What Are Your Salary Expectations?

Why interviewers ask this

One of the trickiest interview questions because the conventional wisdom of ‘let them say a number first’ is increasingly outdated. Knowing how to answer protects you from leaving money on the table.

How to answer — tips

• Research market rate before any interview — Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, LinkedIn Salary, comp surveys
• Have a range ready, not a single number — and anchor the top of your range where you actually want to land
• In many US states and cities, employers are required to post salary ranges — check before negotiating
• It’s acceptable to ask what the budgeted range is before giving yours

What NOT to say

Don’t say ‘I’m flexible’ or ‘Whatever’s fair’ — it signals you don’t know your value. Don’t give a number before you understand the full compensation structure (base, bonus, equity, benefits).

Answer structure to follow

Based on my research into this role and market rates for [your level/location], I’m targeting [range with a spread of $15–20K]. I’m open to hearing the full compensation structure — base, bonus, and equity together — and I’d want to understand that before anchoring hard on a number.

Frequently asked variations

Should I always give a range?

Yes — and be strategic. If you want $90K, say $90K–$105K. If they come in at $90K, you got your target. If they offer $105K, you got more.

What if they push me for a specific number?

Hold your range and reiterate: ‘Given everything I’ve shared, I’d expect something in the [X–Y] range.’ Staying consistent signals confidence.

What if the listed range is below my target?

Ask about total compensation first. Equity, bonuses, and benefits can close the gap. If they can’t, it’s better to learn that early than waste both parties’ time.

Practice on video: record your answers on Employment.Media, re-record as often as you like, and share one Video Group link with employers. Get started free.