Ever come across a job posting that gets you excited but leaves out one crucial detail—the salary? It can feel awkward to bring up money, especially when you’re trying to make a great impression. But the reality is, knowing the compensation range is crucial to deciding whether the role aligns with your goals. So, how to ask about salary when it’s not published?
With a little strategy, you can confidently address the conversation at the right time—whether during the application process, in an interview, or afterward. This article will break it down.
Why some companies don’t share salary details
Salary transparency is becoming more common, thanks to salary disclosure laws in states like California and Colorado, and in New York City, all of which require companies to include pay ranges in postings or share them upon request. (If you’re applying to a company based in a location with these laws, don’t hesitate to ask about the salary range if it hasn’t already been shared.)
However, not all employers countrywide are on board just yet. Here’s why:
- Flexibility: Some companies prefer to see what a candidate brings to the table before locking in a salary.
- Market competition: Keeping salary details private can help companies avoid being outbid by competitors. “Companies may not want to list salaries if they are under market price to deter top-tier talent from applying to the roles,” says career coach Melissa Trager.
- Open budget: The company might want to hear salary expectations from the candidates before locking in a budget for that role.
- Cultural norms: In industries or regions where discussing salary openly is less common, employers may feel hesitant to share pay upfront.
Knowing these reasons can help you approach the conversation with empathy—and tact.
How to ask about salary when it’s not published
Timing is everything when it comes to asking about salary. If you jump in too soon, it can come across as if money is your only concern. Wait too long, and you risk wasting time on a role that doesn’t meet your needs.
So, when’s the right moment? How do you politely ask how much you are getting paid? Let’s go through each stage of the process.
During the application
If the job listing doesn’t include salary, focus on putting your best foot forward. “Wait until you get an interview to ask about the salary for a role,” Trager says, unless the application directly asks for your expected pay. “Hold off to see what the range is and if you are interested in the opportunity first before eliminating yourself from the running.”
Pro tip: When asked for your salary expectations in an application, provide a thoughtful range based on your research. (For a little extra advice, here’s how to write a cover letter with salary requirements.)
During the interview
The first interview is the most natural time to talk about salary. “Typically, during the first round interview most recruiters will share the salary at the end of the call or ask the candidate their desired salary range ,” Trager says. If they don’t, it’s OK to ask politely.
Not sure how to start the conversation? Here are some examples of how to ask about salary in an interview:
- Can you share the compensation range for this role?
- What’s the expected salary range, including benefits or bonuses?
This approach keeps the conversation professional while giving you the clarity you need. If the salary doesn’t meet your expectations, it’s perfectly fine to bow out respectfully. “It's respectful to share this feedback and remove yourself from the interview process,” Trager says. You can say something like, “Thank you for sharing that information. While I’m excited about the opportunity, the salary range doesn’t align with my expectations at this time.”
After the interview
Did the salary not come up during the interview? Don’t panic. The follow-up email is your chance to address it. Below, you’ll find an example of how to ask for salary politely in a message.
How to ask about salary when it’s not published: Sample email
Subject: Follow-up on [Position Name] interview
Dear [Recruiter’s Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Name] role. I really enjoyed our conversation and learning more about your team.
As I evaluate this opportunity, I was wondering if you could share the expected salary range for this position. Knowing this detail would help me better assess how this role aligns with my career goals.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
This lets you gather important details while showing that you’re still interested in the role.
You’ve got this
Talking about salary when it’s not included in a job posting can feel tricky, but it’s a necessary step to ensure the role aligns with your financial goals. It’s not just about the number. Salary discussions also help you assess how well a company values transparency and fairness. Armed with these strategies, you’ll be ready to approach any compensation conversation like a pro and find opportunities that truly match your worth.
Find a job that matches your salary expectations—browse these amazing opportunities on The Muse »