How to Answer "What Are Your Salary Expectations?" (With Scripts)

Answer the salary question with a range based on research, and keep the bottom at a number you would genuinely accept. If a posted range exists, speak within it. If you would like to hear the budget first, ask politely. On forms, give a realistic number and flag that it depends on the full package. The aim is to avoid pricing yourself out, avoid underselling and keep the conversation open. Employers often ask early because they want to check that the role fits your expectations, so a clear, calm answer helps both sides.

Pay rules and norms vary by country. In some places, employers must publish ranges or cannot ask about your pay history.

Before you answer

1. Research the market for the role, level and location. Use salary surveys, postings with ranges and people in similar roles.
2. Decide your range: the lowest you would accept and your target.
3. Consider the package: bonus, equity, benefits, leave, flexibility.
4. Check if the posting lists a range. If so, use it.

Preparation stops you from blurting a number under pressure.

Four approaches

1. Give a researched range

"Based on my research and four years of experience, I'm looking for 48,000 to 55,000, depending on the full package."

Use this when you have researched and are comfortable with the whole range. The bottom is a number you would accept.

2. Ask for their range first

"I'd like to understand the budget for the role first. Could you share the range you have in mind?"

This is polite and common. Some employers will answer, particularly if they publish ranges. If they push back, give your range.

3. Redirect to fit and value

"I'm still learning about the role, and I want to make sure we're a good match first. I'm confident we can agree on a number that's fair. What is the range for this position?"

Use this early, when you do not have enough information. Do not dodge repeatedly. If you are asked a second time, give a range.

4. State a firm figure

"I'm looking for 52,000."

Use this when you know your number, for example when another offer sets the level. Add a reason if it helps.

What not to do

• Do not give a number far below the market out of nerves.
• Do not give your current salary as the answer. It is your expectation, not your history. In some places employers cannot ask about pay history at all.
• Do not say "whatever you think is fair", which hands over all control.
• Do not lie about a current or past salary. It can be checked in some contexts.
• Do not give a very wide range, such as 40,000 to 80,000. It signals you have not researched.

On application forms

If a field requires a number, give a figure in the middle of your researched range. If there is a comment box, add "negotiable depending on the full package". If the system forces a single number and you are unsure, choose a realistic figure that you would be happy to start from, and clarify in a conversation. Treat it as a placeholder rather than a binding offer.

In a screening call

Recruiters may ask early. Have your range ready, and say it plainly. See phone screen questions for how employers use the question, and note that they typically want to avoid wasting both sides' time.

"I'm looking for 48,000 to 55,000, depending on the package and scope. Does that fit the range for the role?"

If the answer is no, you have found out early, and you can decide whether to continue.

In an interview

If a hiring manager asks, take the same approach. If it is early in the process, you can say you would like to discuss pay after you have learned more about the role, and give a range if pressed. Keep the tone friendly and confident.

When the range they give is below yours

Say so politely. "That's below what I was expecting. Is there flexibility, or other elements such as bonus or leave, that would bring the package closer?" If the gap is large and fixed, you can step away courteously. It is better to find that out early than after three rounds.

When the range is above yours

If they name a higher range than you planned, be glad. Do not lower your number. Say, "That's helpful. I'd be comfortable with something in that range."

From an employer's perspective

Employers who publish ranges save time on both sides. If you are hiring, include the band in the posting and ask candidates about expectations early, so that no one invests in a process that cannot end in an offer. See job description writing and candidate experience.

Next step

Once you have an offer, the conversation shifts to negotiation. See how to negotiate salary, and compare the offer to your criteria in how to evaluate a job offer. For the wider plan, see job search strategy.