The question about salary expectations is not just a formality. The employer wants to understand:
This is a test of self-assessment and negotiation skills simultaneously. The wrong answer can close the door to an offer call or lower your future salary.
Data Sources:
Research Example:
Frontend Middle in San Francisco: $120-180k annually
React + TypeScript: +$15-25k to base
Microservices experience: +$10-20k
English fluency: standard requirement
Technical Skills:
Business Value:
Startups:
Corporations:
Product Companies:
Structure:
Example Response:
“I’ve researched the market for Middle Frontend developers in San Francisco with React and TypeScript experience. My expectations are in the $140-160k range annually. The specific figure depends on the scope of tasks, team, and full compensation package. Given my fintech experience and microservices knowledge, I believe this assessment is justified.”
1. Anchoring Mention the upper boundary first:
“Similar companies pay $150-180k for this tech stack”
2. Reframing Turn the question into a discussion:
“Am I correct in understanding that the position’s budget is in the $130-150k range?”
3. Delayed Response For complex positions:
“I’d like to understand the full scope of responsibilities. Can we return to numbers after the technical interview?”
4. Value Focus Connect salary to results:
“My optimizations at my previous company reduced load time by 40% and increased conversion by 15%“
Bad:
“I want $180k because that’s what I made at my last job”
Good:
“Let’s first discuss the tasks and expectations for the position, then return to compensation. But overall, my expectations align with the market for Middle+ developers”
Bad:
“I don’t know, what are you willing to pay?”
Good:
“For a position with this tech stack — React, TypeScript, high-load project experience — my target is $150k gross. I’m open to discussing the final figure considering KPIs and bonus structure”
Bad:
“No, I need more”
Good:
“I understand your budget. Let’s look at the full package — training, health insurance, growth opportunities. I’m also interested in the salary review system”
Specifics:
Example:
“I’m willing to consider an offer slightly below my current salary if there’s a clear growth plan and opportunity to influence the product. Quality of tasks and team matters more to me”
| Category | Example Justification | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Rare Technologies | ”WebGL experience enables unique interface creation” | +15-30% |
| Architectural Skills | ”Designed microfrontends for 20+ developer team” | +20-40% |
| Business Results | ”My optimizations increased conversion by 25%“ | +10-25% |
| Leadership Qualities | ”Mentored 3 juniors, all successfully grew to mid-level” | +15-30% |
| English Proficiency | ”Worked directly with Silicon Valley team” | Standard requirement |
| Industry Experience | ”3 years in fintech, understand regulatory specifics” | +15-25% |
Wrong:
“I make $120k”
Right:
“My current compensation includes not just salary but bonuses and training. In monetary terms, it’s around X. But for a new position, it’s more important to understand the value I can bring”
Questions to Clarify:
Example Response:
“I’m interested in considering equity as part of the package. Can you tell me more about the terms and prospects? But base salary should cover current needs”
Tactics:
Example:
“I understand the budget may depend on the candidate. For Middle+ Frontend with my experience, the market offers $120-180k. My expectations are somewhere in this range”
Strategy:
Example Email:
“Thank you for the offer! The position and team are very interesting to me. Regarding salary: having studied the market and assessed my React/TypeScript experience + architectural skills, my expectations are around X. I’m open to discussing options — perhaps a review in 6 months or additional performance bonuses?”
What You Can Request:
Bad: Asking about salary in the first 5 minutes
Bad: Not discussing until the very end
Good: Discuss after mutual interest
Bad: “I don’t know what I want”
Bad: “Whatever you’ll give”
Good: Specific range with justification
Bad: “My last job paid more”
Good: “My experience in X allows me to expect Y”
Bad: “I won’t consider less than $200k”
Good: “My expectations are around X, but I’m open to discussion”
Bad: Looking only at gross salary
Good: Consider all compensations and benefits
Considerations:
Example:
“For remote work, I consider tax expenses and lack of benefits package. My expectations are X net or Y gross if hired as employee”
Multipliers:
Nuances:
Questions to Consider:
What to Track:
Preparation:
Remember:
How to Behave:
Common Objections and Responses:
“That’s above our budget”
“I understand the constraints. Let’s look at alternatives — perhaps a review in six months or additional performance bonuses?”
“Everyone here gets the same”
“I appreciate the fair approach. Can we discuss growth opportunities and criteria for the next level?”
“You’re overestimating your experience”
“Perhaps I didn’t clearly explain my value. Let me provide specific examples of results…”
The question about salary expectations is an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, market knowledge, and negotiation skills. Proper preparation and strategic approach will help you get fair compensation and lay the foundation for future growth.
Key Principles:
🧠 Secret: the best salary negotiations happen when both sides see mutual benefit and long-term collaboration prospects.
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