cosmicstack-labs Salary Negotiation
Negotiate compensation effectively and professionally.
Preparation
Market Research
- Levels.fyi: Tech compensation by level and company
- Glassdoor: Company-specific ranges
- Blind: Anonymous peer data
- Otta: Startup salary benchmarks
Know Your Numbers
- Target: Ideal offer (stretch)
- Acceptable: Minimum you'd sign
- Walk away: Below this, you decline
BATNA (Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement)
Your strongest leverage is having another offer. If you don't:
- What's your current comp trajectory?
- How much runway do you have?
- What's the opportunity cost of waiting?
Negotiation Scripts
When they ask "What are you targeting?"
"Based on my research (levels.fyi, other offers) and experience in [area], I'm targeting a total compensation of [target]. I'm flexible based on the overall package — equity, benefits, and growth opportunities all factor in."
When they give the first offer
"Thank you for sharing this. I'm excited about the role and team. Based on my research and experience, I was hoping for something closer to [number]. Is there flexibility in the offer?"
Total Compensation Breakdown
| Component | What to Evaluate |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | Guaranteed cash |
| Equity | Type (RSU/options), vesting schedule, dilution |
| Bonus | Target %, structure, historical payout |
| Benefits | Healthcare, 401k match, remote stipend |
| Perks | Learning budget, equipment, travel |
Key Rules
- Always negotiate — even if the offer is good
- Never give the first number
- Negotiate on value, not need
- Be professional and gracious
- Get everything in writing