Counter Offer Email Templates: 15 Copy-Paste Examples for Every Situation

You got the offer. Congratulations.

Now comes the part that determines whether you earn what you're worth—or leave thousands on the table.

Writing a counter offer email feels high-stakes because it is. But it doesn't have to be stressful when you have the right templates.

These 15 counter offer email templates cover every situation you'll face. Copy them, customize them, and send them with confidence.

Why Email Works for Salary Negotiation

Before the templates, understand why email is often the best medium:

You get time to think. No pressure to respond instantly.

You control the message. You can craft every word carefully.

You create documentation. Everything is in writing for reference.

They get time to consult. The recruiter can discuss with hiring managers.

You can revise. Unlike a phone call, you can edit before hitting send.

The Anatomy of an Effective Counter Offer Email

Every strong counter offer email contains these elements:

1. Subject line that's clear and professional
2. Opening with gratitude and enthusiasm
3. Acknowledgment of the specific offer
4. Your counter with specific number
5. Reasoning backed by data or value
6. Flexibility signal showing you want to find agreement
7. Next step proposing how to move forward

Now let's see these principles in action.

Template 1: The Standard Counter Offer

Use this for most situations when countering base salary.

Subject: Re: [Company Name] Offer - [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager/Recruiter Name],

Thank you for extending the offer for the [Job Title] position. I'm excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to [specific team goal or initiative you discussed].

I've reviewed the offer carefully and appreciate the comprehensive benefits package. I would like to discuss the base salary component.

The offer of $[X] is below what I was anticipating. Based on my research of comparable roles in [City/Region] and my [X years] of experience in [relevant field], I believe a base salary of $[Your Target] would be more aligned with market rates and the value I'll bring to this role.

Specifically, my background in [key skill or achievement] positions me to [specific impact you'll have]. In my current role, I [quantifiable achievement].

I'm flexible and committed to finding a package that works for both of us. Would you be open to discussing this further?

Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Template 2: The "Almost There" Counter

Use this when the offer is close but not quite right.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer Discussion

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for the offer to join [Company Name]. I've given it serious thought, and I remain very excited about the role and team.

The offer of $[X] is close to what I was hoping for, but I was expecting something in the range of $[Your Target]. This is based on my research of similar roles and my experience with [specific relevant skill].

Would the team be able to bridge the difference? Even getting to $[Specific Number] would help me move forward enthusiastically.

I want to make this work and am happy to discuss any questions you might have about my expectations.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 3: The "First Offer, Need More Research" Email

Use this to buy time when you receive an offer.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer - Thank You

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for the offer! I'm genuinely excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] as [Job Title].

I'd like to take some time to review the complete compensation package thoroughly. Could you send me the written offer including base salary, bonus structure, equity, benefits, and PTO so I can evaluate the full picture?

I anticipate being ready to discuss by [specific date, typically 2-3 days]. Would that timeline work for you?

Thanks again—looking forward to our continued conversation.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 4: The Data-Driven Counter

Use this when you have strong market research to support your ask.

Subject: Re: [Company Name] Offer - Salary Discussion

Dear [Name],

Thank you for the offer for the [Job Title] role. I'm thrilled about the opportunity and eager to contribute to [Company's goal or project].

I'd like to discuss the base salary of $[X]. I've conducted thorough research on compensation for this role, and I'm seeing the following data points:

• Glassdoor reports the average for [Job Title] in [City] as $[Y]
• Levels.fyi shows [similar company tier] companies paying $[Y-Z] for this level
• PayScale indicates the 75th percentile at $[Z] for candidates with my experience

Given my [specific qualifications] and the [specific value you'll bring], I believe $[Your Target] would be appropriate and competitive.

I'm confident we can find alignment. Would you be open to discussing?

Best regards, [Your Name]

Template 5: The Value-Based Counter

Use this when your achievements strongly justify higher compensation.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Position Offer

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about joining [Company Name] and the impact I can make in this role.

Before accepting, I'd like to discuss compensation. The offer of $[X] is below what I was expecting based on the value I'll bring from day one.

Here's what I mean:

• In my current role, I [specific achievement with numbers, e.g., "increased revenue by 35%"]
• I led [project/initiative] that resulted in [outcome]
• I bring specialized expertise in [skill] that's directly relevant to [their priority]

Given this track record and what I understand about the role's priorities, I believe $[Your Target] would better reflect the value I'll deliver.

I'm committed to making this work and am open to discussing creative solutions if base salary is constrained.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 6: The "Total Compensation" Counter

Use this when base salary is fixed but you want other elements.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer - Total Compensation Discussion

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer and for our conversation about the role. I'm very interested in joining [Company Name].

I understand from our discussion that the base salary of $[X] is at the top of the band for this position. I appreciate that transparency.

I'd like to explore whether there's flexibility in other areas of compensation to help bridge the gap between the offer and my expectations:

• Sign-on bonus: Would a $[X] sign-on bonus be possible?
• Equity: Could the equity grant be increased from [X shares] to [Y shares]?
• Performance review: Would you consider an accelerated 6-month review with potential salary adjustment?
• PTO: Could we adjust from [X days] to [Y days]?

I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity and want to find a path forward that works for everyone.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 7: The Competing Offer Counter

Use this only when you have a legitimate competing offer.

Subject: Following Up on [Company Name] Offer

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well. I wanted to update you on my timeline as I work toward a decision.

I've received another offer at $[Competing Salary] with [other relevant details]. I need to respond to them by [Date].

I want to be transparent: [Company Name] remains my first choice because of [specific reasons—culture, role, growth, team]. I'm not sharing this to create pressure, but because I want to explore whether there's flexibility to make your offer more competitive.

Is there room to revisit the base salary of $[X]? Or to add a sign-on bonus or additional equity? I would love to accept your offer if we can get closer to alignment.

I'm available to discuss this week if that would be helpful.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 8: The Entry-Level Counter

Use this for your first job or when you have limited experience.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for offering me the [Job Title] position! I'm very excited about starting my career at [Company Name].

I've been researching entry-level [Job Title] salaries in [City], and I've found that the typical range is $[X-Y]. Given my [relevant internship experience/coursework/projects], I was hoping for a salary closer to $[Your Target].

I understand that as someone early in my career, there's a lot for me to learn—and I'm eager to grow. At the same time, I want to ensure my compensation reflects the value I'll bring and the market rate for this role.

Would you be open to discussing this? I'm very flexible and want to find a way to move forward.

Thank you again for this opportunity.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 9: The Relocation Counter

Use this when moving for the job and need to factor in costs.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer - Relocation Discussion

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer to join [Company Name]. I'm excited about the opportunity and the team.

As I consider the role, I'm factoring in the relocation from [Current City] to [New City]. Based on my research, the cost of living difference is approximately [X%], and I'm estimating moving costs of $[Y].

Would the team consider:

• A relocation bonus of $[X] to offset moving expenses, and/or
• A cost-of-living adjustment to the base salary of $[Current Offer] to account for the market difference

I want to make this move work and am committed to joining the team. Addressing the financial aspect of relocation would help me move forward with confidence.

Looking forward to discussing.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 10: The Internal Promotion Counter

Use this when negotiating a promotion at your current company.

Subject: Compensation Discussion for [New Role]

Hi [Manager's Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to step into the [New Role]. I'm excited about taking on increased responsibilities and contributing at a higher level.

I'd like to discuss the compensation associated with this promotion. The proposed increase to $[X] represents a [Y%] bump, which I appreciate. However, based on my research of external market rates for [New Role], I believe $[Your Target] would be more competitive.

Here's my reasoning:

• External market data shows [New Role] compensation in the $[A-B] range
• I've delivered [specific results] in my current role
• I'm already performing many of the new role's responsibilities

I'm committed to [Company Name] and want to ensure my compensation reflects both my contributions and the market value for this position.

Can we discuss this further?

Best, [Your Name]

Template 11: The "Lowball Offer" Counter

Use this when the offer is significantly below market rate.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer Discussion

Hi [Name],

Thank you for extending the offer for the [Job Title] position. I'm genuinely interested in [Company Name] and have enjoyed getting to know the team.

I want to be direct about my concern with the compensation. The offer of $[X] is significantly below what I was expecting and below market rate for this role. My research indicates that comparable positions in [Industry/City] are paying $[Market Range].

I'm not sure if there's been a miscommunication about the role's scope or level, or if there are budget constraints I'm not aware of. Could you help me understand how this number was determined?

To move forward, I would need the base salary to be in the $[Your Range] range. If that's not possible, I'd want to understand whether there's a path to get there within 6-12 months.

I'm hoping we can find alignment because I genuinely want to join your team.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 12: The "Accept But Negotiate" Email

Use this when you want to accept but still negotiate one element.

Subject: Accepting [Job Title] Offer - One Question

Hi [Name],

I'm delighted to accept the offer for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I'm excited to join the team on [Start Date] and contribute to [specific initiative].

Before I sign the offer letter, I wanted to ask about one element: [specific item—sign-on bonus, equity, PTO, start date, etc.]. Would it be possible to [specific ask]?

This isn't a dealbreaker, but it would make a meaningful difference to me. Let me know if that's something you can accommodate.

Thanks again for the opportunity. I look forward to getting started.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 13: The Remote Work + Salary Counter

Use this when negotiating both remote work and compensation.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer - Remote Work and Compensation

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about the role and team.

I'd like to discuss two aspects of the offer:

Remote Work: I'd like to confirm my understanding that this role can be performed remotely from [Your Location]. Is that accurate?

Compensation: The offer of $[X] is based on [Company City] salary bands. Given that I'll be working from [Your City] and bringing experience from the [Your Market] job market (where I've been compensated at $[Previous Salary]), I was hoping for compensation closer to $[Your Target].

I understand companies have different approaches to remote compensation. I'm open to discussing how [Company Name] thinks about this and finding a solution that works.

Looking forward to connecting.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 14: The Equity Focus Counter

Use this for startups or companies with significant equity component.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Offer - Equity Discussion

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about [Company Name]'s mission and the opportunity to contribute.

I'd like to discuss the equity component of the offer. I understand the grant is for [X shares/options] vesting over [Y years].

Could you help me understand:

• The current 409A valuation or last funding round valuation
• Total shares outstanding (to calculate my percentage ownership)
• The exercise price and any recent changes

Based on what I know about equity grants for [Role Level] at [Stage] companies, I was expecting [Y shares/X% ownership]. Is there flexibility to adjust the equity grant?

I'm also open to a trade-off between base salary and equity if that helps with budget constraints—I believe in the company's potential and am willing to take a bit more risk.

Let me know your thoughts.

Best, [Your Name]

Template 15: The Second Counter Email

Use this when your first counter was rejected but there's still room.

Subject: Re: [Job Title] - Finding Common Ground

Hi [Name],

Thank you for getting back to me and for considering my request. I appreciate your transparency about the constraints.

I understand that moving to $[Your Original Ask] isn't possible. I want to find a way to make this work because I'm genuinely excited about [Company Name].

Would the team consider meeting in the middle at $[Revised Number]? Or alternatively:

• A $[X] sign-on bonus to bridge the gap
• An accelerated review at 6 months with potential adjustment to $[Target]
• An additional [Y] shares in equity

I'm committed to finding a path forward. What options do you have available?

Best, [Your Name]

Email Etiquette Tips

Timing matters: Send counter offers during business hours. Tuesday through Thursday tends to work best.

Response time: Reply within 24-48 hours of receiving an offer. Taking too long signals disinterest.

Keep it concise: Aim for 200-300 words. Longer emails dilute your message.

Proofread: Typos undermine your credibility. Read it twice before sending.

Use a clear subject line: Make it easy for them to track the conversation.

Follow up: If you don't hear back in 2-3 business days, send a polite follow-up.

What Happens After You Send

Scenario 1: They say yes

Congratulations! Confirm the new terms in writing before signing.

Scenario 2: They counter your counter

Evaluate the new offer. You typically have 1-2 counter rounds before pushing too far.

Scenario 3: They say no

Decide whether to accept the original offer, explore non-salary alternatives, or walk away.

Scenario 4: Radio silence

Follow up after 48 hours. If still no response, follow up once more, then evaluate your options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being apologetic: Don't say "I'm sorry to ask" or "I hate to negotiate." Negotiation is expected.

Threatening or demanding: "I need $X or I'm walking" damages relationships. Stay collaborative.

Over-explaining: State your case clearly, then stop. Don't ramble or over-justify.

Forgetting to give a number: Vague requests get vague responses. Be specific.

Negotiating too early: Wait until you have a written offer before countering.

Only focusing on base salary: Total compensation includes many elements. Be creative.

Practice Makes Perfect

Reading templates is helpful. Practicing them is transformative.

The best way to internalize these approaches is to practice saying them out loud—in a phone negotiation simulation, with a friend, or with an AI practice tool.

When you've rehearsed the conversation, you'll send these emails with more confidence—and the confidence comes through.

Practice salary negotiation conversations with AI →

The Bottom Line

Counter offer emails are high-leverage communications. The difference between a well-crafted counter and a poorly written one can be tens of thousands of dollars.

Use these templates. Customize them for your situation. And send them knowing you're advocating for what you're worth.

Continue Your Salary Negotiation Journey

Master every aspect of compensation discussions:

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• Salary Negotiation Scripts: 25+ word-for-word examples for phone and in-person conversations
• What Are Your Salary Expectations?: Master the interview question that costs candidates $20K
• How to Practice Salary Negotiation: The rehearsal method that adds $10K-$50K

Browse all salary negotiation resources →

Want to practice the conversation before sending the email?

Try Revarta and rehearse salary negotiations with AI that responds like a real recruiter. Know exactly what to say before you send that counter.