The landscape of tech salary negotiations has evolved dramatically, with community discussions revealing stark contrasts between different markets, companies, and negotiation approaches. Recent discussions highlight how proper negotiation tactics can lead to significant compensation differences, sometimes by factors of 2-4x.
The Power of Not Revealing Numbers First
One of the most striking insights from the tech community is how withholding salary expectations can lead to substantially higher offers. Multiple developers report receiving offers far exceeding what they would have initially requested. This strategy proved particularly effective when moving between different tiers of companies, such as from startups to FAANG or trading firms.
I think this topic is super important and I'm really glad I didn't follow advice of saying your expected salary or expected +20%. Let the employer give information first and don't back yourself into the corner by revealing your ignorance of market or minimum comp you are willing to take.
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| The webpage provides expert guidance on negotiating salaries effectively, emphasizing the importance of not revealing expected salary figures early in the process |
Market Realities in 2024
The current market shows significant stratification:
- FAANG/Big Tech: $250K-400K+ for senior roles
- Trading Firms: $400K-600K+ for specialized roles
- Traditional Companies: Often $90K-150K for similar positions
- Regional Variations: European salaries typically 30-50% lower than US counterparts
The Third-Party Recruiter Dynamic
Recruiters play a complex role in salary negotiations. While they receive a percentage of the final salary (typically 10%), community experience suggests they're more motivated by quick placements than maximizing candidate compensation. Most recruiters prioritize closing deals within their existing salary bands rather than pushing for maximum candidate compensation.
Location and Remote Work Impact
Remote work has introduced new complexities in salary negotiations:
- Location-adjusted pay remains controversial
- Companies increasingly use tools like The Work Number to verify salary history
- Some jurisdictions (17 US states) now ban salary history questions
- Remote roles are creating new opportunities for global salary arbitrage
Current Market Challenges
The 2024 market presents unique challenges:
- More conservative negotiation environment compared to 2020-2022
- Some companies rescinding offers for even modest counter-proposals
- Increased emphasis on total compensation vs base salary
- Growing importance of understanding market rates through platforms like levels.fyi
Strategic Approaches
Successful negotiators in the community recommend:
- Always asking for the company's budget/range first
- Understanding the full compensation package (base, bonus, equity)
- Researching market rates thoroughly before discussions
- Being prepared to walk away if numbers don't align
- Considering the total cost of employment (commute, housing, healthcare)
The tech salary landscape continues to evolve, with successful negotiations requiring more preparation and market awareness than ever before. While top-tier compensations remain achievable, they increasingly depend on strategic positioning and careful negotiation tactics.
Article Source: Salary Expectations Questions - How Should You Answer Them? Comments Source: Hacker News Discussion