Salary Negotiation Strategies for Developers

Developers are in high demand. If you don't negotiate, you simply volunteer to be underpaid.

Rule #1: Don't Share Your Current Salary

If asked "What are you making now?", reply: "I'm focusing on the value I can bring to this role and looking for a salary competitive with the market standard for this position."

Rule #2: Always Ask for Time

Never accept an offer on the phone. "Accepting" relies on adrenaline. Script: "Thank you so much! I'm really excited. Can you send the full details in writing so I can review it with my family over the weekend?"

Rule #3: The Counter-Offer

Respond via email. Be polite, positive, but firm.

"I'm thrilled about the opportunity to join the team. Looking at the package, I was hoping to land closer to $120k base given my specific experience with [Tech Stack]. Is there any flexibility there?"

Rule #4: It's Not Just Salary

If they can't move on Base Salary, negotiate:

• Sign-on Bonus: One-time cash is easier for budgets than recurring salary.
• Equity / Stock Options: High risk, high reward.
• Vacation: Ask for an extra week.

Quiz

Conclusion

Recruiters expect you to negotiate. They usually have a "buffer" (~$5k-$15k) approved. Asking for more won't get the offer rescinded; the worst they can say is "No", and you still have the original offer.