Salary FYI

Salary Expectation

Employment

The compensation range a job candidate is willing to accept for a position, often requested by employers during the application or interview process.

## Salary Expectation

Salary expectations are what a candidate considers acceptable compensation for a role. Employers frequently ask about salary expectations during the hiring process.

### How to Set Your Expectation

1. Research market rates (Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, BLS OES, PayScale).
2. Consider your experience relative to the role.
3. Factor in cost of living for the location.
4. Account for the full package (base + bonus + equity + benefits).
5. Set a range: your minimum acceptable and your aspirational target.

### Responding to 'What Are Your Salary Expectations?'

Strategies:
- **Redirect**: 'I'd like to learn more about the role first.'
- **Range**: 'Based on my research, $X–$Y is fair for this role and market.'
- **Ask first**: 'What is the budgeted range for this position?'

### Salary History Bans

Many jurisdictions now require employers to disclose the salary range rather than asking candidates for their expectations or history.