Is it OK to negotiate a job offer?

Yes. Employers expect it, and most build room into the first offer. A polite counter rarely costs you the offer.

How much more should I ask for?

Often 5 to 15 percent above the offer, backed by pay data. Use the pay check on this site to compare your offer with listed pay.

What if they say it is their best offer?

Ask for non-salary items: a sign-on bonus, vacation, a title, an earlier review or a remote day. If none are possible, decide whether the role is worth it as offered.

Salary negotiation email template

Employers expect a counter. A friendly email that names a number and one reason usually gets a better offer without hurting the relationship.

Subject: Thank you for the offer

Hi [recruiter or hiring manager’s first name],

Thank you for the offer for the [role] role. I am excited about the team and I would like to say yes.

Before I do, I would like to talk about compensation. The offer is [offered salary]. [one reason], and I would be comfortable accepting at [what you are asking for].

Is there flexibility? If this is the right number, I am ready to accept.

Thank you,
[your name]

Open in my email app

How to get it right

Always say you are excited first. Warmth makes the counter feel like part of closing, not a fight.
Name a number, not a range. A range lets them pick the bottom.
Give a reason tied to the job or the market, not to your expenses.
If salary is fixed, ask for a signing bonus, extra vacation, a title or an earlier review. Each costs them less.
Never reveal a bottom line, and in states that bar salary-history questions you do not have to share your current pay.

Questions about this template

Is it OK to negotiate a job offer?: Yes. Employers expect it, and most build room into the first offer. A polite counter rarely costs you the offer.
How much more should I ask for?: Often 5 to 15 percent above the offer, backed by pay data. Use the pay check on this site to compare your offer with listed pay.
What if they say it is their best offer?: Ask for non-salary items: a sign-on bonus, vacation, a title, an earlier review or a remote day. If none are possible, decide whether the role is worth it as offered.

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