Counter offer range calculator
Enter the offer, your target, a walk-away number and market range. The calculator estimates conservative, balanced and assertive counter ranges, then adds optional non-salary levers.
Current offer and target
Market range and non-salary levers
What this calculator is actually comparing
A salary negotiation is not only a higher base salary request. In many offers, the practical negotiation package may include a smaller base increase plus a signing bonus, PTO, remote or hybrid days, relocation support, earlier review timing, title adjustment, or a clearer bonus plan.
Base pay compounds into future raises, bonus targets and sometimes retirement contributions. It is usually the most valuable recurring lever.
A one-time bonus can bridge a first-year gap when the employer has limited salary-band flexibility.
Extra paid days, remote days or hybrid flexibility can be meaningful when the salary gap is small or commute cost is high.
How to use the counter-offer numbers
| Output | How to read it | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative counter | A smaller increase that stays close to the current offer. | Use when you like the offer, have limited leverage, or want to reduce negotiation risk. |
| Balanced counter | A middle request tied to your target and market assumptions. | Use when the offer is good but below your target or below comparable market signals. |
| Assertive counter | A higher ask that should still remain credible. | Use when you have strong leverage, a competing offer, scarce skills, or a clear market gap. |
| Non-salary levers | Additional items that may solve the gap without only raising base salary. | Use when salary band, internal equity, or budget constraints limit the base increase. |
Related job offer calculators
FAQ
How much should I counter offer?
There is no universal percentage. A useful counter range should consider the current offer, your target salary, minimum acceptable number, market range, competing offers, urgency, and whether non-salary items can close part of the gap.
Should I give a range or one number?
Both can work. A range can show flexibility, while one number can be clearer. If you use a range, keep it realistic and make sure the lower end is still acceptable.
What if the company says salary is fixed?
If base salary is fixed, consider asking about signing bonus, PTO, remote or hybrid schedule, review timing, title, start date, relocation support, professional development budget or written bonus expectations.
Can negotiating make me lose the offer?
A respectful, well-grounded counter usually keeps the conversation professional, but negotiation always has context risk. Avoid ultimatums, misleading claims, accepted-offer renegotiation and unsupported demands.