Prepare for a Pay Conversation

Prepare

• Review the role's responsibilities and how your experience matches them.
• Gather credible, current pay information for similar roles in your area, such as government labor statistics, recent postings that list pay, or people in the field. Note where each figure came from.
• List the skills and contributions you can describe accurately.
• Choose an opening request or range you can explain.
• Consider the full offer: benefits, schedule, training, and advancement, not just pay.

One public starting point: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Fill-in scripts

“Based on the responsibilities of this role and my experience with [relevant work], I’d like to discuss compensation of [amount or range]. Is there flexibility in the offer?”

For an internal promotion or raise:

“I’d like to review my compensation in light of [verified responsibilities or contributions]. What would the process be for discussing an adjustment?”

If the answer is no

• Thank them and ask what would need to change for a future review.
• Ask whether other parts of the offer are flexible, such as start date, schedule, or training.
• Decide calmly whether the offer works for you.

Preparing well can help the conversation, but it doesn't guarantee a raise or a particular offer.