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How to Negotiate a Job Offer: Scripts & Numbers That Work (2026)
Most people accept the first number. Research consistently shows that simply asking — politely, with data — moves salary offers up. Here's the exact process.
Step 1 · Get the number before you commit
Ask early: "Before we go further, what's the salary band for this role?" In a growing number of states this is legally required to share. Once you have a band, you know the floor — and the room.
Step 2 · Benchmark with local data
Check the salary page for your job and market (e.g., nurse pay by state) and note the median and the top quartile. Your goal is to negotiate inside the top half of the band, justified by data — not a random ask.
Step 3 · Anchor high, then let them move
Never accept the first offer. Anchor near the top of your researched range, round and calm. The other side expects a counter — silence is the only mistake.
Word-for-word scripts
Script A · The first counter after an offer
"Thank you — I'm genuinely excited about the role. Based on my research for similar positions in this market, and the experience I'd bring, I was expecting something in the range of [$X,XXX]. Is there flexibility to get closer to that?"
Script B · When they say "that's the max for this band"
"I understand. Could we look at the other levers then — a signing bonus, an earlier salary review, or an extra review cycle? I'd like to make the total package work for both of us."
Script C · The follow-up email (2–3 days later)
"Hi [Name], I wanted to check in on the offer — happy to move forward once we're aligned on the numbers. I'm confident we can find a package that works."
The levers besides base salary
- Sign-on bonus (common in nursing and tech)
- Earlier salary review (6 months instead of 12)
- Guaranteed hours, shift differentials, or remote days
- PTO, certification reimbursement, and licensing fees
Frequently asked questions
Should I always counter?
Nearly always. The risk is low and the upside is real — a calm, data-backed counter is expected by recruiters.
What if I have no other offers?
You don't need a competing offer to counter — you need market data. That's what a salary guide is for.
Can I negotiate after accepting?
It's harder. Always do the important negotiating before you sign; only raise non-salary items (schedule, review dates) later.
Keep reading
Nurse salary by state (2026) · Why nurses get paid so little · All salary guides →