Sample Emails for Salary Negotiation

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Salary negotiation is nerve-wracking, and trying to have the conversation through email and receive a positive response adds a whole new layer of worry.

What should the salutation say?

How do you create a tone that is simultaneously professional, humble, and assertive?

While it’s preferable to negotiate starting salary in person or over the phone, it’s not uncommon to use email for at least part of the process – especially if that’s the method you’ve used to communicate with the hiring manager previously.

These salary negotiation email samples and tips can help you craft your email negotiation script or provide guidance to an AI tool to refine your wording.

Before You Start Writing

Complete the negotiation prep worksheet and familiarize yourself with effective salary negotiation techniques. These resources will give you the material you need to develop a powerful argument in your favor. You can also check out our Salary Negotiation Masterclass for a deeper dive.

Composing the Salay Negotiation Email

Salutation: The appropriate greeting depends on your past interactions with this contact, though it is likely fine to address them by their first name (you can reference their email signature for guidance, too). If you’d prefer to be more formal, start with “Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Recruiter’s Last Name]” followed by a comma. If you don’t know which prefix the recipient prefers, forgo it entirely and use the contact’s full name.

Paragraph 1, Opener: Begin like you would for a verbal negotiation. State your appreciation for the offer and your excitement for the opportunity.

Paragraph 2, Proposal: This is where the salary negotiation email script deviates most from its verbal counterpart. Unlike a back-and-forth conversation, an email is one-sided. You must make your case convincingly in one block of text, rather than a dialogue in which you can respond to the employer’s concerns and body language. Because of your limited ability to discuss the matter in real time, it is important to make a very persuasive argument in this initial communication.

Paragraph 3, Closer: Restate your genuine interest so the employer knows it’s worth their time to try to make your request work, and thank them again for the offer.

Signature: Use the same method to sign this email as you did with other correspondence during the job search. Otherwise, you risk miscommunicating and confusing the HR representative in charge of your recruitment.

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Salary Negotiation Email Samples

Salary Negotiation Email Template 1: For a below-average offer

Dear [Name],

Thank you for getting in touch! I’m very excited for the opportunity to work at [Company Name] as [a/an/the] [Position Title].

With my [2–3 qualifications/skills or summary of major past achievements], I am certain that I will achieve great results for [Company Name]. Before I sign the offer, however, I would like to discuss base salary. According to my research, the average salary for comparable positions in the [work location] area is in the [average salary] range. I would like to discuss the possibility of moving the offer closer to [proposed salary].

Again, I am thrilled to have been offered this position. I look forward to speaking with you again soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Salary Negotiation Email Template 2: For an offer below expectations based on your qualifications

Dear [Name],

I was thrilled to receive your email! Thank you so much for the [Position Title] opportunity.

Before I can formally accept the proposal, I need to discuss base salary. With my [2–3 industry-specific sources of value] and history of [summary of achievements], I know I will bring great value to [Company Name]. Because of my [experience/history] of [qualifications], I was really looking for an offer closer to [proposed salary].

I am still very excited about the offer, and would love to talk about the possibility of moving my starting wage closer to this number. I am open to bridging the pay gap through alternative means, such as [benefit #1] or [benefit #2] if necessary.

Regards,

[Your Name]

Salary Negotiation Email Template 3: If you’ve received a higher offer from another employer

Dear [Name],

Thank you so much for the [Position Title] job offer! I am excited for the chance to work with [Company Name] in this capacity.

I need to discuss starting pay, however. Though your company is my first choice, I have received an offer for [other salary offer] from a different organization. If you can match this figure, I am fully prepared to accept the terms of your offer.

Again, I am highly interested in this opportunity. I look forward to achieving great results at [Company Name]!

Best,

[Your Name]

Salary Negotiation Email Template 4: For an offer below expectations regarding benefits

Dear [Name],

Thank you so much for the [Position Title] opportunity with [CompanyName]! I am very excited about the possibility of joining your team.

The base salary aligns with my expectations, though I would like to discuss the benefits package before accepting your offer. Specifically, I am looking for [additional time off, a more flexible schedule, remote or hybrid work arrangement, reimbursement for home office equipment, etc.], which is in line with the benefits I’ve seen offered by comparable organizations for similar roles within the industry.

Again, I am thrilled to have received your initial offer and am open to discussing the benefits package further.

Regards,

[Your Name]