How do you answer "What are your salary expectations?" in an interview?

Whoever says a number first is often at a small disadvantage, which is why this feels like a trap. It usually is not malicious; they are checking if your expectations fit the budget before they invest more time. But the dynamics are real, so handle it with a little care. Based on what I have seen for this kind of role in this market, and the scope we have talked about, I am looking in the range of 95 to 110 thousand. I am flexible depending on the rest of the package and the level of ownership, but that is the band that feels right for the value I would bring.

Interview question

How to answer “What Are Your Salary Expectations?”

What they're really asking

Whoever says a number first is often at a small disadvantage, which is why this feels like a trap. It usually is not malicious; they are checking if your expectations fit the budget before they invest more time. But the dynamics are real, so handle it with a little care.

Your goal is to stay in the running without leaving money on the table. That means doing your research first, then either deflecting briefly or giving a researched range with room at the top.

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A framework that works: Research, Range, Redirect

Research. Before the interview, know the market rate for this role, level, and location (sites like Levels.fyi, Glassdoor, or peers in the field).
Range. Give a band, not a single number, with your target near the bottom so the whole range is acceptable to you. Base it on data.
Redirect. Early on, it is fair to turn it back: ask what they have budgeted for the role, or say you want to understand the full scope first.

Sample answers

Giving a researched range

“Based on what I have seen for this kind of role in this market, and the scope we have talked about, I am looking in the range of 95 to 110 thousand. I am flexible depending on the rest of the package and the level of ownership, but that is the band that feels right for the value I would bring.”

Deflecting early in the process

“I would love to understand the role a bit more before putting a number on it, since the scope really shapes it. That said, I am not trying to be cagey, so if it helps, do you have a budgeted range for this position? I can tell you pretty quickly if we are in the same ballpark.”

Now say your answer out loud.

Reading a good answer is easy. Delivering one under pressure is the hard part. Practice this question in TalkStride and get scored on your structure, pace, filler words, and confidence.

Common mistakes

Giving a single exact number. It becomes a ceiling, not a starting point.
Saying "I am flexible" with no range. It reads as unprepared and invites a lowball.
Naming a number with no research behind it. You will either undersell or overshoot badly.
Apologizing for the number. State it plainly. Confidence here signals you know your worth.

How to tailor it

When you have no idea of market rate

Do not guess live. Buy time: "I want to make sure I give you a fair number, so can I look into the market for this exact role and come back to you?"

When they push for a number

Give the range. Lead with the bottom of a band that still works for you, and note it depends on the full package.

For your current salary (where legal to ask)

Pivot to expectations: "I would rather focus on the value of this role than my last one, and here is the range I am targeting."