Negotiate a Higher Salary: 3 Evidence-Based Tips

Jeff -

Recent data from LinkedIn's collaboration with Austin Belcak reveals compelling insights from over 93,000 salary negotiations.

This guide breaks down three proven techniques to help you negotiate a higher salary, backed by real market data and research. You'll learn exactly when to discuss compensation, how to frame your salary range, and master a three-step negotiation framework that consistently delivers results.

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Key Takeaways

  1. Earnings Impact: Candidates who negotiate earn up to twice as much over their careers compared to non-negotiators. Despite this, 54% of candidates don't negotiate their offers. A conservative calculation shows this reluctance can cost you up to $1.9M in lifetime earnings.
  2. Employer Expectations: While 50% of candidates fear losing their job offer by negotiating, 84% of employers actually expect and budget for negotiations. In fact, 90% of employers have never withdrawn an offer due to negotiation.
  3. Success Rate: 93% of candidates who negotiate receive more than the initial offer, with 46% securing above their target salary.

Three Evidence-Based Negotiation Techniques

#1. Avoid the Early Salary Trap

Timing is crucial in salary discussions. Companies aim to disqualify candidates early to save resources, but your leverage increases as you progress through interviews.

When faced with early salary questions, redirect professionally:

"Would you be open to sharing the range you have budgeted for this role? That way we can ensure we're aligned from the start and making the best use of both our time."

#2. Prepare Your Bolstering Range

Columbia University research shows that presenting a salary range, rather than a specific number, leads to higher final offers.

Follow these steps:

  1. Research salary data across multiple platforms (Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, Salary.com, H1Bdata.info)
  2. Review similar job descriptions to gauge your market position
  3. Create a range where your target salary sits at the lower end
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Pro tip: H1Bdata.info provides particularly accurate data for international candidates, as employers must disclose H1B visa holder salaries.

#3. The Double Nope Rule

Structure your negotiation in three rounds:

  • Plan A: Focus on maximizing base salary
  • Plan B: Shift focus to equity and bonuses
  • Plan C: Explore additional benefits (PTO, remote work, education budgets)

Key phrase to remember: "I understand the constraint around base & bonus. I want to be respectful of your budget, but I'd like to make sure my compensation is aligned with my value and the market."

If you enjoyed this...

Check out my guide on connecting with professionals on LinkedIn without coming across as pushy!