Level Up Your First Offer: Salary Negotiation Tips for New Professionals

Here’s how to prepare, negotiate, and strengthen your position.

Starting a new chapter in your career—whether you’re fresh out of school or changing fields—comes with both excitement and uncertainty. One of the first real tests? Navigating the job offer. It might be tempting to accept the initial offer. But that could be a costly miscalculation.

If the salary isn’t fixed, it’s time to evaluate the situation and prepare to negotiate. While many private-sector roles offer flexibility, some positions—especially in government, higher education, or unionized environments—may come with set pay scales and limited room for negotiation. Even so, it’s important to understand the structure and to ask questions about where you might land within the posted range or how future progression works.

“Multiple studies have shown a direct relationship between your first salary negotiation and the income you may earn over your lifetime,” says Joanna Kim-Brunetti, chief legal officer at Trusaic, a global software provider that provides pay equity solutions.

“Starting pay has been historically one of the biggest creators of pay inequity in the workplace, typically triggering consistently lower wages over an employee’s career span.”

Your future raises and even future job offers may be based on what you earn today, so starting out with lower pay compounds over time. According to Trusaic, researchers estimate that a difference of $1,000 in starting salary can translate into a loss of about half a million dollars over the course of a career.

The entry-level disparity is especially impactful to women, who earn an average of 18% less than men over the course of their careers. And it starts right out of college, according to data from the National Associations of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Let’s look at some expert advice on how to negotiate the compensation you deserve.

Know your value in marketplace

Don’t accept a company’s first offer just because you’re excited to get started. That excitement is real—and well-earned—but it shouldn’t cost you in the long run. One of the core principles of negotiating is recognizing your worth. At the same time, it’s important not to overestimate your value and price yourself out of the conversation.

Start by researching what entry-level professionals typically earn in your field. Tools like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com can help you understand your market value based on location, industry, and job type. Then take an honest inventory of your skills, education, and experience.

And if you realize there’s a gap between what you want to earn and what you’re qualified for—don’t stress. This is where upskilling comes in. Continuing education, whether through courses, certificates, or part-time programs, can close that gap quickly and set you up for your next move with more leverage.

Consider the job description

It might be possible to get a feel for what the company is prepared to offer before you sit down to negotiate. Because of pay transparency laws, many companies are mandated to post salary ranges. That’s great intel—but remember, the top of the range is usually reserved for candidates with years of experience in the role, according to Daniela Herrera, director of recruitment operations at R/GA, a global marketing agency.

Also, find out exactly what the job entails before negotiating. Understanding the company’s goals, culture, and expectations gives you more negotiating power—and helps you avoid surprises after you accept the offer. Being fully informed regarding your employer’s needs and expectations will give you an advantage now and set you up for success later.

Prepare to make your case

Once you’ve researched the market and the role, it’s time to prepare your pitch. What value do you bring? What skills, experiences, or certifications set you apart? If you’ve done internships, freelance work, side projects, or volunteer leadership—include that. It all counts.

Write down your key points, keep them clear and concise, and practice saying them out loud. Better yet, role-play the conversation with a friend or mentor who’s been through a negotiation themselves. Confidence comes from preparation.

Negotiate with clarity, not ego

Once it’s time to start negotiating, it’s important to walk a fine line. It’s good to be clear and definitive about your needs and expectations, but don’t play hardball. Unless you’re a sought-after wunderkind and truly in high demand, be wary of presenting competing offers from other companies in hopes of upping the ante — you might not get a counteroffer.

If the recruiter is vague on the salary, it’s perfectly fine to ask upfront. A basic tenet of the process is to never start negotiating until the company’s offer is on the table, according to Brianna Doe, founder and CEO of Verbatim, a marketing agency. Being clear about salary early on ensures no one wastes anyone’s time.

Keep in mind that although most companies are fine with negotiating, it’s important to be humble and respectful. Check your ego at the door but don’t shy away from being decisive.

Be ready for any outcome

Not every offer will meet your expectations—and that’s okay. Before deciding, consider the full compensation package, as younger professionals often overlook perks that add value beyond base pay. Benefits like tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, stock options, flexible hours, or generous time off can make a significant difference.

If you’re still not quite where you want to be—whether in skills or salary—see this as an opportunity to regroup and grow. Upskilling through part-time or online learning can boost confidence, expand options, and strengthen future negotiations. Remember, keep the door open—you may cross paths with the company again.