How to reply to an email asking your salary expectations
Updated November 12, 2026
Reply within a day or two. Give a range tied to the role rather than one number, say it depends on the full package, or ask for their budget first. Research typical pay for the job in your area before you write. Stay calm and confident, and say you are flexible only if you really are.
- Reply
- Within 1 to 2 days. This question often decides whether you move to the next round. A prompt answer keeps you in play, but a day of research is worth more than speed.
What your reply should say
- Thank them and say you are keen on the role.
- Give a range, ask for their range, or say what the number depends on.
- Mention the package (bonus, benefits, remote work) if it matters to you.
- Offer to talk it through on a call.
3 replies you can copy
Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].
1Share a range
You have researched the pay and are comfortable naming it.
Hi [Name], Thank you for asking. I am excited about the [Job title] role. Based on the responsibilities and my experience with [skill], I am looking for a base salary between [low] and [high]. I am open to discussing the full package, including bonus and benefits. Happy to talk it through if helpful. Best, [Your name]
2Ask their budget
You do not know the band and want to avoid anchoring low.
Hi [Name], Thank you for the note. I am very interested in the role. Could you share the salary range budgeted for this position? That will help me tell you quickly whether we are aligned, and we can save everyone time. I would rather agree on the range early than waste your time, so I am glad to share more if it helps. Thanks, [Your name]
3Defer the number
You need more detail about the job first.
Hi [Name], Thank you for asking. My expectations depend on the scope of the role, the team size and the full package, and I do not yet know enough about those. Could we cover the role in more detail on a call first? I am confident we can find a number that works for both sides. Best, [Your name]
Already late? Send this instead
For when you are two or three days late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.
Hi [Name], Sorry for the delay in answering your salary question. I wanted to research the role before giving you a number. For the [Job title] position, I am looking for [low] to [high] in base salary. I am flexible on the full package. I am happy to talk by phone if you would like to go through it. Best, [Your name]
Mistakes to avoid
- Naming a single low number just to be agreeable. A range with a floor you can live with is safer.
- Giving your current salary when they asked about expectations.
- Replying before you check typical pay for this job in your city or remote market.
- Saying "whatever you think is fair" which hands all the choice to them.
Questions people ask
Should I give a number or a range?
A range is common and gives you room. Make the bottom of the range a figure you would truly accept, because that is what they tend to remember. If you are very sure of your value, one number is fine too.
Can I refuse to give a number?
You can politely defer, as in the third reply. Some employers will insist, and then you must decide whether to share. Asking for their range first is a fair, common request that rarely offends. Whichever way you go, stay friendly. Treat it as a shared problem to solve, not a contest. Ask for the range early next time you apply anywhere.
More reply guides
How this page was made
Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.