How to ask about salary in an interview

by Amber Rolfe

Nothing divides interview opinion quite as much as salary…

But aside from being a great way to ensure a role is right for you, finding out how much is on offer could actually help save everyone’s time in the long run – especially if it turns out the pay isn’t in line with your expectations. After all, we all have bills to pay, and loving Mondays is a lot easier when you’re being paid fairly for it.

To make sure you know exactly when (and how) to ask about salary at your interview, here is our essential guide to navigating the money talk.

Should I ask about salary at my interview?

The short answer? Yes, but proceed with caution.

First thing’s first: there are no set rules on talking about salary within an interview. It’s all about gauging the situation and reading the room. While old-school career advice might tell you to wait until an offer is on the table, the modern landscape is a bit more transparent.

To make sure you don’t bring it up at a time when it won’t be well-received, use aspects like the interviewer’s approach and the intensity of the questions you’re being asked to figure out whether money is a good topic of conversation.

For example, if there is a second interview as part of the hiring process, bringing up salary might be a better fit at this stage. But if proceedings have been particularly informal, or if it’s clear there aren’t any other interviews to attend, discussing money is perfectly acceptable.

Similarly, using your questions at the end of an interview to bring up salary isn’t uncommon, and is the most effective way to introduce the subject politely – providing it’s not the only thing you ask about…

Best questions to ask at the end of an interview

How to talk about salary in an interview

Okay, so you’ve decided to brave the topic. How do you actually get the words out without your voice squeaking? Here’s how to talk about salary in an interview (in the right way):

Pick the right moment

It probably goes without saying that asking how much money you could get is off limits within the first few minutes (see also: seconds) of your interview.

Not only could it indicate you’re more interested in the money than you are in the actual job, it could also imply that you don’t have much to offer in terms of skills and experience.

So, before you start to think about how much you’re making, make sure you cover all the other interview bases first. Whether it’s selling your skills, demonstrating your experience, or just concentrating on each individual question that comes up, make sure you get the basics sorted before thinking about figures.

After all, nobody likes a gold digger (thanks Kanye).

Get your expectations sorted

Before you bring up the M word, it’s important that you have compensation expectations in mind – ones that represent the company and role accurately.

To make sure you go into the interview armed with as much knowledge as possible, it’s absolutely vital to research potential salary brackets beforehand, with the role and organisation in mind. Salary checkers are a great place to start, but you could also try checking similar positions in your area, which should give you a good idea.

Once you’re in the know about what they’re likely to offer, you’ll be able to come up with realistic salary expectations. Not only does this ensure you’re both on the same page in the interview, it also safely avoids any awkward silences.

Be prepared for them to make the first move

Sometimes, an employer might come out and ask for your expectations before you bring it up yourself. This is actually the ideal scenario.

Although being asked obviously allows you the opportunity to discuss money more freely, it’s always best to maintain a sense of diplomacy with your answer.

Slightly overstating the amount you’re looking for (within reason), drawing attention to your interest in the position itself, or explaining that you need to know more before answering, are all good strategies here. Especially as they’ll help you from falling into the ‘I’m flexible’ trap, which could mean you end up receiving a lower offer than you’re looking for.

However, it’s also the perfect opportunity to politely ask the employer about the range they have in mind.

Use professional phrasing

When you do ask, frame it around the role’s budget rather than your personal needs. Instead of asking ‘How much will I get paid?’, try something like:

‘Could you give me an idea of the budget you have in mind for this role?’

Or:

‘I’m really interested in this position. Does the company have a specific salary range allocated for it?’

This sounds much more professional and less demanding.

What does competitive salary actually mean?

What NOT to say when discussing salary

We’ve covered what to do, but knowing what to avoid is just as important. When talking about salary at an interview, steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Don’t share personal financial struggles: Your rent, debts, or lifestyle costs aren’t the employer’s concern. Keep the conversation focused on the value you provide to the business, not what you need to pay off your student loan.
• Don’t use ultimatums: Phrases like ‘I won’t accept anything less than £X’ can paint you as inflexible or difficult to work with. Even if you have a hard limit, there are softer ways to communicate it.
• Don’t lie about your current salary: If they ask what you’re currently earning, be honest or politely decline to answer. Lying is a risky game that can backfire if they check references or ask for a P45 later.
• Don’t forget the ‘extras’: Focusing solely on the base salary is a rookie mistake. Don’t say ‘Is that all?’ before you’ve heard about the annual bonus, pension contributions, health insurance, or hybrid working allowance.

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How to ask for more money in an interview

So, they’ve mentioned a figure. It’s okay, but it’s not making you jump for joy. 

Is it okay to push back? Absolutely. Here’s how to ask for more money in an interview without seeming ungrateful or difficult.

Concentrate on showing your own value

Success in salary negotiations starts with understanding—and demonstrating—your worth. Before the money chat kicks in, take the time to highlight your skills, experience, and passion for the role. When you clearly communicate your value, it helps the employer see why the salary should match your skills and experience. If their initial offer is underwhelming compared to your research, don’t be shy about making your case.

For example, you could say:

‘Based on my experience in [Skill X] and [Skill Y], and the current market rates for this level of responsibility, I was expecting a salary in the range of [£Amount] to [£Amount]. Is there any flexibility in the budget?’

Be ready to negotiate

Negotiation isn’t just about the number on your payslip – sometimes the basics just can’t budge. If that’s the case, consider what else you can ask for: a sign-on bonus, more holiday days, flexible hours, or extra training opportunities. Remember, it’s a whole package deal, not just the salary. 

If you’re not set on the offer, use what you’ve learned through research to support your negotiating points. A little assertiveness (with a dash of politeness) goes a long way and can tip the scales in your favour.

How to negotiate salary

Ask for time to think

Don’t feel pressured to say yes, no, or maybe right away. It’s completely reasonable to take a moment – or even a day – to consider your options. Politely tell them, ‘Thank you for the offer. I’d like a day to review the details.’ 

This pause gives you the time (and sanity) to weigh up the package, do a final bit of research, or simply sleep on it before you commit.

Counter-offer

If you really like the role but the numbers just don’t add up for you, a counter-offer is fair game—just make sure it’s backed by the research you’ve already done. For example, you might say:

‘I’m really excited about the team and the opportunity, but based on similar roles in the sector, my research suggests a salary closer to £X. Is there any wiggle room?’

State your case clearly, stay positive, and let them respond. It shows confidence and professionalism, not pushiness.

Walk away if you need to

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, there’s just too much distance between your expectations and their best offer. If you can’t bridge the gap and the total package just doesn’t work for you, it’s entirely within your rights to politely decline. 

Remember, knowing your worth also means knowing when to walk away – confidently and on good terms – so you can focus on finding an offer that feels right.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I ask for a salary range before the interview?

Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, many recruiters will cover this in a screening call to ensure neither side wastes their time. If you’re arranging the interview via email, it’s polite to ask: ‘I’m very interested in the role. To ensure we’re aligned, could you share the salary range for this position?’

How do you ask for a certain salary?

If you have a specific number in mind, frame it as a range where your ideal number is at the bottom. For example, if you want £40,000, state that your expectations are ‘in the region of £40,000 – £45,000’. This guarantees that if they meet your lowest point, you’re still happy.

Is it rude to ask about salary in an interview?

It’s not rude, it’s business. You are selling your services and they are buying them. However, context is key. Asking ‘What does this pay?’ as your very first question can seem mercenary. Asking it after you’ve discussed the role and your skills shows you are a serious professional ensuring the terms work for both parties.

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