When someone asks in an interview, “How much salary do you expect?”, your goal is to sound informed, flexible, and confident—not desperate or clueless.

Core idea (what you should say)

A safe, professional formula is:

“Based on my research on roles like this in this location and my experience, I’m targeting a range of around X–Y. I’m also open to discussing the overall compensation package and benefits.”

This hits three key points: you did research, you give a range (not a single number), and you show flexibility.

Step 1: Research a realistic range

Before the interview, look up salary data for:

  • Your role and level (e.g., junior, mid, senior).
  • Your location or the company’s main office location.
  • Your industry (tech, finance, healthcare, etc.).

Then position yourself:

  • If you are entry‑level : aim around the middle of the typical range.
  • If you have strong experience/rare skills : aim toward the upper end.

Example:
If similar roles in your city pay around 60,000–75,000, you might say 65,000–75,000 as your range.

Step 2: Start by asking for their range

If they ask first, you can gently turn it back to them:

“I’d like to make sure we’re aligned. Could you share the budgeted range for this role?”

If they share a range and it fits you:

“That range works for me. Given my experience with X and Y, I’d be aiming toward the upper half of that range.”

If they refuse to share a range:

“Understood. Based on my research and experience, I’m looking for something in the X–Y range, depending on the full benefits and growth opportunities.”

This keeps you from low‑balling yourself without sounding difficult.

Step 3: Example answers you can copy

1. If you’re early career or entry‑level

“I’m more focused on growth and learning, but based on similar entry‑level roles in this area, a range of X–Y would feel fair to me. I’m open to discussing details depending on the overall package and development opportunities.”

This shows you’re realistic but not only chasing money.

2. If you already know the band from the job ad

“The range listed for this role was X–Y , and that’s generally in line with my expectations. With my background in A and B, I’d ideally be toward the upper half of that range.”

You tie your value directly to their posted band.

3. If you want to postpone the number a bit

“For now, I’d like to learn more about the responsibilities and expectations to give you a precise number. Generally, for roles like this in this market, I’d expect something in the X–Y range, but I’m flexible based on the full package.”

You signal flexibility while not fully dodging the question.

Step 4: How to choose your range (simple method)

Use this simple approach:

  1. Find typical pay for your role in your area.
  2. Decide where you fall: low (new), mid (average), or high (experienced/rare skills).
  1. Turn it into a range of about 10–20%.

Example scenario

  • Market range for similar jobs near you: 60k–75k.
  • You have a few years of experience and strong skills.
  • You choose: “I’m targeting 68k–78k , depending on the full package.”

Even if they negotiate, you’ve left room to move.

Step 5: Common mistakes to avoid

  • Saying “I’m open to anything” – sounds unprepared and weak.
  • Giving a single exact number – leaves no room to negotiate.
  • Asking for way above market with no justification – makes you look out of touch.
  • Underpricing yourself out of fear – hard to fix later.

Short sample script you can rehearse

Pick one and adapt the numbers:

“From what I’ve seen for similar roles in this city and considering my experience with X and Y, I’d expect something in the 65,000–75,000 range, depending on the overall package. I’m sure we can find something that works for both sides.”

If you tell me:

  • Your role (e.g., software engineer, marketing analyst)
  • Your experience level (years and seniority)
  • Your country/city

I can help you craft a specific, polished line with a realistic range for your situation.

TL;DR:
Always give a researched range , link it to market data and your experience , and show flexibility around the total package, not just base salary.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.