How to Write a Counter Offer Email That Gets You More Money
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. That's a mistake. Employers expect negotiation and budget room for it, yet most candidates never ask — and the ones who do ask, politely and with a specific number, are the ones who move the offer.
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:
- Express genuine enthusiasm — Reaffirm your excitement about the role. You want them to know you want the job.
- State your counter number — Be specific. Don't say "more." Say "$135,000."
- Justify with data — Reference market rates, your experience, and the specific value you'll bring.
- Show flexibility — Signal that you're open to discussing the overall package (signing bonus, equity, PTO).
- Keep it professional — No ultimatums, no comparisons to coworkers, no emotional language.
Counter Offer Email Template
Hi [HIRING_MANAGER],
Thank you for the offer to join [COMPANY] as [ROLE]. I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity and the chance to contribute to [SPECIFIC_PROJECT].
After researching market rates for this role in [LOCATION] and considering my [X] years of experience in [SKILL], I'd like to discuss a base salary of $[TARGET].
I'm confident we can find a number that works for both of us. I'm also open to discussing the overall package — signing bonus, equity, or other components.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Best,
[YOUR_NAME]
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:
- They accept your number — Great. Send a graceful acceptance email confirming the terms in writing.
- They come back with a middle ground — Most common outcome. Evaluate the full package and decide.
- 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?
Get 5 Professional Counter Offer Scripts
Fill-in-the-blank email templates for every negotiation scenario. Ready to send in 3 minutes.
Get the Counter-Offer Kit — $7