"What are your salary expectations?" is the most expensive question in the whole process. Here is how to answer it without a range to go on.
The Interview-to-Offer Playbook includes a full Salary Negotiation Playbook, plus 500 interview questions, a STAR Story Workbook, and a Hiring Manager Psychology Guide, so you can walk into interviews with confidence, turn more interviews into job offers, and negotiate the salary you deserve.
A 2026 Resume Genius survey found that 31% of job seekers are frustrated by postings that do not list a salary, and 41% treat a missing salary as a red flag. It is not going away, so it helps to have your answers ready.
The goal is simple: do not name a number first if you can avoid it, and never name a number you have not researched.
Before you answer: do 10 minutes of research
Check salary data for the same role, level and city.
Look at similar postings that do list pay.
Decide your target number and the lowest number you would accept.
Four scripts you can use
1. Turn the question back (early in the process)
"I'd like to learn more about the role and responsibilities first. Can you share the budgeted range for this position?"
2. Give a researched range (when pressed)
"Based on the scope we've discussed and market data for this role, I'm looking at [target range]. I'm flexible depending on the full package."
3. When they ask your current salary
"I'd prefer to focus on what this role is worth and the value I'd bring. What's the range you have in mind?"
4. When the range they give is below your target
"Thank you for sharing that. Based on my experience and what I understand the role involves, I was expecting something closer to [number]. Is there flexibility?"
One thing to remember
The first number you say often anchors the rest of the conversation. Say it from research, say it calmly, and then stop talking. The silence is part of the technique.
If you want the full playbook for the salary conversation, including how to handle the offer itself, it is included in the Interview-to-Offer Playbook.
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Reply and tell me what salary question you struggle with most. I read every reply.