What to say when a recruiter asks your salary expectations

The short answer

When a recruiter asks your salary expectations, ask for the role's range first, since the client has a budget for it. If they share it, say whether it works for you. If they do not, give a range you have researched for the role, not your current pay. Keep the answer short, and say you will weigh the full offer.

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Why recruiters ask early

A recruiter asks about pay in the first call because a mismatch wastes everyone's time. The client has a budget for the role. If your number sits far above it, the recruiter would rather know now.

That is fair. But the first number said out loud tends to anchor the talk that follows. If you name a figure before you know the budget, you may name one below it. So the order matters: their range first, then your answer.

Ask for the range first

A plain question works in most calls and messages.

• "Could you share the range the client has set for this role?"
• "What budget do you have for the role, so I can tell you if it works?"
• "Is there a posted range? I would like to start from that."

Some postings list a pay range. When a posting has one, use it. "The posting lists a range; is that still right for the role?" moves the talk to their number.

If they share the range

Answer it directly. You do not need to say a single figure.

• The range works. "That range works for me, depending on the full scope and the benefits."
• The range is low. "That is below what I am looking for. Is there room for a senior candidate?"
• The range is high. Say it works. Do not talk the number down.

For a contract role, the same applies to the hourly rate. Ask whether the rate is W2, C2C or 1099, because the same number means different things in each. The W2, C2C and 1099 guide covers the questions to ask.

If they insist on your number

Sometimes the recruiter will not share the range and asks again. Then give a range, not a single figure. Base it on research for the role, the level and the location, not on what you earn today.

I am looking at roles in the range of 145 to 165 thousand base, depending on the scope and the full package. Where does the client's budget sit?

Illustrative, not a real client.

The answer gives a range, ties it to scope, and ends with a question. It does not mention current pay.

Replies in writing, and what the check flags

Pay questions often come by message or by email, and a written figure stays in the thread. Each row shows a reply as written, what the free reply check flags, and a stronger reply.

Illustrative, not a real client.

The check flags a pay figure named before you know the budget, and your current or past pay. Each point asks you one question; it does not tell you what number to name, and it is not legal advice.

Check your reply to a recruiter, free

Current pay

Some recruiters ask what you earn now. You can decline to share it and move to the role's range.

I would rather focus on what this role pays. What range has the client set?

Illustrative, not a real client.

Rules about pay questions differ by state and city, and this page does not cover them. If a form asks for pay history and you are unsure, look up the rules where the job is. You can also ask the recruiter what the question is for.

On the phone

A spoken answer can be shorter than a written one. "What range has the client set?" is enough, said calmly. If the recruiter pauses, wait. A pause is not a reason to fill the silence with a number.

In the interview

A hiring manager may ask the same question later. By then you should know the range from the recruiter. "The recruiter shared the range, and it works for me" closes the topic so the interview can return to the work.

If the hiring manager asks before you know the range, use the same answer: ask for the range, then answer it.

Total pay, not only base

A range can mean base pay alone or the whole package. Ask what the number includes: base, bonus, equity, benefits, paid time off. Two offers with the same base can differ a lot once the rest is counted.

For a contract role, ask how many hours a week the client expects, whether overtime is paid, and how long the contract runs. A higher rate on a short contract can come to less than a lower rate on a long one.

Write the answers down after the call. When the offer comes, you can compare it with what you were told.

Before you name any figure

Know your own floor before the call. Count base, bonus, benefits and, for a contract role, the hours and the length of the contract. Write it down so a direct question does not push you to a number you have not thought through.

Then let the talk come to the work. A recruiter who sees a strong fit has more reason to push the client toward the top of the range.

Keep going

• How to reply to a recruiter
• The recruiter phone screen for project managers
• W2, C2C or 1099: questions for a contract role

Last updated: October 24, 2026