How to ask for more salary in an email — without sounding risky
Short answer
Build the email in four short blocks: (1) thank-and-anchor — restate the role with one specific reason you want it, (2) market data — name two sources and a typical range, (3) the ask — one specific target number, (4) flex — signal openness on signing or start date. Skip the apology, skip the ultimatum. Send within 24 hours of receiving the offer.
You're here because
- You want more money but don't know how to word it in writing
- You're afraid the email will read as ungrateful
- You've never asked in writing before and don't want it to be your first mistake
- You don't want to sound transactional or cold
- You want one polished email, not a template you have to rewrite
The exact email to send
Hi [HIRING_MANAGER],
Thank you again for the offer to join [COMPANY] as [ROLE]. I'm excited about the role, particularly [ONE SPECIFIC REASON — team, project, mission].
I wanted to come back to you on compensation. Looking at recent market data for this level from Levels.fyi and Glassdoor, the typical range for [ROLE] in [LOCATION] runs $[LOW]–$[HIGH]. Given my [X] years in [SKILL] and the scope of this role, I'd like to discuss a base of $[TARGET].
If base is fixed, I'd also be open to discussing signing bonus, equity refresh, or start date.
Happy to chat by email or on a call. Thanks again — really looking forward to it.
Best,
[YOUR_NAME]
- Built for the moment a written offer or deadline lands — not casual browsing.
- Written for the 24–72 hour decision window.
- Designed for people who don't negotiate often.
- Real workplace register — not internet bravado.
What NOT to say
- "I deserve more" — replace with market data; "deserve" reads as feeling, not case.
- "I'm sorry to ask, but" — drop. One thank-you is enough.
- "My other offers are at $X" — only if true and you can name the company on request.
- "Can you match this?" without naming a number. Always state the target.
- Negotiating on multiple levers in the same paragraph. Lead with base, list flex separately.
An illustrative example
Used the four-block email asking for $105K with Glassdoor + LinkedIn salary data. Recruiter pushed back with "the band caps at $100K" — analyst accepted $100K base + $5K signing + start date moved 2 weeks later (more PTO carryover). Net uplift on the original offer: +$4K base + $5K signing + better runway between jobs.
Why this works
Each of the four blocks gives the recruiter one specific thing to take to their hiring manager: enthusiasm, defensible data, a clean number, and structural flexibility. That sequence is the same framework experienced negotiators use in writing.
What to do next
Copy the template, replace the bracketed pieces, send today. The Counter-Offer Kit has the next two emails (the follow-up and the accept-with-thanks) so you don't get stuck mid-thread.
Before you send — quick check
- Do you know your walk-away number?
- Do you have a Levels.fyi or market band to anchor to?
- Do you have a 3-business-day deadline written in?
If you answered "not sure" to any of these, the Counter-Offer Kit walks you through all three.
Related reads
FAQ
Is it OK to ask for more salary by email instead of on a call?
Yes. Email is preferred for the initial ask — it creates a written record, gives the recruiter time to consult internally, and prevents on-the-spot negotiation.
How specific should my number be?
Down to the dollar. "$112,400" reads as researched. "Around $112K" reads as a guess. Pick a defensible target and state it.
What if they don't budge on base?
Pivot to signing bonus, equity refresh, start date, or PTO. Most recruiters have flex on at least one non-base lever even when base is capped.