Salary negotiation is not about sounding aggressive. It is about discussing an offer clearly, supporting your request, and understanding the complete package. This guide gives you English phrases you can adapt after receiving a job offer.
Start with the six essential terms
Pronunciation: salary has three syllables in careful American English: SAL-a-ry. Stress SA in compensation and BEN in benefits. Counteroffer begins with the vowel in now: /kaʊn-/.
A professional negotiation sequence
- Show enthusiasm: confirm that you value the opportunity.
- Ask to discuss one point: name salary, start date, or a benefit specifically.
- Give a short reason: connect your request to relevant experience, role scope, or credible market information.
- Make a clear request: use a number or range if you are ready to do so.
- Invite discussion: ask what flexibility exists.
- Confirm the result in writing: request an updated offer if anything changes.
Useful phrases by purpose
Opening the conversation
- “Thank you for the offer. I am excited about the opportunity.”
- “I have reviewed the offer, and I would like to discuss the base salary.”
- “Would now be a good time to talk about the compensation package?”
Supporting your request
- “Based on the scope of the role and my five years of relevant experience, I was hoping for a higher base salary.”
- “The offer is close to what I expected. Could we discuss whether there is flexibility?”
- “I can bring experience in client onboarding and bilingual support from my first day.”
Making and clarifying an ask
- “Would you consider a base salary of $72,000?”
- “I was targeting a range of $70,000 to $75,000. Is that within the approved range?”
- “If the base salary is fixed, could we discuss the signing bonus, review timeline, or paid time off?”
- “Is that amount base salary, or does it include the target bonus?”
Closing without pressure
- “Thank you for considering my request.”
- “When should I expect an update?”
- “Could you send the revised terms in writing?”
How to say the numbers naturally
| Written | Natural spoken form |
|---|---|
| $72,000 a year | seventy-two thousand dollars a year |
| $35 an hour | thirty-five dollars an hour |
| $70,000–$75,000 | seventy to seventy-five thousand |
| 10% bonus | a ten percent bonus |
| 15 days of PTO | fifteen days of P-T-O |
Avoid saying only “seventy-two” when the unit is not already obvious. Add thousand dollars a year or dollars an hour for clarity.
Model conversation
Hiring manager: We are pleased to offer you the position with a base salary of $68,000.
Candidate: Thank you. I am excited about the role and the team. I have reviewed the offer, and I would like to discuss the base salary.
Hiring manager: Of course. What did you have in mind?
Candidate: Based on the responsibilities and my experience managing similar projects, I was targeting $72,000. Is there flexibility to move closer to that amount?
Hiring manager: I need to check the approved range. If the base salary cannot change, would you be open to discussing another part of the package?
Candidate: Yes. I would be glad to discuss a signing bonus or an earlier salary review. Could you also explain how paid time off is accrued?
Hiring manager: Certainly. I will review the options and follow up tomorrow.
Candidate: Thank you for considering my request.
Counteroffer email template
Subject: Follow-up on the [Role] offer
Dear [Name],
Thank you for offering me the [Role] position. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [team or goal].
After reviewing the offer, I would like to discuss the base salary. Based on [relevant experience, role scope, or market information], would you consider [specific amount or range]?
I remain very interested in the position and would be happy to discuss the complete compensation package. Thank you for considering my request.
Best,
[Name]
Questions that prevent misunderstandings
- Is the role salaried or hourly?
- Is the bonus guaranteed, discretionary, or based on a target?
- When is compensation normally reviewed?
- When do health benefits begin?
- How is PTO earned, and can unused time carry over?
- Is remote-work or relocation support part of the written offer?
Ask for the terms that matter to you, and read the actual plan documents. Words such as eligible, target, discretionary, and up to do not mean guaranteed.
Common language mistakes
- Too vague: “I need more money.” Better: name the part of the offer and make a clear request.
- Too absolute: “I will only accept...” unless that is truly your decision. Better: “Is there flexibility to...?”
- Inventing another offer: do not claim leverage that is not real.
- Forgetting the unit: clarify annual salary, hourly rate, bonus percentage, or number of PTO days.
- Accepting a verbal change only: politely ask for revised terms in writing.
Official reference
The U.S. Department of Labor's 2026 Salary Negotiation Participant Guide covers preparation, discussing an offer, and evaluating benefits such as health coverage, paid time off, and education benefits. Use it as a current starting point, then verify the employer's written terms.
Practice task
Record yourself saying this three times: “Thank you for the offer. Based on the scope of the role and my experience, I was targeting seventy-two thousand dollars. Is there flexibility to move closer to that amount?” Aim for a calm pace and a falling tone on the statement, then a friendly rising tone on the question.
Before negotiating, review our guide to reading a U.S. pay stub and our job-interview pronunciation guide.