Bargaining salary is just negotiation with a different word. The playbook:

Step 1: Wait for the offer

Don't bargain before you have one. Pre-offer salary discussions are recruiter screens — give a range, but real bargaining starts after they've decided to hire you.

Step 2: Anchor with data

Pull comp data for your role, level, and location:

  • Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Pave
  • 1-2 conversations with people in similar roles
  • Recent offers at this company (Levels.fyi often has them)

Know your range — bottom (walk-away) and top (aspirational).

Step 3: Counter once

"Thanks for the offer. Based on my research and other conversations, I was hoping for $X. What flexibility do you have?"

Specific number. Anchored. Then stop talking.

Step 4: If base is fixed, bargain on other items

  • Sign-on bonus
  • Equity / RSU size
  • Annual bonus target
  • Vacation
  • Start date
  • Remote work
  • Relocation
  • Title

Some of these are easier wins than base.

Step 5: Get it in writing

Once you have a yes, ask for the updated offer letter. Re-read carefully. Then accept.

Common scripts

Buy time:

"Thanks — I'm excited. Can I have a couple of days to review and follow up?"

Counter:

"Based on my research, I was hoping for $X. Is there flexibility on the base?"

Push for non-base:

"Understood on the base. Is there room on sign-on or equity?"

Close:

"That works for me. Could you send the revised offer letter?"

What kills it

  • Negotiating before the offer.
  • No research backing your counter.
  • Three or more counters.
  • Negativity (every word should be excited about the role).
  • Bluffing about offers you don't have.

When to walk

  • The offer is below your walk-away number and they hold firm.
  • The negotiation feels coercive (rare but happens).
  • You realize the role isn't right and you were only negotiating reflexively.

The bigger pattern

Negotiation is a small skill that compounds. A 10% raise on $120K is $12K/year — over 4 years, $48K. The 30-minute conversation that wins it is high-leverage time.

Sorce auto-applies to 5M+ jobs — 40 free swipes a day. More offers, more leverage, more options.

For more: how to negotiate salary, desired salary, how to calculate hourly rate from salary.