How should I discuss salary expectations in an interview?

It is completely normal to feel uneasy when an interviewer asks what you expect to earn. That moment can feel high-stakes, but it is also a chance to show that you have prepared thoughtfully and that you are thinking about the role in practical terms, not only about what you earned before.

A useful approach is to arrive with a researched range rather than a single improvised number. Before the interview, look up typical pay for the job title and location using public wage data such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, which publishes estimates by occupation and metro area. Adjust that picture for your relevant experience, the scope of responsibilities discussed, and the full package (base pay, bonus eligibility, and benefits). When the question comes up, many candidates answer in a calm, role-focused way: based on the responsibilities of this position and market data for similar roles in this area, they are targeting a base range of $X to $Y, depending on the overall compensation package. A range leaves room to negotiate without locking you into a figure that is too low or unrealistically high.

If the topic surfaces early, it is reasonable to ask what range the employer has budgeted for the role. Pay-transparency rules vary by state and locality; some jurisdictions require pay scales on many job postings or on request, while others do not, so treat this as something to confirm for the location of the job rather than a nationwide rule. There is also no single federal ban on salary-history questions. Some states and cities limit whether employers may ask about or rely on prior pay, while still allowing questions about your expectations for this job. If you are asked for past salary and prefer not to share it, you can redirect politely toward the market rate for this role and the value you would bring. Keep the conversation grounded; do not invent numbers or promise outcomes you cannot support.

What works best still depends on the company, the level of the role, and local requirements. Before your next interview, write down your target range, the lowest base you would seriously consider, and two or three reasons for that range (comparable titles, location, and responsibility). That preparation usually feels calmer than improvising under pressure and keeps the discussion professional rather than personal.