How to Negotiate Salary: Exact Scripts to Ask for More Money

By Arneeb Mahbub · Updated October 7, 2026

You got the offer. Congratulations. Now comes the five minute conversation that can be worth more than a year of raises.

Most people accept the first number they hear. They are scared the offer will disappear, or they just do not know what to say. This salary negotiation guide shows you exactly how to negotiate salary, with word-for-word scripts you can use on a call or in an email.

When I chose my role at Indeed in 2022, I had 6 offers in one week. That gave me leverage, but what got me a better package was knowing what to say. You do not need six offers. You need a plan.

Before you negotiate: know your number

Never walk into a salary negotiation without three numbers written down.

1. Your market rate. Check Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Levels.fyi for tech roles, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics for your role, level, and city.
2. Your target. The number you will actually ask for, usually toward the top of the market range for your experience.
3. Your walk-away number. The lowest offer you would accept. Know it, and never say it out loud.

Then write down three reasons you are worth the target: results you have delivered, skills that are hard to find, or how quickly you will make an impact in this role.

When to negotiate salary

The best time to negotiate is after you receive a written offer and before you accept it. That is when the company has decided they want you, and you have the most leverage.

Earlier in the process, you may hear "What are your salary expectations?" Here is how to handle it:

"I am focused on finding the right fit, and I am confident we can agree on a number if this is a match. Could you share the budgeted range for this role?"

If they push for a number, give a researched range where the bottom is a number you would be happy with.

How to negotiate salary: 6 scripts

Script 1: When you first get the offer

Do not accept or counter on the spot. Show excitement and buy time.

"Thank you so much. I am really excited about this role and the team. Could you send the full offer in writing so I can review everything? I will get back to you by Thursday."

Script 2: The counteroffer

This is the core of how to negotiate salary. Be warm, specific, and confident.

"I am excited about this opportunity and want to make it work. Based on my research for this role in this market, and the results I delivered at my last company, I was expecting a base salary closer to $95,000. Is there flexibility to get there?"

Then stop talking. Let the silence work for you.

Script 3: Ask about wiggle room

If you are not sure how much room exists, ask directly. This phrase does a lot of heavy lifting.

"I really want to say yes. Is there any wiggle room on the base salary?"

It is friendly, low pressure, and it invites the recruiter to tell you what is possible.

Script 4: When you have another offer

Only use this if it is true.

"I have another offer at $100,000, but this role is my first choice because of the team and the product. If you can get closer to that number, I am ready to accept."

Script 5: When they say the budget is fixed

Base salary is only one lever. Negotiate the rest of the package.

"I understand the base is set. Would you be open to a $10,000 signing bonus, or two remote days a week, to help close the gap?"

One of my clients negotiated a $20,000 signing bonus plus two remote days a week.

Script 6: Accepting the final offer

"Thank you for working with me on this. I am happy to accept. Could you send the updated offer in writing?"

Always get the final numbers in writing before you resign from your current job.

How to negotiate salary after a job offer by email

Prefer email? It gives you time to choose your words. Use this template:

Subject: [Your Name] Offer Discussion

Hi [Recruiter Name],

Thank you again for the offer for the [Job Title] role. I am excited about joining [Company] and contributing to [specific team goal].

After reviewing the offer and researching similar roles in [City], I would like to ask whether there is flexibility on the base salary. Given my experience with [your top result], I was hoping for a base of [$Target].

I am confident we can find a number that works for both of us, and I would love to get started.

Best,

[Your Name]

Salary negotiation tips that work

• Ask for a specific number. "$95,000" is stronger than "a little more."
• If you give a range, make the bottom your target. Employers usually anchor on the low end.
• Lead with enthusiasm. Companies want to know you will say yes if they move.
• Use silence. After you make your ask, stop talking.
• Negotiate the whole package. Signing bonus, PTO, remote days, title, and an early review are all on the table.
• Never lie. Do not invent competing offers or inflate your current salary.
• Get it in writing. A verbal yes is not an offer.

What not to say in a salary negotiation

• "I need more because my rent went up." Negotiate on value, not personal expenses.
• "That is the lowest I can go." It sounds like an ultimatum.
• "Whatever you think is fair." It hands away all your leverage.
• "Yes!" before you have seen the offer in writing.

You earned the offer. Now earn what you are worth.

Negotiating feels uncomfortable because most people never practice it. Say these scripts out loud a few times before your call, and you will sound calm instead of nervous.

Still interviewing? Make sure you get to the offer stage first with these job interview tips, and plan your next round with this guide on how to prepare for an interview. After every interview, send a thank you email after the interview to stay top of mind.