The Money Systems Page

Salary Negotiation Exact Script

Your salary offer came from a range.

The exact sentence, today

By the end: the exact words to say when they ask for your number.

The range already exists

Colorado, NYC and California require posted pay ranges. Your role was priced before you applied.

Then they ask first

Those same places banned asking your salary history. So they ask your expected number instead.

The question is the trap

They ask first so their approved top never gets said. You just noticed.

Say this first

"I'd rather not anchor. What range is approved for this role?" Then stay quiet.

Then this exact line

"Based on that range, I'm at the top number." Then stop talking. Save this for later.

Some links on our links page are affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Published July 27, 2026. This is general information, not financial advice.