMore common to negotiate than people assume, particularly at smaller companies.

When to negotiate

After you have the written offer. Not before. Not during the interview. Not off a verbal — wait for the letter.

Your first response to any offer

‘Thank you, I am very excited — can I have until [2–3 days from now] to review it carefully?’

Always say this before responding to any number. It buys you time, signals that you are thoughtful, and is universally expected.

How to research your number

Collect 5–10 data points before you counter. Aim for the 60th–75th percentile for your role, level, and location — high enough to move the number, realistic enough to be credible.

Use these sources:

Levels.fyiTech roles, equity breakdown, TC data

GlassdoorGlobal, broad role and company coverage

LinkedIn SalaryRole + location filters

PayscaleSkills-adjusted compensation data

Ask people in the role'I have an offer at [company] — what is a fair range for [role] at [level] in [city]?'

Salary negotiation scripts

Use these word-for-word or adapt them to your voice. The goal is warm and confident — not stiff or apologetic.

First counter (email)

‘Thank you so much for the offer — I am genuinely excited about this opportunity and the team. After reviewing the offer, I was hoping we could discuss the base salary. Based on my research and experience, I was targeting [X] for this role. Is there flexibility to move closer to that number?’

If they push back and ask why

‘I have been doing research on Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary for [role] at [level] in [city], and the midpoint for comparable roles is around [X]. I am also considering [alternative leverage — competing offer / other offer I am weighing].’

If they cannot move on base — pivot to signing bonus

‘I understand there may be constraints on the base. Is there any flexibility on a signing bonus to bridge that gap?’

After the negotiation

Accept in writing once you have what you need. Do not negotiate again after accepting — the relationship starts the moment you sign.

Begin building the relationship with your future manager before day one. A short note introducing yourself and asking if there is anything useful to read or prepare is a strong signal.

Next step

Prepare your interview answers

The offer comes after the interview. Make sure you are ready for the questions that get you there.

Prepare your interview answers