What Are Your Salary Expectations? How to Answer Perfectly

This is the question that makes people's palms sweat, because it feels like a moment you can lose real money in a single sentence. And you can. Name a number too low and you've capped yourself before you started; name one blindly and you might price yourself out. The good news: this is a game of method and phrasing, not nerve. Handle it with a process and it stops being scary.

Part of our complete behavioral interview answers guide — browse more interview questions by company and role.

The core principle: come in with a researched range, deflect gracefully early in the process, and when you do give a number, anchor to the top of your researched range rather than the bottom. Preparation replaces panic.

How to research a range

Do your homework before the conversation ever happens. Look at reputable salary sources for the role, the seniority level, and — critically — the location or market, since compensation varies enormously by geography. Talk to people in similar roles if you can. Factor in your own experience relative to the posting. The goal isn't a single figure; it's a defensible band you can speak to confidently.

I'm deliberately not quoting numbers here, because real ranges depend entirely on your role, level, and market — and any figure I invented would mislead you. Pull the actual data yourself; that's what makes your range credible in the room.

Deflection scripts for early conversations

When the question comes up early — say, in a first screen — it's often fine to defer politely so you can negotiate from a stronger position later. A few ways to do it without sounding evasive:

"I'd love to learn more about the role and responsibilities first, so we
 can make sure the fit is right on both sides. Then I'm happy to talk
 numbers."

"I'm flexible and more focused on finding the right role. Could you share
 the budgeted range for this position? I can tell you quickly if we're
 aligned."

"I'd rather understand the full scope before naming a figure — what range
 do you have in mind for someone at this level?"

Turning the question back to ask their range is completely fair, and it often gets you the most useful information in the whole negotiation.

How to give a number without underselling

When it's time to commit — usually once they're clearly interested — give a range whose bottom is a number you'd genuinely accept, and let the top stretch to the upper end of your research. Never lead with your walk-away minimum. And a small trick that helps: after you state your number, stop talking. Silence is uncomfortable, but filling it is how people negotiate against themselves.

"Based on the role, my experience, and the market for this kind of
 position, I'm targeting a range of [your researched band]. I'm sure we
 can find something that works for both of us."

Common mistakes

• Naming a number with no research. You're guessing with real money on the line.
• Anchoring at your minimum. If your range bottoms out at what you'd barely accept, that's often what you'll get.
• Giving a single rigid figure. A range leaves room to negotiate; a point number invites a "no."
• Apologising for the ask. Compensation is a normal, professional conversation. Don't undercut yourself with hedging.

FAQ

Should I ever give a number first? If pushed, a researched range is fine — but it's usually better to get their range first when you can. Whoever has more information holds the stronger position.

What if their budget is below my range? Stay calm and explore the whole package — there may be flexibility elsewhere. Knowing your researched floor keeps you from accepting something you'll regret. This kind of composure under a tricky question is the same muscle used in handling difficult questions.

Rehearse the deflection scripts and your number out loud until they feel natural in the practice copilot — delivery is half of negotiation.