How to write a salary negotiation email

If you recently received a job offer — congratulations! 🎉 A new job means new life experiences and opportunities. Not to mention a major sense of accomplishment. 

It’s important to do one thing before you accept your offer: Negotiate. 🤝🏼

Negotiating your salary leads to higher raises, bonuses, and more financial security. Who doesn’t love the sound of that? The earlier you start negotiating your salary, the better off you’ll be in the long run. Don’t worry; we’ll explain how to write a salary counteroffer email and provide an example. 

Salary negotiation email basics

Before we get into the details, let’s cover the basics. It’s important to be professional and make a good impression when negotiating, even over email.

Here are a few things to remember:

Set clear objectives and expectations

The #1 rule of sending emails? Communicate clearly. Make sure to state what you’re asking for and why. This will help your audience understand and evaluate your ask.

Be professional

Your reputation — and relationships — start before your first day on the job. Make a good impression by remaining respectful and professional. Use a proper greeting, make sure your sentences are easy to read, and keep your message as clear and concise as possible.

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Use proper formatting and grammar 

How you communicate is just as important as what you communicate. Make sure you spell names correctly, use proper grammar, and effectively structure your email. That means writing a subject, an engaging introduction, and a clear ask.

How to write a compelling salary negotiation email

Salary negotiation? No problem. It only takes a few steps and a well-written email to better your financial future.

1. Do your research

Use research to support your opinions in any professional setting — including salary negotiations. What is the average salary for your role? What salary do graduates from your school make? This information will help build your case for a higher salary and ensure you’re being paid fairly.

For example, imagine you’re offered a salary of $60,000 after graduating college. After researching, you learn that graduates from your school make an average starting salary of $70,000, and the national average for your position is $68,000. 

Also, consider the average starting salary in your industry, the cost of living in your area, and whether you’re contributing unique skills. All of these factors can serve as data points to support your request.

Here are a few resources to jumpstart your research:

• Average salary for college graduates by industry (2023)

• National wage statistics

• Cost of living calculator

2. Structure your email effectively

You probably aren’t sending emails all day as a teen or student. And that makes total sense! You’re learning, spending time with friends, and doing activities — not spending every day in the office. 

However, as a working professional, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively via email. Sending a thoughtful, well-structured negotiation email will help you differentiate yourself and get a positive response. 

Here’s a checklist for an effective negotiation email: 

• Engaging subject line to grab attention — include the job title and your name if you’re sending the email to a recruiter at a large company

• Professional greeting 

• Clear and concise introduction

• Reasons for negotiation and your desired salary

• Supporting evidence — including market data and your skills

• Sign off

Don’t forget to demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate! After all, the point of a negotiation is to come to a middle ground that both parties are happy with. Getting a job offer is exciting, so don’t be afraid to communicate your gratitude and eagerness in addition to your request. 

3. Address potential objections

As in any negotiation, the other party may object to your request. You can proactively address these concerns by providing well-researched rationale and answering questions that may come up. 

Let’s simplify this with a metaphor. Imagine that you want to go to your favorite restaurant for dinner. However, your roommate thinks it’s a little expensive. Your argument for this objection is that you’ll cook dinner at home for the next two nights so that you both save money in the long run.

Imagine the same scenario but with salary negotiation. Although you’re asking the company to spend more on your salary, you may require less training or be able to do a more effective job based on your unique skills and education, saving them money in training or additional hires.

In both scenarios, you’re addressing the other party’s concern and providing a rationale for your argument.

4. Negotiate beyond salary

There’s more than one way to negotiate. You can also ask for additional benefits, professional development opportunities, bonuses, or other incentives. 

Although we always recommend asking for a higher salary because it improves your financial wellness, you can ask for these benefits in addition to, or instead of, a salary raise. This is also a great compromise if the company can't increase your salary. 

Examples of non-salary benefits:

• Additional vacation days

• An annual or sign-on bonus

• Training courses

• A monthly wellness stipend

• Days off to volunteer

• A free parking pass — if your work location doesn’t have free parking

• More remote working days — if your role is a hybrid or in-office job

• Company equity or stock options

Remember to treat these requests with the same professionalism you use in a salary negotiation. Be respectful, communicate clearly, and provide justification for the request.

Greenlight tip: Did you know you can negotiate your salary, even if you aren’t new to the job? Set money and career goals every year to stay ahead. 

Example of a salary negotiation email

Let's see a salary negotiation email in action!  🏃🏽

(1) Subject: Thank you! Salary inquiry for the marketing coordinator role

(2) Hi Lucas,

(3) Thank you so much for your time throughout the interview process. I am so excited about the opportunity. I had a wonderful time meeting future colleagues during the interviews, and am excited to start!

(4) Before formally accepting the offer, I would like to discuss the starting salary. Given the market rate for this role and my skillset, I am requesting a starting salary of $56,000. 

(5) This request may be above what was budgeted for the position. However, I bring many unique skills to the role — including my social media marketing and graphic design experience. As a graduate of one of the top marketing schools in the southeast, I am confident that I will learn quickly and add significant value to the team. 

(6) I look forward to finding a solution that works for both of us. Please let me know if you’d like to discuss this over the phone.

Thank you so much,

Emma 

Key:

1. Clear, concise subject line

2. Professional greeting with correct name spelling

3. Express excitement and gratitude for the opportunity

4. State your desired salary and use research to support your request

5. Address potential concerns by reiterating your skills and accomplishments

6. Respectful conclusion and sign-off

Pro tip: A salary negotiation email is also called a counteroffer letter — and you can write it in a document rather than an email if you prefer a more formal method of communication.

Know your worth

Advocating for your worth is empowering 💪 — and a great life skill. Not to mention that a higher salary sets you up for success. In both your personal and professional life. 

Now that you’re a negotiating pro, use Greenlight resources to get ahead and manage your money wisely. Learn about direct deposit, investing, and more in the Greenlight app. Because confidently managing your money is just as empowering as negotiating for it.