Salary Negotiation Email Templates and Scripts
Three salary negotiation email templates you can copy and adapt: responding to an initial offer, answering a revised offer and asking for a promotion and raise.
Updated · Editorial policy
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Quick answer
To negotiate salary by email, thank the employer, restate your interest, cite market research and your specific achievements, then propose a figure and invite a short conversation. Below are three adaptable templates: for an initial offer, for a revised offer, and for asking an internal manager about a promotion and raise.
Key takeaways
- Open with thanks and enthusiasm, then make a specific, evidence-based request.
- Base your figure on market research for the role and location, plus concrete achievements.
- Invite a short call or conversation rather than demanding an answer by email.
- On a revised offer, name the area you want to discuss (base pay, signing bonus or equity) and stay flexible on the rest.
- For internal requests, bring specific achievements and a clear target role.
Email gives you time to choose your words, which makes it a good channel for negotiating pay. Copy any template below and replace the bracketed parts with your own facts.
How Do You Negotiate an Initial Offer by Email?
Thank the employer, say you are excited, then ask to discuss compensation with a clear reason and a specific figure. Reasons can be your market research and your experience. Suggest a short call to keep the tone collaborative.
Subject: Re: [Company Name] Job Offer - Discussion Request
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for extending the offer for the [Job Title] position. I am very excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to [specific project or team].
After reviewing the offer details and researching market rates for similar roles in [Location/Industry], I would like to discuss the compensation package. Based on my [X] years of experience and [specific skills or achievements], I believe a salary of [Desired Amount] would be more aligned with my qualifications and the current market.
I am confident we can find a mutually beneficial arrangement. Would you be available for a brief call this week to discuss this?
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards, [Your Name]
How Do You Respond to a Revised Offer?
Appreciate the movement, name the one area you would still like to explore, and justify it. Staying flexible on the rest of the package shows you want a solution that works for both sides.
Subject: Re: Revised Offer - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for the revised offer. I appreciate your willingness to work with me on this.
I have given it careful consideration, and while I am very enthusiastic about joining the team, I was hoping we could explore [specific area: base salary, signing bonus or equity] further.
Given [specific achievement or market data], I believe [your proposal] would reflect the value I will bring to the role. I am flexible on other aspects of the package and eager to find a solution that works for both of us.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Best regards, [Your Name]
How Do You Ask for a Promotion and Raise?
Summarise your recent achievements, name the role you are aiming for, and ask for a conversation. Back your request with market research for your region.
Subject: Request to discuss career development
Dear [Manager],
I wanted to reach out to discuss my career progression at [Company Name]. Over the past [time period], I have [list two or three specific achievements, with results where you have them].
Based on my expanded responsibilities and contributions, I believe it is an appropriate time to discuss a promotion to [Target Role] and a salary adjustment to [Desired Amount].
I have researched market rates for this role and my experience level in our region. Would you be available to discuss this further? I would welcome your feedback and guidance.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Why Does Salary Negotiation Matter?
Your starting salary often becomes the baseline for later raises, bonuses and pension contributions, so a difference at the start can carry forward over a career. Many people avoid negotiating because they fear seeming greedy or are unsure what to say. A prepared, polite message, like the templates above, addresses both worries.
Before you write, research pay for your role (see our salary guide) and think about the whole package, not only base salary. For scripts you can use on the phone and a list of common mistakes, read the job offer negotiation guide.
Written by the Woberry Editorial Team
We research each guide from primary sources where we can, name the source for every statistic we quote, and review, fact-check and edit every draft before it is published. We update a guide when the advice or the underlying data changes.
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