How to Answer "What Are Your Salary Expectations?" (Examples & Scripts)

It’s the question every candidate dreads, often asked within the first 15 minutes of a phone screen: "What are your salary expectations?"

Answer too high, and you might price yourself out of the job before you've even shown your skills. Answer too low, and you could leave thousands of dollars on the table—compounding over years of your career.

This guide will teach you how to answer what are your salary expectations strategically, confidently, and without anxiety.

Why Do Recruiters Ask This So Early?

Before we dive into the scripts, it helps to understand the recruiter's psychology. They aren't necessarily trying to lowball you immediately. They typically ask for two reasons:

Budget Efficiency: They have a fixed budget (e.g., $120k max). If you won't take less than $150k, they don't want to waste your time or theirs.
Valuation Check: They want to see if you understand your own market value. A number that is wildly off-base (too high or too low) can signal a lack of experience.

3 Proven Strategies to Answer (With Scripts)

Depending on where you are in the interview process, your strategy should change.

1. The "Deflect and Pivot" (Best for Phone Screens)

If you are in the first round, you likely don't know enough about the role's responsibilities to give a fair number. It is perfectly professional to delay answering.

The Goal: Get them to reveal their budget first.
Script:

"Right now, I’m more focused on finding the right fit and learning more about the team structure and challenges. Could you share the budget range you have in mind for this position? That would help me understand if we are aligned."

2. The "Data-Backed Range" (Best for Mid-Interview)

If they push for a number, never give a single figure (e.g., "I want $100,000"). A specific number kills negotiation room. Instead, give a range.

The Goal: Anchor high while showing flexibility.
The Tip: Make the bottom of your range your actual target number.
Script:

"Based on my market research and my experience with [Specific Skill], I’m looking for a base salary in the range of $110,000 to $130,000. However, I am flexible depending on the full compensation package, including equity and benefits."

3. The "Market Expert" (Best for Senior Roles)

Show that you’ve done your homework. This adds objective weight to your number so it doesn't feel like a personal demand.

Script:

"I’ve researched similar Senior Product Manager roles in New York, and the market rate typically falls between $140k and $160k. Given my specialized experience in [Niche Skill], I would expect to be at the upper end of that range."

How to Determine Your Number Before the Call

You cannot negotiate effectively if you are guessing. Before the phone screen, follow these steps:

Use Salary Aggregators: Check Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and Payscale for your specific job title and city.
Factor in the "Total Package": A $100k offer with 0% equity is worth less than a $90k offer with significant stock options.
Set Your "Walk Away" Number: Know the absolute minimum you will accept so you don't make an emotional decision in the moment.

Common Mistakes That Cost Candidates Money

Giving a specific number too soon: Saying "I need exactly $100,000" shuts down the conversation.
Apologizing: "I know this might be high, but..." This makes you sound unsure of your value. State your number with confidence.
Discussing personal finances: "I need $X because my rent in SF is expensive." Employers pay for value, not for your lifestyle costs. Keep it focused on market data.

FAQ: Salary Expectations

Q: Is it illegal for them to ask my current salary? A: In many US states (like California and New York), it is illegal for employers to ask about your current salary history. However, they can always ask about your expectations.

Q: What if their range is lower than mine? A: Don't panic. Ask: "Is that number flexible for the right candidate?" or "Is there room to bridge the gap with a signing bonus or equity?"

Conclusion

Knowing how to answer what are your salary expectations is a crucial skill that sets the trajectory for your future earnings. By preparing a researched range and remaining professional, you turn a dreaded question into a negotiation advantage.

🚀 Practice Makes Perfect

Reading scripts is one thing; saying them out loud is another. Negotiation can be intimidating if you haven't practiced.

Want to test your answer risk-free? Simulate a realistic salary negotiation with ManyOffer's AI Interviewer. Our AI will play the role of a tough recruiter, pushing back on your numbers so you can practice holding your ground professionally before the real call.