First Job Salary Negotiation: How to Negotiate Your Entry-Level Offer (With Scripts)

You got your first real job offer. Congratulations—that's huge.

Now you're staring at a number and wondering: Can I actually negotiate this?

You can. And you probably should.

But if you're like most people getting their first offer, you're thinking:

• "I don't have experience—do I have any leverage?"
• "What if they take the offer away?"
• "I'm just grateful to have a job. Isn't negotiating greedy?"

Let's address these myths and show you exactly how to negotiate your first job offer—even without years of experience.

The Truth About Entry-Level Negotiation

Myth #1: "They'll rescind the offer if I negotiate."

This almost never happens. In 15+ years of salary data, researchers have found rescinded offers due to polite negotiation are extremely rare. If a company rescinds an offer because you asked for more money professionally, that's a huge red flag about their culture.

Myth #2: "Entry-level salaries are fixed."

Some are. Many aren't. Even when base salary has limited flexibility, sign-on bonuses, start dates, PTO, and other benefits often have room to move.

Myth #3: "I have no leverage without experience."

Your leverage isn't about years of experience. It's about the value you bring, the alternative options you have, and the company's desire to close you quickly. They made you an offer because they want you.

Myth #4: "Negotiating makes me look difficult."

Negotiating professionally makes you look like someone who knows their worth. Hiring managers negotiate their own salaries—they expect you to do the same.

Research: What Entry-Level Negotiation Actually Looks Like

Studies consistently show:

• 84% of employers expect candidates to negotiate, including entry-level candidates
• 70% of managers say negotiating won't hurt your reputation or standing
• 53% of employers have room to increase their initial offer
• Candidates who negotiate earn $5,000 more on average in their first job

Even small amounts matter. An extra $5,000 in your first job—compounded with raises, bonuses, and job changes—can mean $100,000+ more over your career.

What You Can Negotiate (Beyond Base Salary)

Even if base salary is "fixed," many other elements are negotiable:

Commonly Negotiable

• Sign-on bonus: One-time payment to bridge the gap
• Start date: Delay start to finish a trip, take a break, or negotiate moving logistics
• PTO/Vacation days: Entry-level often starts low—ask for more
• Relocation assistance: If you're moving for the job
• Remote work flexibility: Especially post-pandemic

Sometimes Negotiable

• Annual bonus target: Ask if there's flexibility in the bonus percentage
• Professional development budget: Training, conferences, certifications
• Equipment/Technology budget: Home office setup if remote
• Review timeline: Ask for a 6-month performance review with salary adjustment potential

Rarely Negotiable (But Worth Asking About)

• Title: Sometimes adjustable if it helps your career trajectory
• Equity/Stock options: Less common for entry-level but exists at startups
• 401k match: Usually standardized but ask about vesting schedule

Step-by-Step: How to Negotiate Your First Offer

Step 1: Get the Offer in Writing

When you receive a verbal offer:

"Thank you so much! I'm really excited about this opportunity. Could you send me the complete offer details in writing—salary, benefits, PTO, start date—so I can review everything thoroughly?"

Why this matters: You need time to think and prepare. Never negotiate in the moment you receive the offer.

Step 2: Research the Market

Before responding, research:

• Entry-level salaries for your role and location (Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Payscale, LinkedIn Salary)
• Company-specific data if available (Glassdoor company reviews)
• Cost of living if relocating

For most entry-level roles, you should be able to find a salary range. Your goal is to understand where the offer falls within that range.

Example: If entry-level Software Engineers in Austin make $70,000-$90,000 and you're offered $72,000, you have room to push toward the middle or upper end.

Step 3: Define Your Numbers

Set three numbers:

1. Walk-away number: The minimum you'd accept (don't share this)
2. Target number: What you're hoping for (this is what you ask for)
3. Stretch number: An optimistic but defensible ask (your opening)

For entry-level, stretching 10-15% above the offer is reasonable if market data supports it.

Step 4: Prepare Your Ask

Write out exactly what you'll say. For your first negotiation, preparation is everything.

Here's a framework:

1. Express genuine enthusiasm
2. State your counter with specific number
3. Provide brief reasoning (market data, your value)
4. Ask if there's flexibility

Step 5: Make the Ask

Over phone (recommended for first negotiation):

"Hi [Name], thank you again for the offer. I'm really excited about joining [Company] and contributing to [specific team or project].

I've reviewed the offer carefully, and I'd like to discuss the compensation. Based on my research of entry-level [Role] salaries in [City], I was hoping for something closer to $[Target].

I know I'm early in my career, but I bring [relevant internship/project/skill], and I'm confident I'll contribute quickly. Is there flexibility to discuss the salary?"

Over email (if you prefer):

Hi [Name],

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

Before I accept, I'd like to discuss the base salary. Based on my research of entry-level [Role] salaries in [City] and my background in [relevant experience], I was hoping for compensation closer to $[Target].

Is there flexibility to discuss this? I'm very enthusiastic about the role and want to find a way to move forward.

Best, [Your Name]

Step 6: Handle the Response

If they say yes: Great! Get the updated offer in writing before accepting.

If they meet you partway: Decide if the new number works for you. You can accept or ask about non-salary benefits.

If they say base salary is fixed:

"I understand. Are there other elements we could discuss? I'm interested in [sign-on bonus / additional PTO / earlier review]. Any flexibility there?"

If they say the offer is final: Decide whether to accept or walk away. There's no shame in accepting an offer that meets your needs, even if it wasn't negotiated higher.

Scripts for Entry-Level Negotiation

Script 1: The Standard Entry-Level Counter

"Thank you for the offer. I'm genuinely excited about joining [Company].

I've researched entry-level [Role] salaries in [City], and the range seems to be $[X-Y]. Given my [internship experience / relevant coursework / specific skill], I was hoping for something closer to $[Target].

Is there flexibility to discuss this?"

Script 2: When You Have a Competing Offer

"I appreciate the offer, and [Company] is my first choice. I should be transparent—I've received another offer at $[Higher Amount].

I'm more excited about the opportunity with you, but I want to see if there's any flexibility to bring the numbers closer together. Is that possible?"

Script 3: When Base Salary Is Fixed

"I understand base salary is standardized for entry-level. Could we discuss a sign-on bonus to help with [relocation / student loans / transition costs]? Even $[Amount] would make a meaningful difference."

Script 4: Negotiating Start Date

"Would it be possible to push the start date to [Date]? I'd like to [wrap up current commitments / take a short break before starting / handle relocation]. I'll be fully focused and ready to contribute from day one."

Script 5: Negotiating PTO

"I noticed the offer includes [X] days of PTO. Is there flexibility to increase that to [Y] days? Work-life balance is important to me, and I want to make sure I can recharge to bring my best to the team."

Script 6: Asking for Accelerated Review

"If base salary isn't flexible right now, would the team consider a 6-month performance review with potential salary adjustment? I'm confident I'll demonstrate value quickly, and I'd love to have a formal opportunity to revisit compensation."

What If You Have Zero Leverage?

Maybe you have no competing offers. Maybe the job market is tough. Maybe you need this job.

You can still negotiate. Here's how to think about it:

Your leverage isn't about alternatives—it's about their desire to close you.

They extended an offer because they want you. The hiring process is expensive and time-consuming. They don't want to restart the search because you asked for $5,000 more.

Ask anyway.

The worst they can say is no. If they say no and you still want the job, accept it. You haven't lost anything.

Focus on non-salary elements.

If base is truly fixed, negotiate around it: sign-on bonus, start date, PTO, professional development. Every little bit compounds.

Mistakes to Avoid

Don't apologize for negotiating.

Wrong: "I'm sorry to ask, but..." Right: "I'd like to discuss the salary."

Don't share your absolute minimum.

If you say "I could accept $65,000," they'll offer exactly that.

Don't lie about competing offers.

It's unethical and can backfire badly if they call your bluff.

Don't negotiate multiple times.

One thoughtful counter is expected. Two is acceptable. More than that risks annoying them.

Don't accept immediately under pressure.

If they pressure you to decide on the spot, something's wrong. Any reasonable employer gives you time to consider.

Don't ghost after an offer.

Even if you're declining, respond professionally. Your industry is smaller than you think.

Real Examples: Entry-Level Negotiation Wins

Example 1: Software Engineer, New Grad

Initial offer: $78,000 Asked for: $85,000 Reasoning: Levels.fyi data showed the range was $75K-$95K; mentioned relevant internship experience Result: Company came back at $82,000 + $5,000 sign-on

Example 2: Marketing Associate

Initial offer: $52,000 Asked for: $58,000 Reasoning: Glassdoor showed range of $50K-$60K; highlighted specific campaign results from internship Result: Base salary fixed, but received $3,000 sign-on and 3 extra PTO days

Example 3: Financial Analyst

Initial offer: $65,000 Asked for: $70,000 Reasoning: PayScale data for location; mentioned CFA Level 1 passed Result: $68,000 with 6-month review and potential adjustment

Example 4: Account Manager

Initial offer: $45,000 + commission Asked for: Higher base Reasoning: Base felt low for cost of living in city Result: Base stayed fixed, but got better commission structure and accelerated review at 6 months

The Compound Effect: Why Your First Salary Matters

Your first job salary sets the foundation for your entire career earnings.

Here's the math:

• Year 1: You negotiate $5,000 more. Salary: $60,000 instead of $55,000.
• Year 2: You get a 3% raise on your higher base. That's $1,800 instead of $1,650.
• Year 3: You switch jobs and negotiate 15% over your current salary. Your higher base means a higher jump.

After 10 years of compounding raises and job changes, that initial $5,000 has become $50,000-$100,000 in additional lifetime earnings.

And it all started because you spent 10 minutes asking.

Practice Before the Real Conversation

Your first negotiation will feel awkward. That's normal. The solution is practice.

Option 1: Practice with a friend or family member

Have them play the recruiter. Run through the conversation. Get feedback.

Option 2: Record yourself

Say your counter out loud. Listen back. Do you sound confident? Adjust and re-record.

Option 3: Practice with AI

Use an AI negotiation practice tool to simulate the conversation with realistic pushback. Get feedback before the stakes are real.

Practice salary negotiation with AI →

You've Got This

Your first salary negotiation feels high-stakes because it is. But remember:

• 84% of employers expect you to negotiate
• They made you an offer because they want you
• The worst outcome is they say no and you accept anyway
• The best outcome is thousands of dollars more—compounded over your career

You don't need decades of experience to negotiate effectively. You need research, preparation, and the confidence to ask.

Continue Your Salary Negotiation Journey

Master every aspect of compensation discussions:

• How to Ask for a Raise: Scripts and strategies for increasing your salary once you're employed
• Salary Negotiation Scripts: 25+ word-for-word examples for phone and in-person conversations
• Counter Offer Email Templates: 15 copy-paste templates for written negotiations
• What Are Your Salary Expectations?: Master the interview question that costs candidates $20K

Browse all salary negotiation resources →

Ready to practice before your first negotiation?

Try Revarta free and rehearse with AI that responds like a real recruiter. Build confidence before the conversation that sets your career trajectory.

No more second-guessing. No more leaving money on the table.