Salary Negotiation Phrases: 15 Scripts That Work

The most effective salary negotiation phrases anchor on facts, stay focused on your value rather than your needs, and end with an open question instead of an ultimatum. Below are 15 ready-to-use scripts, grouped by situation, so you can find the right words for any moment in a negotiation.

Finding the right words is often what blocks people when negotiating salary. You know what to think, but not how to say it without sounding aggressive or timid. Each Epimoni phrase here is designed to stay polite, factual, and easy to adapt to your own context.

The 3 Rules of a Phrase That Works

Before the examples, three principles make any line more effective:

1. Anchor on facts — a figure, a market data point, an achievement. "Based on my research" beats "I'd like".
2. Stay on your value, never your needs — the employer pays for a contribution, not a mortgage.
3. Leave the door open — end with a question ("How can we close the gap?") rather than an ultimatum.

Stating Your Range

State a salary range anchored in market research, and justify the top of it with a specific skill. These three phrases help you set expectations without naming a single hard number too early:

1. Give a market-anchored range

"Based on my research into similar roles in the sector, I'm placing my expectations between £45,000 and £50,000."

2. Justify the top of your range

"Given my experience with [key skill], I'm aiming for the upper end of that range."

3. Defer the salary question to the right moment

"To give you a precise figure, I'd like to fully understand the scope of the role first. Could we come back to it?"

Responding to a Low Offer

When an offer comes in low, show genuine interest first, then name the gap calmly and invite the employer to close it. These three phrases keep the conversation collaborative:

4. Show interest before negotiating

"Thank you for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about this role. I'd like to discuss the compensation."

5. Express the gap without pushing back hard

"Based on my experience and market benchmarks, I was expecting a range between X and Y. How can we close that gap?"

6. Ask for time to think

"This offer deserves serious thought. Could you give me until [date] to come back with a considered answer?"

Making a Counter-Offer

A strong counter-offer names a precise figure, opens up non-salary levers, and can secure a future commitment. These three phrases let you push for more while keeping the door open:

7. Propose a precise figure

"Based on our conversations, a salary of £52,000 would match the value I can bring to this role."

8. Open up the other levers

"If there's little room on base pay, could we look at bonus, remote working, or a six-month review?"

9. Secure a future commitment

"I'll accept this starting level if we agree on a defined review after my probation."

Asking for a Raise

To ask for a raise, request a dedicated meeting, lead with your results, then position your pay against the market. These three phrases open the conversation with your current employer:

10. Request the meeting

"I'd like to set up a time to review my progress and my compensation."

11. Lead with results

"This year, I [quantified achievement]. In light of that contribution, I'd like to discuss an adjustment to my salary."

12. Position against the market

"My responsibilities have grown and my pay hasn't kept up with the market for this kind of role."

Handling Objections

Meet common objections by acknowledging them, then redirecting to value or other levers. These three phrases handle the budget ceiling, the current-salary question, and the close:

13. Facing "that's our maximum"

"I understand. Are there other elements we could look at together?"

14. Facing "what's your current salary?"

"I'd rather not get into that — what matters to me is the value of this new role."

15. Closing on a positive note

"Thank you for making that move. I'm glad we've reached an agreement, and I'm keen to get started."

Phrases to Never Use

• "I need at least X because of my rent/loan." — your personal costs aren't a professional argument.
• "My colleague earns more than me." — internal comparisons make you look like you're watching others.
• "Take it or leave it." — an ultimatum drags you into a power struggle you'll usually lose.

For the full method, see our guide on how to negotiate your salary and how to estimate your salary before setting your range.

FAQ

What should I say to negotiate a higher salary?

Anchor your request in facts and your value. A reliable script is: "Thank you for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about this role. Based on my experience and market benchmarks, I was expecting a range between X and Y. How can we close that gap?" It shows interest, names the gap, and invites a solution.

How do I respond to a low salary offer politely?

Acknowledge the offer and express enthusiasm before negotiating, then state the gap without pushing back hard. Try: "This offer deserves serious thought. Based on my research, I was expecting closer to X. Is there flexibility to get there?" You can also ask for time to consider it.

What should I say when asked about my current salary?

Decline to share the figure and redirect to the value of the new role: "I'd rather not get into that — what matters to me is the value of this new role." This keeps the focus on market rate for the position rather than your salary history.

Which phrases should I avoid in a salary negotiation?

Avoid justifying your ask with personal costs ("I need at least X for my rent"), internal comparisons ("my colleague earns more"), and ultimatums ("take it or leave it"). Each one weakens your position by shifting away from your professional value.