A salary related question comes up sooner or later in every job interview. You are certainly doing well when the question, “What are your salary expectations?” is asked. Be careful while answering this one. As much as the interviewer seems cheerful, s/he is also interested to know if their company can actually ‘afford’ you. You are standing just a step short of getting hired. So play this question smartly.
Get prepared for some of the most frequently asked HR interview questions and answers.
In this blog, we’ll break down the best ways to respond, along with sample answers that help you handle this tricky conversation with the interviewer.
What Are Your Salary Expectations? – Good Answer
"Based on my research and industry standards, a competitive range for this role in the market is between ₹10-12 LPA, considering my experience and skill set. However, I’m open to discussion and would love to learn more about the overall compensation package, including benefits and growth opportunities."
Why is this a good answer?
It shows that you have done your research.
You provide a reasonable range instead of a fixed number.
You leave room for negotiation and emphasize openness.
What Are Your Salary Expectations? Bad Answer
"₹15 Lakhs per annum would do just fine.”
A straightforward answer is never a good option. You seem rude if you answer in this manner. You risk your complete effort in the interview if you talk like that. Be honest but don’t take a point-blank shot at it.
Why is this a bad answer?
Sounds rigid and leaves no space for discussion.
Comes off as unprofessional.
Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?
Before we start with the best sample answers for “What are your salary expectations?”, let’s understand why this question is asked. Companies don’t just ask about salary expectations for fun. They have three main reasons:
Budget alignment: Employers want to make sure that your expectations fit within their salary range.
Market awareness: They want to check whether you understand the industry standards for your role and experience.
Negotiation skills: Your response shows how well you handle professional discussions and value your expertise.
Fun fact - Recent reports show that in India, the average expected salary is about ₹1.8 lakhs per year, with most monthly salaries falling between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000.
Now that you know why they ask, let’s break down how to answer.
Tips To Answer Salary Expectation Questions
The question “What are your salary expectations?” is tricky. If you quote too low, you might end up settling for less than you deserve. If you go too high, you could lose the opportunity altogether.
So, how do you find the right balance?
The best way is to prepare in advance and approach the question wisely. Here are some practical tips to help you answer the question “What are your salary expectations?” confidently and get the pay you are worth.
1. Show that you have done your research
Always be aware of the industry norm for your position before attending an interview. Spend some time researching wage trends for your position utilising sites like LinkedIn wage Insights, AmbitionBox, or Naukri.com before to your interview. Knowing the market range can help you establish reasonable expectations since salaries might vary depending on experience, industry, and region.
Example:
"From my research on Naukri.com and AmbitionBox, I found that the average salary for this role in Mumbai with my experience level falls between ₹10-12 LPA. Considering my skills and contributions, I would expect compensation within this range."
2. Always give a salary range, not a fixed number
When it is the right time to discuss numbers, it is better to provide a salary range instead of a fixed amount. Make sure the lower end of your range is still a figure you are comfortable with, as employers often lean towards that number. Keeping the range tight—within ₹2-3 LPA shows that you have done your research and are clear about your expectations.
Example:
"Based on my experience and industry standards, I am looking for a salary between ₹9-11 LPA."
3. Avoid answering early and deflect the question
If it is early in the interview process and you are still learning about the job’s responsibilities, you don’t have to rush into discussing salary. At this stage, interviewers often ask this question just to gather information rather than to make an offer. You can politely push the conversation to a later stage.
Example:
"I would want to learn more about the position and requirements before negotiating money. I will be able to offer a more educated answer after I have a better understanding of the requirements."
4. Flip the question
Instead of announcing your wage expectations upfront, you might enquire about the company's budget for the position. This keeps you from pricing too low or too high, and it provides you a better understanding of what they are prepared to offer.
Example:
"I would love to understand the salary range you have set for this role. That would help me match my expectations with the company’s budget and make sure it is a good fit for both of us."
5. Consider the full package
Salary is important, but so are benefits. Health insurance, bonuses, remote work, and paid time off all add value. Factor these in before finalizing a number.
Example:
"I am open to discussing the overall compensation package, including benefits, incentives, and career growth opportunities, in addition to base salary."
6. Show your confidence and do not falter
When discussing salary, confidence is very important. If you hesitate or sound unsure, the employer might take it as a sign that you are willing to settle for less. Be clear, firm, and professional in your response.
Example:
"Based on my experience and the market rate for this role, I believe a salary between ₹12-14 LPA is fair. I am confident in the value I bring and would be happy to discuss how my skills fit with your expectations."
Now, let’s move to sample answers you can use.
What Are Your Salary Expectations? Best Answers
Possible Answer #1
Providing a salary range.
"Based on my research and experience, I believe a fair salary for this role would be between ₹10-12 LPA. I’ve looked at industry standards and considered my skills, so this range aligns with what professionals in similar positions are earning. However, I’m open to discussion and would love to learn more about the company’s overall compensation structure before finalizing a number."
Possible Answer #2
Try to understand the job role first.
“Before answering this question, I would like to understand this job position and the expected responsibilities better. I would also like to know what is expected from me while I work here. As I have been working in a similar position for the past few months, I can gauge what my worth is. It is obvious that a person working in this position has a bigger role to play. I certainly believe that I would be offered important tasks. Then we can settle down on a certain figure later, I hope.”
Possible Answer #3
Try to ask for team interaction first.
“This question is tough. What I believe is that the job position will be a huge career upgrade for me. I have worked hard for many years to reach where I am right now. I am certainly looking forward to working with your esteemed organization. This can be a new milestone for me. As you know, the responsibilities I would be given here are much bigger and tougher. I would face entirely new challenges. At this point, I cannot come up with a fixed amount. I hope that after interacting with the members of my future team later today, I will be able to answer your question better.”
Possible Answer #4
Asking for another round of interview.
“I think this is not the right time for me to answer the question, ‘What are your salary expectations?”. To be honest, I have not yet observed the work environment and the challenges I would be facing. Before we can discuss salary, I need to dig deep into the sort of responsibilities I might face. I can do that only when I speak to the Manager of the prospective team. Hence, I would like to have a Managerial round of interview first. Once that is done, I will have some more information about the type of tasks I would be assigned. Nevertheless, you can also help me know what budget has been decided for this position. The figure can help me get a better idea about what I should be expecting. So, we can postpone this discussion until I have the requisite information on my plate.”
Possible Answer #5
Asking about company’s budget for position.
“To answer this question, I would like to know what you were previously paying to the employee who was in this job role. Were his/her qualifications and experience similar to me? This data can help me determine a particular number. I know this position will offer a lot of opportunities and I am aware of the fact that this organization will offer me with ample growth too. So, I do not believe that estimating a particular amount right now, would be wise on my part. I just want to work my way ahead and maybe in a day or two, we can agree on a mutual figure.”
Possible Answer #6
Avoiding the question subtly.
“This is a difficult one! Let me put this way. I am here for the interview today because this job looks promising and exciting to me. I see myself progressing in the corporate world while working for your esteemed organization. The work atmosphere here is different from what I have experienced in the past. Money is surely an important aspect but the primary thing for me is to settle down here as soon as I can. The quicker I adapt to this environment, the better it would be for me. Until then it would be disrespectful to the job position if I randomly guess an amount.”
Possible Answer #7
Buying more time with a clever answer.
“With all due respect, this question is not something which I can answer right now. For my response, you might have to give me the job so that I can see the payslip and answer you! (haha!) No seriously, in order to answer your question, I need to be fully aware of my job requirements first, but I am not aware as of now. I need to know what you expect from me as an employee. What will my work week be like? Is it a 24×7 project? Are there any international travel opportunities at all? Will the company sponsor my visa? If no, will they assure me a transfer abroad later? After I have all these pieces of information in place, I can comment on the ‘Salary’ part. At the moment, let us leave this question unanswered. By next week or so, when I have enough knowledge about this job role’s requirements, we can come up with an answer.”
Possible Answer #8
A diplomatic final answer.
“All I am looking for is a job position which can help me grow my skills. I have longed for a job position like this one, where I can learn more and more everyday. After all, I have worked hard to obtain my current position. This company suits my needs. Here I can utilize my abilities to the fullest. So the package I am will be getting here does not matter much. I would accept anything that is at par with market standards as well as remains suitable for my job level. You can jot this down as my final expectation.”
Possible Answer #9
For a fresher or intern.
“As I am just starting my career, it would be difficult for me to figure out a particular package or take home salary now. I haven’t got any experience about how to answer this question. What I am looking forward to is building a career in the field I love. These are my initial years in the corporate world. I want to extend the reach of my knowledge and also my polish skills. Yours is a great brand and I am certain that you pay your freshers well. You can offer me a package that would suit a beginner like me. You must have got a few on board already. What do you pay them? May I know the sum? In the end, what matters to me is what I get to learn.”
Possible Answer #10
For an experienced candidate.
“To be honest, I came here with only one expectation. The job! This position is a reward for the efforts I have put into my entire career till date. I have paved way step by step up to this point. As I look forward, I can see myself working for this organization. It would be a nice to face new challenges daily. As far as the salary is concerned, I know we would agree on a figure mutually later. Depending upon the role I have to play here, the package can be decided, right? We could negotiate to a certain sum according to the budget decided for this position. For what matters now is the mutual growth of this company and my career.”
Possible Answer #11
For less experienced candidates.
“Being relatively less experienced, I see myself in no position to demand any certain package. To tell you the truth, I am here for the job as it interests me the most. What money I make from it comes far after. During my internship, I always hoped that a respected organization has something for me to offer. I feel that the opportunity is in front of me now. It is the time to pounce on it. As for the salary, whatever package range that has been allotted to this job would do for me. I would leave my answer up to you. Maybe you can respond to this better than me!”
Salary Negotiation Strategies
Getting an offer doesn’t mean the discussion is over. There’s still room to negotiate and get the best deal for yourself. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Know your worth
If the offer is lower than what you expected, don’t hesitate to back up your case with research. Show them what similar roles pay in the industry and highlight your experience, skills, and past contributions to justify a better package.
2. Never accept the first offer immediately
Most companies expect candidates to negotiate, so take your time. Even if the offer looks good, ask for a day or two to review it. A rushed decision might make you miss out on a better deal.
3. Justify your counteroffer
If you propose a higher salary, back it up with data. Explain how your skills and experience justify the number.
4. Be ready to walk away
If the offer doesn’t meet your expectations and there is no room for flexibility, be willing to step back. A better opportunity might be around the corner.
5. Consider non-monetary benefits
If a company can’t meet your salary demand, negotiate benefits—more vacation days, stock options, remote work flexibility, or a signing bonus.
6. Stay professional
Never make salary negotiations personal. Keep the conversation respectful and focused on value.
At the end of the day, negotiation is a two-way conversation—be firm about what you want, but also be open to finding a middle ground that works for both you and the employer.
Fun fact - Salary hikes in 2025 are expected to average around 9.4%.
Final Thoughts
When answering, "What are your salary expectations?" be subtle, patient, and strategic. Be frank but tactful. Stay calm, and don’t rush to give a number. Remember that interviewers have experience spotting candidates who undervalue or overvalue themselves. So, use the sample answers and negotiation strategies above to approach the discussion wisely.
As long as you sound natural and tackle the question, what are your salary expectations?’ well, your resume will not be seen negatively.
At the end of the day, it is not just about getting hired—it is about getting hired at the right value.
All the best!
