How to answer salary expectations when you don't know the range

What happened

In a public Reddit post, the candidate said they tried to ask what someone in the role normally earned. The interviewer replied that pay varied with experience and pressed for a number. The candidate later wished they had researched local pay first.

The post doesn't say whether they received an offer or whether their answer affected it. The useful lesson is to prepare before you're asked to decide on the spot.

Know what you're looking for

Look at recent pay ranges for comparable roles in your location, considering responsibilities and seniority as well as job title. Check whether figures refer to base pay, hourly pay or total compensation.

Privately decide what range you could discuss and what minimum package would work for you. Research can be incomplete, so treat your figures as a starting point, not a guarantee.

Ask about the budget

You can start by asking: ‘Could you share the budgeted base salary range for the role?’ If the recruiter asks you to go first, try:

Use a range whose lower end you could seriously consider, and ask about any details you need before deciding.

If you already gave a low number

You can revisit the conversation as you learn more. Explain what changed, such as a broader scope or new research, and ask whether the budget has flexibility. The employer may or may not be able to adjust.

Source and methodology

This story is adapted from a public first-person post and has not been independently verified. Candidate's Reddit account.

Keep preparing

Explore related guides or use a real job description to build your own practice plan.

• Questions to ask an interviewer when you're starting your career
• Internship interview questions: how to prepare and what to say
• How to answer ‘Tell me about yourself’ as a student
• A practical guide to behavioral interviews

For more interview preparation advice, see Boston College's interviewing resources and VCU Career Services' common interview questions.