How Developers Can Negotiate Better Salaries

Salary negotiation can feel uncomfortable—but it’s a skill every developer needs. Whether you’re starting a new job or asking for a raise, knowing how to talk about money can make a big difference over time. Here's how to do it right.

Do Your Research

Before any salary negotiation, the most important thing you can do is research. If you don’t know what others in your role are earning, you might ask for too little—or too much. Good research gives you confidence and a solid base for your request.

Start with websites like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, PayScale, and Blind. These platforms show what developers are earning based on job title, location, experience, and company. Use them to find a realistic salary range for your role.

Also, check job listings. Some companies now include salary ranges in their postings. That can help you understand what the market is offering for similar positions.

If you're applying for a remote job, be sure to check whether the company pays based on your location or theirs. A job based in Silicon Valley might not pay Silicon Valley rates to someone living in a lower-cost area.

Finally, talk to people you trust. If you have friends, former colleagues, or mentors in the field, ask them what a fair salary looks like for someone with your skills and experience.

The more you know, the stronger your position will be. Research takes time, but it’s one of the best tools you have in any negotiation.

Know Your Value

To negotiate a better salary, you need to know what you’re worth—not just based on your job title, but on what you actually bring to the team. This means understanding your skills, your experience, and the results you’ve delivered.

Start by listing your key strengths. Are you great at solving hard problems? Do you write clean, reliable code? Can you lead a team or mentor others? Do you have experience with in-demand tools or frameworks? These things all matter when you're asking for more pay.

Then think about your impact. Maybe you helped launch a major feature, reduced server costs, improved app speed, or fixed long-standing bugs. If you’ve made things faster, more stable, or easier for users or teammates, that’s value—and it’s worth money.

Also, consider your soft skills. Can you communicate clearly with non-tech people? Do you work well with designers, product managers, or clients? Companies want developers who can work with others, not just write code in a bubble.

When you go into a salary conversation, be ready to share a few examples of how you’ve helped past teams or companies. That makes your value clear.

Knowing your value isn’t about bragging. It’s about being honest—with yourself and with your employer—about what you’ve done and what you’re capable of.

Let Them Make the First Offer

One of the most important rules in salary negotiation is simple: don’t say your number first. Let the employer make the first offer. Why? Because the first number on the table sets the tone for the whole conversation—and you want that number to work in your favor.

If you give your expected salary too early, you might ask for less than what they were ready to pay. That leaves money on the table. On the other hand, if you aim too high without knowing what the role is really worth, you risk being passed over before you’ve had a chance to explain your value.

When you're asked, “What are your salary expectations?” you can respond with something like:

“I’d prefer to learn more about the role and the full compensation package before discussing numbers.”

Or,

“I’m flexible and open, depending on the responsibilities and benefits. Could you share the range you’ve budgeted for this role?”

These replies keep the conversation open and show that you’re focused on fit, not just pay.

Of course, sometimes they’ll insist on a number. In that case, share a researched range—not a single number—and make it clear that you're willing to discuss the full offer.

Letting them go first gives you more information. It helps you respond with confidence, and it gives you a better chance to negotiate up—not down.

Be Clear and Professional

When negotiating your salary, how you say things is just as important as what you say. Being clear and professional helps the conversation stay respectful and focused—and that gives you the best chance of getting what you want.

Start by planning what you want to say. Don’t just wing it. Know your points: what salary you’re aiming for, why you think it’s fair, and what you’re willing to accept. Keep your message simple. Don’t ramble or apologize for asking—negotiation is normal and expected.

For example, you can say:

“Based on my experience and what I’ve seen in the market, I was hoping for something in the range of $X to $Y.”

or

“I’m excited about the role and the team. Given my background in [skill/project], I was expecting a bit more—around $X. Is there flexibility here?”

Always keep your tone calm and respectful. Avoid getting defensive or emotional, even if the conversation gets difficult. You’re working together to find a deal that feels right for both sides.

Also, get everything in writing. If the company agrees to a higher salary, bonus, or other benefit, ask for the updated offer letter before you accept.

Clear, professional communication shows that you take yourself seriously—and encourages the employer to do the same.