10 Tips on How To Negotiate Salary in 2026

10 Tips on How To Negotiate Salary in 2026

1. Research the Market and Industry

Before you even sit at the negotiation table, find out the average salary for your position in your industry and region. Use websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, or local sources for information. Knowing the market value gives you a solid foundation and increases your confidence during negotiations.

Example: If you are applying for a Data Analyst position in Belgrade, research whether the average salary is €1,200–€1,500 per month. This gives you a basis to request a realistic salary of €1,400 without overreaching.

2. Assess Your Skills and Experience

Make a list of your key skills, achievements, and experiences that set you apart. Ensure you can clearly demonstrate the value you bring to the company. Employers pay for value, not just hours worked. Clearly defined results strengthen your argument.

Example: “In the past year, I optimized the sales process, increasing company revenue by 15%. This experience could be applied to benefit your organization as well.”

3. Define Your Target and Minimum

Set your desired salary as well as the minimum you are willing to accept. Include benefits, bonuses, and flexible work options. This gives you a negotiation framework and prevents you from settling for less than you deserve.

Example: You want €1,500 but won’t accept less than €1,350. This helps you negotiate without risking an unreasonably low acceptance.

4. Practice Negotiation Scenarios

Try negotiating with a friend, mentor, or using AI tools to simulate realistic negotiation scenarios. These simulations can help you practice answering difficult questions, structuring arguments, and adjusting your tone in a safe environment. Focus on presenting your arguments calmly and professionally, as repeated practice reduces anxiety and improves confidence.

Example: A friend or an AI assistant acts as the employer and asks, “Why do you think you deserve €1,500?” Practicing your responses in advance, especially with instant feedback from AI, helps you stay composed and confident in a real negotiation.

5. Negotiate the Total Package

Salary is not the only negotiation element. Consider flexible working hours, additional benefits, bonuses, stock options, and professional development opportunities. Sometimes the total package value exceeds the base salary.

Example: If the employer cannot increase the base salary from €1,400 to €1,500, you can request an additional €200 bonus or 5 extra vacation days.

6. Ask the Right Questions

Instead of immediately requesting a higher salary, ask questions like: “How does the company evaluate this role?” or “What criteria influence salary increases?” This gives you insight into the employer’s logic and helps you tailor your arguments.

Example: “What skills or results are most valued for this position in the first year?” This allows you to align your expectations with the company’s priorities and present a more convincing case.

7. Stay Calm and Professional

Regardless of the employer’s response, don’t show frustration or dissatisfaction. Professionalism increases your chances of a positive outcome. Human behavior often matters more than the offer itself.

Example: If offered a lower salary than expected, say: “I understand your offer; can we also consider additional benefits?” Instead of showing anger or irritation.

8. Be Ready to Negotiate

Don’t accept the first offer immediately. Showing willingness to discuss demonstrates that you value your worth. The first offer is often just a starting point, not the final one.

Example: The employer offers €1,400; you respond: “Thank you, I’ve considered it, and I believe €1,500 would be fair given my experience and contributions.” This shows confidence.

9. Use the Power of Silence

After stating your request, wait for the employer to respond. Silence can be a powerful tool as it pressures the other party to meet expectations. People often try to fill the silence by improving their offer.

Example: You say: “My proposal is €1,500 per month.” And don’t add anything until the employer responds. Silence often leads to a better offer.

10. Prepare a Plan B

Always have an alternative, whether another job offer, additional training, or a freelance option. This provides security and strengthens your negotiating position. If negotiations fail, you have the option to walk away without losing confidence.

Example: If negotiations fall through, you have a freelance project offer that provides income while you seek another permanent position. You feel more secure and don’t settle for too little.

How to Negotiate Salary for the Currently Employed

For the currently employed, here are some things to consider if you’re aiming to get better pay with your current job and position:

1. Check your contract

Is the salary rate specified in your hiring contract? If so, the only way to renegotiate your salary is by renegotiating the terms of your contract. It is legally impossible to change your rate if your contract is still ongoing.

2. Evaluate your performance

Compare your performance to other staff. If you’re a team leader, consider how your team performs compared to others. High performance can justify a salary increase.

3. Assess your value to the company

Consider how easily the company could replace you. If your role is difficult to fill due to your value, you have leverage for negotiation.

4. Define your desired deal

Think in advance about the salary rate that would satisfy you and why you deserve it.

5. Understand the other side

Try to estimate your manager’s or HR’s breaking point and what deal might satisfy them.

6. Be strategic in persuasion

Convince the other side confidently using facts and information that they cannot counter. Negotiation isn’t always necessary if you present your case convincingly.

7. Consider promotions without raises

If a salary increase is not immediately possible, consider negotiating non-monetary benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, additional vacation days, training opportunities, or performance-based bonuses. These benefits can significantly improve overall job satisfaction and may be easier for employers to approve.

This approach allows you to gain value even when budget constraints limit direct salary increases, while also strengthening your position for future negotiations.

The Importance of Salary Negotiation

Many job seekers aim for a good salary, whether they are starting their careers or applying for managerial roles. However, only about 51% of applicants actually negotiate their pay, often out of fear or embarrassment.

Not negotiating can be a major financial mistake. It’s your right to ask for fair compensation, and companies are increasingly open to discussions about salary. Success in negotiation depends largely on preparation and strategy.

Salary Negotiation Process

Here is the process of salary negotiation, which will help you to prepare when it comes to your future salary negotiations.

• Collect information before the negotiation: Gather relevant data to understand the other party’s position and market conditions thoroughly.
• Let the other party propose first: Allow them to reveal their position, gaining insights and setting the stage for strategic counteroffers.
• Determine your break point: Know the maximum limit you’re willing to concede or invest before negotiations become unfavorable.
• Determine your opening bid: Establish a well-considered starting point that allows room for negotiation and concessions.
• Ask as many questions as possible: Seek clarity on the other party’s needs, motivations, and constraints to inform your negotiation strategy.
• If necessary, give out important variables in small details: Disclose critical information incrementally, maintaining control and leveraging concessions strategically.
• If the deal leads to what is below what you want, then consider your future options: Be prepared to walk away if the outcome falls below your predetermined threshold, exploring alternative opportunities.

10 Variables Negotiation You Could Include In Your Salary Negotiation

1. Hourly/monthly/yearly wage

Salary is the primary source of income, so it must be fair and aligned with the market. Negotiating your wage directly impacts your financial security and lifestyle. A clearly defined salary also helps prevent misunderstandings or frustrations later.

2. Commencement date contract (always negotiable)

The start date affects your availability and transition from previous commitments. Negotiating allows you enough time to wrap up prior obligations or plan relocation. A flexible start date also reflects the employer’s willingness to accommodate your needs.

3. Length of contract

The contract duration determines job security and income stability. Short contracts carry the risk of interruption, while longer contracts allow for career planning. Negotiating the length helps balance security with flexibility.

4. Number of Working hours

Working hours directly influence work-life balance. Clearly defined hours help avoid overload and stress. They also provide a basis for negotiating overtime or additional compensation if needed.

5. Bonus on performance or profit-sharing

Bonuses reward achievements beyond basic expectations. Negotiating performance or profit-based bonuses can increase total compensation and make work more rewarding. Clear bonus criteria reduce ambiguity and potential dissatisfaction.

6. Pensions: Do they compensate for that?

Additional pension contributions ensure long-term financial security. Understanding pension benefits helps evaluate the total value of an offer. Negotiating pension plans can provide better retirement conditions.

7. Disability insurance: Do they compensate for it?

Disability insurance protects you in case of accidents or illnesses that prevent you from working. Negotiating these benefits reduces financial risk in unforeseen situations. It ensures peace of mind throughout your employment.

8. Do they compensate when you get Sick?

Paid sick leave is important for maintaining health and financial stability. Negotiating sick leave ensures you won’t lose income when ill. It also shows how much the employer values employee well-being.

9. Negotiation context and internal equity

Understanding whether the employer is negotiating the same variables with other employees helps you assess fairness and feasibility. It provides insight into internal policies and allows you to adjust your negotiation strategy accordingly.

10. Career development and growth opportunities

Clarifying whether the role offers long-term career prospects or only short-term employment is essential. Negotiating growth opportunities supports professional development and aligns the position with your long-term goals.

Important Questions to Answer Before the Negotiation Starts