What to Say for Desired Salary

What to Say for Desired Salary

Talking about salary can be tricky—especially when you’re asked the big question: “What’s your desired salary?” Whether you’re just starting the interview process or negotiating an offer, what you say can have a huge impact on how much you’re paid and how you’re perceived. The key is to answer thoughtfully, confidently, and to know your legal rights.

We break down what to say for desired salary, how federal and state laws play into it, and some simple strategies to help you get paid what you’re worth—without the awkwardness.

Why Employers Ask for Your Desired Salary

Employers want to make sure your expectations fit their budget. But that’s not the only reason they ask about your desired salary. Your answer tells them how well you know your market value, how confident you are, and sometimes even how flexible you might be.

But be careful—sharing a number too early can work against you. If you go too high, you might price yourself out of the role. Too low? You risk getting underpaid. That’s why it’s smart to pause and strategize before answering.

A Quick Look at Federal and State Laws

While federal law doesn’t ban employers from asking about your desired salary, there are important protections you should know.

Under the Equal Pay Act of 1963, employers are required to pay men and women equally for doing the same work. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) also protects your right to talk about pay with coworkers without retaliation.

But it’s at the state and local level where things get more interesting. Many states have laws banning employers from asking about your salary history—a step meant to close pay gaps. A few state examples:

• California: No salary history questions allowed; employers must give you a pay scale if you ask.
• New York City: Employers can’t ask about or rely on your past salary.
• Massachusetts: Same deal—no asking about salary history, plus you’re protected when discussing pay with coworkers.

Most of these laws focus on salary history, not desired salary, so employers can still ask what you’re hoping to make. But these laws are helping level the playing field, giving you a chance to negotiate based on what the job’s worth—not what you were paid before.

Smart Ways to Answer the Desired Salary Question

So how do you answer when asked for your desired salary? Here are a few strategies:

1. Delay the Conversation

Why it works:
By postponing the desired salary discussion, you keep the focus on your qualifications and fit for the role rather than locking yourself into a number too early. Once the employer is invested in you as a candidate, you will have more leverage to negotiate.

When to use it:
This approach works well early in the interview process, especially before you fully understand the job responsibilities, workload, and benefits. It is particularly useful if the desired salary question comes up during an initial screening or first-round interview.

Example responses:

• I am more interested in finding a role that is the right fit for my skills and career goals. I am confident that if we decide I am the best person for the job, we will be able to agree on a fair salary.
• At this stage, I would like to focus on learning more about the position and how I can contribute. Compensation is important, of course, but I am sure we can align on that once we have explored mutual fit.

Tip: Employers often respect candidates who prioritize alignment over pay at the start. It signals commitment and professionalism without ignoring compensation.

2. Give a Thoughtful Range

Why it works:
When pressed for an answer, providing a desired salary range instead of a fixed number keeps you flexible and shows you have done your research. It also avoids pricing yourself out of consideration or undercutting your value.

When to use it:
Use this approach when an employer insists on a number and you have researched the typical pay for the role, industry, location, and your experience level.

Example responses:

• Based on what I know about the role, my skills, and market data, I would expect a salary in the range of $90,000 to $100,000, depending on the total compensation package, benefits, and opportunities for growth. – this leaves the door open to change your demand in the future.
• From my research on similar roles in this area, I believe a range of $85,000 to $95,000 would be appropriate, depending on responsibilities and the overall compensation structure.

Tip: Make sure the low end of your range is still something you would be happy accepting. Avoid ranges that are too wide, as they may seem vague or unprepared.

3. Ask for Their Range First

Why it works:
Turning the question back to the employer helps you avoid anchoring yourself too low or too high. It also gives you valuable information about their budget and expectations so you can tailor your response.

When to use it:
This strategy is useful when you do not know what the company is willing to offer or if you suspect the salary range has not been shared. It is especially helpful when speaking with recruiters or human resources early in the process.

Example responses:

• Before I share a specific number, could you tell me the salary range budgeted for this role? I would like to ensure we are aligned.
• I would love to hear what range you have set for this position so I can better assess how it fits with my experience and salary expectations.

Tip: Asking for their range first puts the decision back in their hands and helps you avoid undervaluing or overpricing yourself.

Additional Tips for All Strategies

• Keep the discussion positive and collaborative, framing it as part of a shared decision-making process.
• Research your market value using resources like Glassdoor, Payscale, Salary.com, and your professional network.
• Remember that total compensation includes more than base salary. Consider benefits, bonuses, stock options, paid time off, and work flexibility.
• Practice your response so you can speak confidently during the conversation.

Things to Avoid Saying

Even if you’re eager to get an offer, be cautious about saying things that can weaken your position:

• “I’ll take whatever you offer.” → This can make you look less confident.
• “I need X to cover my bills.” → Salary should reflect your value, not personal expenses.
• “I used to make X at my last job.” → Not relevant—especially in states that ban salary history questions.

Instead, stick to what you bring to the table and what the role is worth.

Final Thoughts

Answering the desired salary question doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little prep and strategy, you can respond in a way that protects your interests and keeps the conversation professional.

Whether you choose to delay, give a range, or ask for their range first, remember that this is a negotiation. You deserve fair, competitive pay. Knowing what to say for desired salary requires preparation. Use the laws and tools available to advocate for yourself—and walk into every salary conversation with confidence.

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It provides general information and is not intended and should not be construed as professional advice. The author is not your attorney, accountant, financial planner or any other professional and no professional-client relationship is created. We do not represent that the information provided is accurate or up-to-date as laws and regulations are always changing. If you have an issue that requires professional help, you should contact the appropriate professional to help you on your on your specific set of facts. Please read the Terms and Conditions for additional information.