In a job interview, you don't have to wait to discuss salary—here's what to say.

When is the right time to bring up salary during a job interview?

It's not advisable for candidates to initiate discussions about pay during job interviews.

Stacie Haller, the chief career advisor at ResumeBuilder with over 30 years of recruiting experience, advises that we should not mention salary early in the interview process as it may hinder the employer from falling in love with us, which could lead to a higher salary negotiation later on.

Be careful, as hiring managers may perceive your eagerness to discuss salary as an indication that you are only interested in the job for financial gain, not for the fulfillment of the role itself.

Some studies suggest that discussing pay early on can contribute to the wage gap, particularly when candidates who have been historically underpaid express their below-market salary expectations or benchmark their desired pay based on previously low earnings, and employers make offers based on those lower numbers.

But pay transparency efforts have shifted those conversations.

Money is coming up earlier in hiring talks

Two main reasons why employers are increasingly discussing their budgets for a role earlier in the hiring process are:

In certain states, it is unlawful for employers to inquire about a candidate's past salary history in order to determine their anticipated salary for a new position.

More states and localities are mandating that employers disclose the salary range for a job in the listing or during the interview process, regardless of whether the candidate requests it.

Job seekers are more likely to engage in discussions about these policies, which provide greater transparency in the hiring and compensation process.

According to a September 2023 survey of 4,402 adults by the National Women's Law Center and Morning Consult, a majority, 58%, of workers prefer job postings that include a pay range for the position. Additionally, roughly 1 in 3 workers say they've applied for a job they otherwise wouldn't have been interested in because they saw the pay range listed alongside it.

How to ask about salary in a first interview

Haller believes that it is acceptable for candidates to bring up the topic of salary during a screener or early-stage interview due to shifting attitudes.

A published salary range can help you verify the figures match your expectations and prepare for negotiations in the future.

What is the interviewer looking for in a candidate to justify a budgeted salary range of $70,000?

She states that will direct you throughout the remainder of the interview procedure.

You can ask your interviewer for the budgeted range for the role, even if you don't know it upfront.

I'm thrilled about the role. However, I need to confirm that we're on the same page moving forward. Can you provide the salary range for the position?

HR professionals typically avoid giving a specific number, but they suggest that it's important to have a mutual understanding to avoid wasting time.

The case for not bringing up pay first

Experts suggest that while job applicants may feel more confident to inquire about pay initially, there are certain reasons to defer the request.

Brianna Doe, founder and CEO of Verbatim, suggests that the interviewer bring up compensation first in order to gain a better understanding of the company's culture and values.

Doe believes that employers should be the first to share the budget for a role, as the budget should not depend on the candidate being interviewed.

If the screener, recruiter, and hiring manager have not discussed salary after two rounds of discussions, it may indicate a red flag.

Another reason to delay is to preserve your bargaining strength.

To avoid stating a desired salary range lower than what the interviewer has on offer, it is recommended to understand the pay you're looking for based on your job title, experience, geographic location, and other industry-related factors.

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