How to Write a Counter Offer Email That Gets You More Money

Updated 2026 · 8 min read

You got the job offer. The role is right, the company is right — but the salary is lower than you expected. Now you need to write a counter offer email, and you're staring at a blank screen wondering what to say without sounding greedy or losing the offer entirely.

This guide walks you through exactly how to write a professional counter offer email, step by step, with templates you can customize in minutes.

Why You Should Always Counter Offer

Most candidates accept the first number without asking. Many offers have some negotiating room built in — though not all — and the candidates who ask politely, with a specific number, are the ones who find out.

The risk of losing an offer due to professional negotiation is extremely low. Hiring managers budget for negotiation — the initial offer is rarely the best they can do.

Before You Write: Do Your Research

A good counter offer is backed by data, not feelings. Before you draft your email, spend 5 minutes gathering market data:

• Glassdoor Salaries — Search your role + location. Filter by experience level. Note the median salary.
• Levels.fyi — Best for tech roles. Search your exact title + company + level for specific compensation data.
• Payscale.com — Take the free salary survey for a personalized compensation report.
• LinkedIn Salary Insights — Check ranges posted on similar job listings in your market.

Your target number should be the 75th percentile from 2-3 sources. The employer will likely negotiate down, landing you somewhere between the median and your target — which is exactly where you want to be.

The 5 Essential Elements of a Counter Offer Email

Every effective counter offer email includes these five components:

1. Express genuine enthusiasm — Reaffirm your excitement about the role. You want them to know you want the job.
2. State your counter number — Be specific. Don't say "more." Say "$135,000."
3. Justify with data — Reference market rates, your experience, and the specific value you'll bring.
4. Show flexibility — Signal that you're open to discussing the overall package (signing bonus, equity, PTO).
5. Keep it professional — No ultimatums, no comparisons to coworkers, no emotional language.

Counter Offer Email Template

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being vague about your number — "I was hoping for a bit more" gives nothing to work with. State your target clearly.
• Apologizing for negotiating — You're not doing anything wrong. Drop "I'm sorry to ask, but..."
• Making threats — "I'll have to decline if..." puts the employer on the defensive. Frame it as collaboration.
• Waiting too long — Counter within 24-48 hours. Delays signal disinterest.
• Only focusing on base salary — If base is firm, explore signing bonus, equity, PTO, remote flexibility, or start date.

What Happens After You Send the Counter Offer

Three things can happen:

1. They accept your number — Great. Send a graceful acceptance email confirming the terms in writing.
2. They come back with a middle ground — Most common outcome. Evaluate the full package and decide.
3. They say the offer is firm — Now negotiate benefits: signing bonus, PTO, remote schedule, start date, professional development budget.

Ready to Send Your Counter Offer?