When asked for salary requirements what to say?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 24, 2026
Salary requirements can be included in your cover letter with sentences such as “My salary requirement is negotiable based upon the job responsibilities and the total compensation package,” or “My salary requirement is in the $40,000 to $45,000+ range.”
When should salary be discussed?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to wait until the hiring manager brings up the topic. Best case scenario, a company lists the position’s salary range on the job posting, and you can use that to best determine if the job and starting salary fit your needs before you even apply.
When asked to provide your desired salary to an employer what is an appropriate salary range to give?
A good rule of thumb is to keep the lower end of your range at least 10 percent above your current salary, or the number you determine is a reasonable salary for the position. For example, if you currently earn $50,000, you may say that your range is $55,000 to $65,000.
How do you state salary requirements in a cover letter?
You can add salary requirements to your cover letter using “My salary expectation is flexible depending upon the overall compensation package and additional benefits such as opportunities for advancement.,” or “Per your request, given my qualifications and achievements, my salary requirement is $60,000 (negotiable).”
What should I put for salary expectation?
The best way to answer desired salary or salary expectations on a job application is to leave the field blank or write ‘Negotiable’ rather than providing a number. If the application won’t accept non-numerical text, then enter “999,” or “000”.
Should you give a range for salary expectations?
So, when an employer now asks you to give your expected salary, you have to be ready to give a number, not a range. Any and all of that information should help you arrive at a salary figure that you think is fair and will be acceptable to the employer.
What is your desired salary internship?
The average salary for an intern in the U.S. is $30k/yr, but the range can be from $20k to $40k and over, so it’s best to research the organization and sector, as well as critiquing where you might fit in that range.
Should you include salary requirements in a cover letter?
Should you include salary requirements in a cover letter? Unless the employer specifically asks you to include salary related information in your cover letter cover, it is best not to include it. Therefore, only include salary requirements in a cover letter when asked to do so.
How to answer ” what are your salary requirements “?
Aim high. In your range, you should include as high of a salary as you can justify based on your education, experience, and skills. The trick is to put your target salary at the bottom of your range. For example, if you’d like to make $50,000, state your range as $50,000-$57,000.
What are the salary requirements for a new job?
My salary requirement is in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. However, my salary is negotiable based on the overall compensation package. My salary requirement is in the $35,000 to $45,000 range, however, my salary is negotiable based upon the job responsibilities and the total compensation package.
Where to put salary requirements in job application?
Where and How to Include Salary Information. Employers will often tell you where to mention your salary requirements and history — they’re usually included in your cover letter, in the application, or during an interview. If the employer asks for your salary requirements in a different way, follow their directions.
When to include salary requirements in a resume?
When asked to include salary requirements, you can include a salary range rather than a specific amount. This kind of answer gives you some flexibility and prevents you from locking yourself into a low salary (or being screened out for having too high of a salary).