How to counter offer a salary: whether to counter, how much to ask for, what to say on the phone, and a counter offer email and letter to copy.
Worth It: The Salary Negotiation Guide for Women by Bhumika AT — Scripts, 10 email templates and worksheets for your first offer, your next one and every raise in between. Buy on Amazon.com · Amazon.co.uk · Amazon.de · Amazon.in
You have a job offer, but the salary is lower than you hoped. A counter offer is simply a polite, specific reply that asks for more — and employers expect it far more often than candidates think. This guide shows you how to counter offer a salary: whether you should, how much to ask for, what to say on the phone, and an email and counter offer letter you can copy.
Usually, yes. Employers rarely open with their best number, and a polite counter with a reason is very unlikely to make them withdraw the offer. The exceptions are offers with a published, fixed salary (some public-sector and graduate schemes) — and even then, the start date, signing bonus or other terms may move.
Do not pick a number out of the air or add a fixed percentage. Research what the role pays, then counter a little above your target, so there is room to meet in the middle.
Know your walk-away number first: Decide before you reply the lowest offer you would accept. It keeps you calm if they come back with less than you asked for.
When the offer arrives:
"Thank you — I'm really excited about this role. Could you send the full offer in writing? I'd like to review it and come back to you by Thursday."
Counter on a call:
"I'm very keen to join, and I hope it's OK to raise one thing. Based on what similar roles pay and the experience I'd bring in [skill], I was hoping for a base salary of [amount]. Is there flexibility to get closer to that?"
Say the number once, then pause. Let them respond.
If you have a competing offer:
"I have another offer at [amount]. This role is my first choice — would you be able to match it?"
Only mention an offer you really have, and keep it plain.
Counter offer email:
Subject: Re: Offer for [Job title] Hi [Name], Thank you for the offer — I'm excited about the role and the team. Before I accept, I hope it's alright to raise one point. Based on market pay for similar roles in [city] and my experience in [skill], I was hoping for a base salary of [amount]. Is there flexibility to move closer to that? I'm keen to make this work and happy to talk it through on a call. Best regards, [Your name]
Counter offer letter:
Dear [Hiring manager], Thank you for offering me the position of [Job title] at [Company]. I am delighted and look forward to contributing to [team or goal]. Having reviewed the offer, I would like to discuss the base salary. Based on my research into comparable roles and my [years of experience / specific skills], I would like to request a base salary of [amount]. I am confident we can reach an agreement and would be glad to discuss this at your convenience. Yours sincerely, [Your name]
If the base salary cannot move, other parts of the offer often can:
If the base is fixed:
"I understand the base is set for this level. Could we look at a signing bonus of [amount], or a salary review after six months?"
If they say the offer is final, thank them and compare it with your walk-away number. If it is above it, accepting is a good outcome — and you can ask when salaries are reviewed. If it is below, it is fine to decline politely.
Research suggests women who negotiate can face more pushback than men for the same request. Two things help: give a legitimate reason for the ask, and show care for the relationship ("I hope it's OK to raise this"). If you mention a competing offer, state it plainly without extra softening.
In the book: Worth It has the full set of counter-offer scripts, an offer evaluation checklist for comparing packages side by side, and a step-by-step negotiation timeline.
Every counter-offer script and email, in one place. See the book: Worth It
Thank them, ask for the offer in writing, then reply with a specific number and one reason — market pay for the role or the skills you bring — and ask whether there is flexibility.
A little above your researched target, so there is room to agree in the middle. Base it on market data, not a fixed percentage.
It is rare when you ask politely, with a reason and a realistic number. Avoid ultimatums you do not mean.
Either works. Email lets you choose your words; a call feels more personal. Many people make the ask by email and settle details by phone.
Ask about other terms: a signing bonus, an earlier salary review, extra leave, remote work or a different start date.
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