Research Market Rates
2-4 hoursGather salary data from Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and industry surveys for your role, level, and location.
Field context
This workflow is part of 1 niche field
Salary negotiation preparation guide with market research methods, counteroffer scripts, timing strategies, and tactics for negotiating raises and promotions.
Gather salary data from Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and industry surveys for your role, level, and location.
Quantify achievements with metrics: revenue generated, costs saved, projects delivered, and team impact for negotiation conversations.
Set a specific target salary, acceptable range, and walk-away number including total compensation components.
Write and rehearse responses to common objections, practice the ask, and plan timing for the conversation.
Conduct the negotiation, get agreements in writing, and schedule follow-up if the answer is "not now" with defined review date.
Establish market rate baseline for your role and experience level.
Compare your current pay to market benchmarks. · Verify final offer meets or exceeds market rate.
Adjust market data if relocating or comparing remote offers.
Quantify dollar value of your key accomplishments.
Calculate dollar and percentage impact of target raise. · Reference specific numbers during negotiation conversation.
Show take-home difference from negotiated increase.
Reliable sources for US salary benchmarking by role and location.
| Source | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Levels.fyi | Tech compensation | Free tier available |
| Glassdoor | General roles, company reviews | Free |
| BLS OEWS | Official government data | Free |
| Payscale | Personalized reports | Free basic |
| Radford/Mercer | Enterprise comp surveys | Paid (employer access) |
If base salary is rigid, negotiate signing bonus, equity, extra PTO, professional development budget, or title — these often have more flexibility.
Employers expect negotiation and often hold 5-15% above initial offers. Not negotiating leaves money on the table for your entire tenure.
A $5,000 higher starting salary at 3% annual raises equals $50,000+ more over 10 years — the initial negotiation has outsized long-term impact.
Rehearsing your script aloud reduces anxiety and helps you deliver numbers confidently without apologizing.