"What Salary Do You Expect?" 7 Replies That Dodge a Number

James Walker

James Walker writes about career transitions. London-based career enthusiast.

Visual representation of the voice · not a photographic portrait

Quick answer: Turn the question back with care: say you want to learn more about the role first, then ask what range the company has budgeted. If they insist, give a researched range tied to the full package instead of one number. Stay friendly and specific, and never lie about your current pay.↗ Share on X

To answer a salary expectations question without naming a number, thank the interviewer, say you want to understand the full role first, and ask what range they have budgeted. For example: "I'd love to learn more about the responsibilities before I put a number on it. Could you share the range you have in mind for this role?" If they push, give a researched range tied to the whole package rather than a single figure. Most recruiters will share their range when asked kindly.

Why bother? Because the first number spoken often anchors the rest of the talk. If you say a figure below the company's budget, they rarely raise it on their own. If you say one far above, you might get screened out before you can show your value.

Why do employers ask this question so early?

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It is usually not a trick. Recruiters ask because they want to:

• avoid spending hours on a candidate whose expectations are far outside the budget;
• report back to the hiring manager quickly;
• see how you handle a slightly awkward question.

Knowing this helps. Your goal is not to refuse. It is to show you are reasonable while getting their number first.

7 word-for-word replies you can use

Pick the one that sounds most like you. Practice it out loud a few times.

1. The curious reply. "I'm still learning about the scope of the role. Could you tell me the range you've budgeted? I'm sure we can find something that works if it's a good fit."

2. The flexible reply. "I'm open on salary and more focused on finding the right role. What range did the team set for this position?"

3. The total-package reply. "Salary is one part of the picture for me. Benefits, schedule, and growth matter too. What does the full package look like?"

4. The research reply. "From what I've seen for similar roles in this area, pay varies quite a bit. What's the range for this one, so I can see how it compares?"

5. The later-stage reply. "I'd feel more comfortable discussing numbers once we both know I'm the right person. Could we come back to it after the next interview?"

6. The range reply (if they insist). "Based on my research for this kind of role, I'm looking at something in the range of $X to $Y, depending on the full package."

7. The written-application reply. "Negotiable based on role responsibilities and total compensation."

Notice that every reply is short, friendly, and ends with a question or a clear next step.

What if the recruiter keeps pushing?

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Sometimes they need a figure to move you forward. Use this sequence:

1. First ask: use reply 1, 2, or 3.

2. Second ask: acknowledge their need. "I understand you need a number to move things along."

3. Give a range, not a point. Use reply 6.

4. Anchor the range high, but honest. Put the bottom of your range at or slightly above the least you would truly accept.

5. Tie it to the package. Add "depending on benefits and flexibility." This leaves room to adjust later.

How do you research a fair range?

You cannot give a smart range without homework. Spend 30 minutes on this before any interview:

1. Read the job post carefully. In several US states, employers must list a pay range in job ads. If it's there, you already have your anchor.

2. Search similar job titles on large job boards and salary sites, filtered by your city or region.

3. Check government data. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes pay data by job and area for free.

4. Ask people in the field. A friend or former coworker in a similar role can tell you what is realistic.

5. Adjust for your level. Entry-level, mid-level, and senior roles can differ a lot, even with the same title.

6. Write down three numbers: the least you would accept, a comfortable target, and a strong but reasonable stretch.

Your spoken range usually goes from your target to your stretch, not from your minimum.

What about questions on your current or past salary?

This is a different question, and the rules depend on where you live. A growing number of US states and cities ban employers from asking about salary history. Check your state labor department's website to know your rights.

Even where it is allowed, you can redirect: "I'd rather focus on what this role is worth, given the responsibilities. What range do you have in mind?"

One firm rule: never lie about your current pay. Some employers verify it, and a false number can cost you the offer.

What should you say in a career change?

If you are switching fields, your old salary may not match the new one, up or down. That is normal. Use phrases that focus on the future:

• "Since I'm moving into a new field, I'm looking at what this role pays in the market rather than my previous salary."
• "I'm flexible because I see real long-term growth here. What's the range for this level?"

If the new role pays less at first, ask about the timeline for reviews and raises. Knowing that pay is reviewed after six months or a year can make a lower start easier to accept.

How do you answer by email or text instead of live?

More and more recruiters ask about pay in a first email or chat message. The good news: writing gives you time to think. Keep the message short and friendly. Here is a template you can adapt:

"Thanks so much for reaching out. I'm very interested in this role. Before I share a number, I'd love to understand the responsibilities and the full package a little better. Could you share the salary range you've budgeted for this position?"

If they reply that they need your number to move forward, answer with your researched range:

"Understood. Based on my research for similar roles in this area, I'm looking at something between $X and $Y, depending on benefits and the details of the role. I'm happy to talk more on a call."

Read your message out loud before you send it. If it sounds defensive or too long, cut it down. Two or three sentences is usually enough.

What if they share a range lower than you hoped?

Don't panic, and don't reject it on the spot. Try these steps:

1. Thank them for being open about the range.

2. Ask where the role usually starts within that range and what moves someone toward the top.

3. Point to specific skills you bring that match the top of the range, like a certification, a tool you know well, or years doing the same work.

4. Ask about the review schedule. A raise after six months can close part of the gap.

5. Decide later, not live. Say you'd like to think about it once you see the full offer.

Mistakes that weaken your position

• Giving your lowest acceptable number first. The offer will rarely go above it.
• Saying "whatever is fair." It sounds polite but gives all control to the employer.
• Sounding annoyed. A calm tone keeps the door open.
• Over-explaining personal costs. Rent, loans, and childcare are real, but pay is usually based on the role, not your bills.
• Accepting on the spot. It's fine to say, "Thank you, I'd like a day to review the full offer."

Your next step before the interview

Today, write down your three numbers: minimum, target, and stretch, based on the research steps above. Then pick one of the seven replies, change the words to sound like you, and say it out loud five times. Do the same with reply 6 so the range comes out smoothly if they insist. Walking in with those lines ready is often the difference between taking the first number and getting a better one.

FAQ

Is it rude to avoid giving a salary number?

No, as long as your tone is warm and you give a reason. Recruiters hear this all the time. Saying you want to understand the role first, and asking about their budget, sounds professional, not evasive.

What if the online application forces me to type a number?

Try entering 0 or 1 if the form allows it, and add a note such as "Open, based on the full role and package" in any comments box. If the field demands a real number, enter a researched range midpoint that you would be happy with, not your lowest acceptable figure.

Can an employer ask about my current salary?

In a number of US states and cities, employers are not allowed to ask about your salary history. Rules differ by location, so check your state labor department's website. Even where it is allowed, you can politely say you prefer to focus on the value of this new role.