How to Negotiate a Better Salary for Your First Job (Without Blowing the Offer)

May 7

The Money Class You Never Got in School

You're Hired—Now Let’s Talk Money

Congrats on landing that job offer. Now comes the part most people avoid: salary negotiation. And we get it—talking money right out of college feels uncomfortable.

But here’s the truth: your first salary sets the tone for every raise, promotion, and job you take after this. Even a few thousand dollars now can impact your income for years.

What Most Grads Get Wrong

When asked, “What’s your salary expectation?” most people make one of these mistakes:

They blurt out a number too fast (and leave money on the table)
They aim too high and scare off the employer
They say “whatever you think is fair” (which is rarely empowering)

Here’s What to Say Instead

When an employer asks about your desired salary range, flip the script with this:

“I’m really excited about this opportunity and open to a competitive offer. I’d love to hear what range your team has budgeted for this role before I share a number, just to make sure we’re aligned.”

Why this works:

It shows you’re flexible and open
It prompts them to reveal their range first (which gives you leverage)
It keeps the door open to negotiate upward

How to Research Before the Offer

You can’t negotiate confidently if you don’t know what the job should pay. Use these free tools:

Levels.fyi – Great for tech and entry-level roles
Glassdoor – Browse by job title and location
Payscale – Compare based on your degree, city, and experience

Once you have a range (say, $52,000–$60,000), you’re no longer negotiating blind.

When to Negotiate (and How)

You should wait until you’ve received a formal job offer. Once that’s in writing, it’s 100% normal to ask for a bit more—especially if the offer is at the low end of your range.

Here’s what you can say:

“Thank you so much for the offer. I’m really excited about the team and role. Based on my research and the value I believe I can bring, would you be open to discussing a salary closer to [insert desired number]?”

Keep it short. Keep it confident. Don’t apologize for asking—you’re advocating for yourself, not making demands.

What If They Say No?

Sometimes the budget is locked in, but that doesn’t mean the conversation is over. You can ask about:

Yearly review and raise schedule
Signing bonuses or relocation stipends
Additional paid time off or remote flexibility
Reimbursement for learning/certifications

All of those perks have real value, even if they’re not reflected in your paycheck.

3 Tips for Staying in Control

Practice out loud: It’ll sound less awkward when the moment comes
Be polite, not passive: Confidence is not the same as arrogance
Don’t rush: It’s okay to say, “Can I take a day to review the offer?”

Reminder: You Bring Value

They picked you for a reason. You’re not asking for a favor—you’re asking for fair compensation based on your skills, effort, and potential.

Even your first job is a business relationship. Advocate for yourself now and you’ll be better at it forever.

Bonus Tip: Know Where Your Money’s Going

Once you’ve landed that higher salary, make sure it’s working for you—not disappearing. Use YNAB (You Need a Budget) to give every dollar a purpose—whether it’s rent, savings, or weekend plans.

Start YNAB for free with my link here

You’re in MoneyMode Now

Negotiating your first salary isn’t about being greedy—it’s about being prepared, informed, and confident in your worth. This is your first big money move—and you’ve got this.

Samantha Stultz