10 Things People Who Get Paid Well Know About Salary Negotiations

Negotiating salary isn't just about asking for more. It's about knowing the market and framing your value. Well-paid professionals consistently leave money on the table when they skip or mishandle this step. Odds are, if you ask, you'll get at least some of what you ask for, making salary negotiation one of the most straightforward ways to get ahead financially.

Below, we break down what top earners do with real-world examples and practical advice.

Start by requesting a high number first and then moderate your ask during negotiations. Starting with a higher anchor gives you room to negotiate down while still getting a substantial pay raise.

Don't start at the lower end of your desired salary range — start at the top. Don't be afraid to aim for a higher number, either, especially if your desired pay is in line with market rates.

Experts at Resume Genius found that 78% of new hires who negotiate their starting pay receive a better offer. Use online tools like Glassdoor or LinkedIn to determine the typical salary for someone in your role and use this number to jumpstart your negotiations.

With this data, you won't sound like you're just asking for more. You'll sound like you're asking based on industry standards.

"The best negotiation strategy for me is to be backed by a counteroffer in my current [job] or some other company," shares Redditor yegegebzia. Securing a solid offer elsewhere immediately boosts your leverage (and confidence) during salary discussions. It tells employers you're in demand and helps underscore your value.

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"Best advice is to ask for exactly what you want (maybe slightly more).... If you want $100,000, say you're looking for low $100s," advises Redditor IceColdPepsi1.

This adds some clarity to the process and signals that you've given serious thought to your salary. Many employers will meet precise asks or respond with a thoughtful counter.

A former recruiter on Reddit shared this pearl of wisdom: "Don't throw out the first number, unless it's absolutely unavoidable." Since initial offers typically sit below the top of their budget, prompting them to speak first can help you avoid low balling yourself and open the door to a stronger opening bid.

If you do have to pick one, pick it carefully. Always start with the highest number of your range, not the lowest. Otherwise, you may find yourself with less room to negotiate.

After receiving an offer, don't respond right away. Instead, repeat the number and pause. This prompts the employer to justify their answer without you having to immediately think of a counteroffer.

Who knows? Your employer may even raise the offer. A pause is often what the employer needs to rethink what they're willing to pay.

Several users on the Reddit negotiation board recommend asking "What's your budget?" when they ask for your number. After all, your employer has control over the money, so you should be asking that question (not the other way around).

Combine this knowledge with the current market data to choose your anchor confidently.

Rehearse with a friend to build your confidence and refine your approach. Role-play what you'll say in different scenarios (like responding to a firm offer or unexpected questions) to help stay composed and in control during the negotiation.

Top earners treat negotiations like a performance: the more you practice, the more naturally you'll be able to negotiate for the compensation you deserve.

As negotiations continue, define a clear "bottom line." Knowing this number keeps you grounded and prevents you from making emotional decisions. It's often easy to say yes just to please the person on the other side of the table, so knowing the lowest salary you'll accept is important.

You may need to walk away from offers that fall below this threshold.

Don't forget that interviews are also your chance to ask questions. Sometimes, this can reveal information about the company's budget range. For instance, asking "What challenges are the team facing?" can reveal more about the hiring pressure and priorities of the company, which may reveal what they're willing to pay.

Use these insights to tailor your requested salary and determine how much you might be able to negotiate.

A successful salary negotiation hinges on preparation and strategy. The most effective negotiators don't guess—they draw on data and practice their pitch. When you negotiate well, you aren't just getting paid more, you're setting yourself on the right track to build wealth.

Here's one insight worth adding: up to 40% of U.S. workers never negotiate their starting salary, missing out on potentially thousands in annual income. That means that nearly half of the employees are accepting the very first number put on the table.