How do I write a salary negotiation email?

Keep it professional and concise. State your request clearly, back it up with market data or your accomplishments, express your enthusiasm for the role, and ask a clear question. Avoid ultimatums and keep a collaborative tone.

Free Templates

How to Negotiate Salary

Q: Should I negotiate salary by email?

Email is acceptable for initial salary requests and follow-ups, but the core negotiation conversation is usually better done verbally (phone or in person). Use email to confirm agreements, follow up after conversations, or when the situation is entirely remote.

Salary negotiation is one of the highest-leverage skills you can develop. The average raise from negotiating a new job offer is $5,000–$10,000. Below are 5 ready-to-use email scripts for every situation — from countering a job offer to requesting a raise after a promotion.

Before You Send

Replace every [placeholder] with real details
Always research market rates before naming a number
Keep a collaborative, professional tone — avoid ultimatums
Send within 24–48 hours of a verbal conversation for follow-up emails

Template 1: Counter-Offer on a New Job

Use when: you've received a job offer and the salary is below your target

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer — [Your Name] Hi [Hiring Manager's Name], Thank you so much for the offer — I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to join [Company] as [Job Title]. I've thought it over carefully and I'm very interested in moving forward. I do want to have a brief conversation about the compensation. Based on my [X years] of experience in [relevant area] and my research on market rates for this role in [city/region], I was expecting something in the range of [your target range]. Would you be able to come up to [$specific number]? I believe this reflects my experience level and the value I'll bring to the team. I remain very enthusiastic about the role and the team. I'm looking forward to finding an arrangement that works for both of us. Best, [Your Name]

Template 2: Annual Raise Request (Email)

Use when: requesting a raise during or before your performance review

Subject: Request to Discuss Compensation Adjustment Hi [Manager's Name], I hope you're doing well. As we approach [review period / the end of the year], I'd love to schedule some time to discuss my compensation. Over the past [time period], I've [key accomplishment 1], [key accomplishment 2], and [key accomplishment 3]. I've also taken on [new responsibility] beyond my original scope. I've done some research on market rates for [your role] in [location] — the median is approximately [$range], and I believe a compensation adjustment to [$specific number] would align my salary with both my contributions and the current market. Would you be available for a 30-minute conversation on [date]? I'm happy to share supporting data and discuss further. Thank you for your consideration. Best, [Your Name]

Template 3: Follow-Up After Verbal Raise Discussion

Use when: following up in writing after a raise conversation with your manager

Subject: Follow-Up — Compensation Discussion Hi [Manager's Name], Thank you for taking the time to discuss my compensation today — I really appreciate your openness. I wanted to briefly summarize our conversation: I formally requested a salary increase to [$specific number], based on [key accomplishment] and market research showing [$range] for comparable roles in [location]. You mentioned [what they said / that you'd look into it / that the budget review is in X month]. I'll plan to follow up on [agreed date or timeline you proposed]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me in the meantime. Thanks again, [Your Name]

Template 4: Raise After Promotion or New Responsibilities

Use when: your responsibilities have grown but your pay hasn't

Subject: Compensation Review — Updated Responsibilities Hi [Manager's Name], I wanted to reach out regarding my compensation, which hasn't been updated since [date / my start date]. Since then, my role has expanded significantly. In addition to my original responsibilities, I am now [new responsibility 1], [new responsibility 2], and [new responsibility 3]. This is effectively [senior role / the scope of a X title] in terms of the work I'm contributing. I'd like to request that my compensation be adjusted to [$amount or range] to reflect this expanded scope and the current market for this level of work. I'd love to discuss further at your convenience. Would you have 20–30 minutes this week or next? Thank you for considering this. Best, [Your Name]

Template 5: Leveraging a Competing Job Offer

Use when: you have a genuine outside offer and want to give your employer a chance to match

Subject: Important — I'd Like to Discuss My Compensation Hi [Manager's Name], I want to be upfront with you because I genuinely value this team and my work here. I've recently been approached by another company and have received a formal offer for [$amount]. This wasn't something I was actively pursuing — but the compensation is significantly higher than my current salary. My first preference is to continue here, but I need my compensation to be competitive. I wanted to give you the opportunity to discuss this before I make any decisions. Could we find 30 minutes to talk this week? I want to be transparent and work through this together. Thank you, [Your Name]

Email Negotiation Tips

Should I negotiate salary by email or in person? +

In-person or phone is usually better for the main negotiation — it allows real-time dialogue and prevents misreading tone. Use email to set up the meeting, confirm agreements, and follow up in writing after verbal discussions.

How long should a salary negotiation email be? +

Short. 150–250 words is ideal for most negotiation emails. State your request clearly, give 2–3 supporting points, and ask a clear question. Long emails look desperate; concise emails look confident.

What's the best subject line for a salary email? +

Be direct but neutral: "Compensation Discussion," "Re: [Job Title] Offer," or "Compensation Review — [Your Name]." Avoid passive phrasing like "Just wanted to ask about..."

How do I negotiate without seeming greedy? +

Frame it as a business conversation, not a personal need. Use data (market rates, accomplishments). Express genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. Treat it as a professional discussion, not an ultimatum.

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