Turn a job offer into a confident, friendly counter-offer. Enter the offered pay, the number you want and the reasons behind it, choose a tone, and get a ready-to-send email plus a short phone script. You also see what the difference is worth per year, month and paycheck.
Last updated:
You and the offer
$
$
h
Your case
e.g. “another offer at $100,000”. Never invent one.
Your position
Tone
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Salary Negotiation Email Generator
Enter your name, the company, the job title and who made the offer.
Enter the offered pay and the number you will ask for, as an annual salary or hourly rate.
List one to three reasons, such as experience, measurable results or market salary data.
Add other asks or a real competing offer if you have one, and choose your position and tone.
Click Generate email, review the wording and placeholders, then copy or download it.
What a strong counter-offer email includes
Part
Purpose
Example
Thanks and enthusiasm
Shows you want the job, so the counter is not read as a rejection
“I’m genuinely excited about the role and the team.”
A specific number
A clear figure is easier to approve than “a bit more”
“…bring it to $102,000 per year.”
Reasons
Gives the recruiter facts to take to the hiring manager
Years of experience, measured results, local market range
Alternatives
Leaves room to agree if the salary band is fixed
Signing bonus, PTO, remote days, an early salary review
Next step
Moves the conversation forward
“Would you be available for a quick call this week?”
Why a few thousand dollars matters
A higher starting salary compounds. A $10,000 difference is worth $50,000 over five years before any raise, and percentage raises, bonuses and some retirement matches are calculated on the base. The calculator above shows the difference per year, month, biweekly paycheck and hour.
Tips before you send
Research the pay range for the role and location from several sources, and use the posted range if there is one.
Ask once, clearly. Several rounds of counters can wear down goodwill.
Reply within the offer deadline, and ask for any agreed changes in a revised written offer.
Stay honest: only mention competing offers and numbers you can stand behind.
Open by thanking them and confirming your interest, state the specific number you are asking for, back it with one to three concrete reasons such as experience, results or market data, mention any other items you would consider, and close by suggesting a quick call. Keep it short, positive and specific.
How much should I counter a job offer?
Many counters land somewhere around 5% to 15% above the offer, depending on market data, your experience and how the offer compares with the posted range. Asks above about 20% need strong support, such as a competing offer or clear evidence that the offer is below market.
Is it OK to negotiate salary by email?
Yes. Email gives you time to choose your words and gives the recruiter something to share with the hiring manager. Many people send the email and then discuss the details by phone; the phone script helps with that.
Should I mention a competing offer?
Only if it is real. Mentioning a genuine competing offer can strengthen your position, but say the company is your first choice and avoid sounding like an ultimatum. Never invent an offer; it can cost you the job if you are asked for details.
What else can I negotiate besides salary?
Signing bonus, extra paid time off, remote or hybrid days, start date, job title, relocation help, a guaranteed salary review after six months, professional development budget or equity. If the base salary is fixed, these are often easier to change.
Can an employer withdraw an offer if I negotiate?
It is uncommon when the request is polite and reasonable, but it can happen. Keep the tone appreciative, make one clear request rather than many demands, and be ready to accept if they meet you partway.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.