# Salary Negotiation

> Market research, compensation benchmarking, BATNA, total comp analysis, and offer evaluation

- Skill: `cosmicstack-labs/salary-negotiation` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cosmicstack-labs/salary-negotiation`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cosmicstack-labs/salary-negotiation/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: cosmicstack-labs (https://skillmd.com/u/cosmicstack-labs)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cosmicstack-labs/salary-negotiation

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# Salary Negotiation

Negotiate compensation effectively and professionally.

## Preparation

### Market Research
- **[Levels.fyi](https://levels.fyi)**: Tech compensation by level and company
- **[Glassdoor](https://glassdoor.com)**: Company-specific ranges
- **[Blind](https://teamblind.com)**: Anonymous peer data
- **[Otta](https://otta.com)**: 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