Pay Rate & Salary - Discussing Payment

The employer may offer you a certain salary or hourly wage.  In most cases, this is their final offer.  That means that amount is what they are willing to pay you.  This is the most common scenario for most types of jobs.

Here are some examples of what the potential employer might say to you: 

• "This position pays ___ per hour."
• "The salary for this position is ____."
• "We can pay you ____ an hour."

How to handle this scenario:

It is almost always a good idea to accept a job offer.  It is hard work to find a job and get hired, and if you were able to get a job offer, you should probably take the job.  In most cases, you should accept the pay rate offered and say "thank you."

Here are some examples of what you should say:

• "Ok, thank you."
• "That seems reasonable. Thank you."
• "Thank you, that sounds great. When do I start?"

The employer may offer you a certain salary or hourly wage and ask you how you feel about it.  This is also a common scenario for many types of jobs.

Here are some examples of what the potential employer might say to you: 

• "We’re prepared to offer you ___ amount per hour, how does that sound?"
• "You will earn ___ an hour. Does that seem reasonable?"
• "The salary for this position is ____.  Does that meet your expectations?"

How to handle this scenario:

Most often, it is a good idea to accept the pay rate that you are offered.  Even if you feel it is less than you would like to make, you should probably take the offer.  A job that pays less than you would like is still better than no job at all. 

When accepting the offer, remember to use a positive tone of voice.  Try not to sound disappointed. 

Here are some examples of how to politely accept the offer when you are asked how you feel about the offer:

• "That is fine. Thanks."
• "Yes, that seems reasonable.  Thank you."
• "Thank you, that’s great."

The employer might ask you exactly what amount of money you would like to earn. This scenario is not as common. 

Here are some examples of what the potential employer might ask you:      

• "What do you think would be an appropriate wage or salary for someone with your experience?"
• What rate were you expecting?
• "What is your salary range?"

How to handle this scenario

When the potential employer asks you what amount you are looking for, there are a couple of ways you can answer their questions.

1. You can ask them what they think is fair based on your experience and based on their budget.  This option is the recommended approach.  By asking what they suggest, you avoid having to suggest an amount, because suggesting an amount can be very tricky. 
   
   
   • If you ask for an amount that is too high, they might think you are greedy, or simply unable to pay you. 
   • If you ask for an amount that is too low, you might not earn everything you would have.  Letting the employer name their amount is much safer and may result in a better outcome.

To avoid this tricky situation, it is okay for you to say:

• "What do you typically pay someone with my education and experience level?"
• "What amount were you considering?"
• "What amount do you think is appropriate given my education and experience?"

2. You can be direct and politely tell them your salary requirement or range. Make sure that you know what an appropriate pay rate or salary might be for the position you are applying for.  Click here for information about determining appropriate pay rates.

If you know an amount that you think is reasonable for the job you are applying for, here are some examples for how to respond:

• "I feel that $_____ is reasonable and fair, given my experience in the field."
• "I was hoping for something around $___ per hour."
• "My salary range is between $_____ and $______." 

Remember that you should be able to justify whatever salary you request.  This means you need to be able to explain the reasons why you are requesting a particular amount.  Therefore, doing your homework on rates and salaries offered to those with your experience in your same field is critical!