Salary Counter Offer Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Employer's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to express my gratitude for the offer of the [Position Title] at [Company Name]. I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the continued success of the company.
After careful consideration, I have thoroughly reviewed the compensation package provided in the offer. While I am enthusiastic about the role and the prospect of working with [Company Name], I would like to discuss the salary component of the offer. I believe that my skills, experience, and the value I can bring to the company warrant a reconsideration of the salary offer.
Based on my research and industry standards for similar positions in this region, I would like to propose a counteroffer of [Your Desired Salary]. This adjustment takes into account my expertise, accomplishments, and the responsibilities of the [Position Title] role. I am confident that this adjustment is in line with the current market conditions and my contributions to the company.
I am committed to making a positive impact at [Company Name], and I am excited about the potential to work collaboratively towards our mutual success. I am open to further discussion regarding the details of the compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, and other incentives.
I understand the importance of maintaining a transparent and open dialogue, and I am confident that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement. I am excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to its ongoing growth and innovation.
Thank you for considering my counteroffer. I look forward to your response and the possibility of working together. Please feel free to reach out to me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Signature (if sending a physical letter)]
Enclosure: Resume (if not previously provided)
Professional Salary Counter Offer Letter
Subject: Salary Counter Offer Discussion
Dear [Manager's Name],
Thank you for extending the offer of [Offered Salary] for the [Position] role. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and bring value to the team.
After careful consideration of my skills, experience, and industry benchmarks, I would like to propose a revised salary of [Proposed Salary]. I believe this adjustment reflects my qualifications and the responsibilities of the position.
I am confident that we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement and I remain very excited about joining the team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Heartfelt Salary Counter Offer Email
Subject: Request to Discuss Salary Adjustment
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I truly appreciate the job offer for the [Position] role and I am thrilled about the chance to work with [Company Name]. Your team’s professionalism and the company's vision resonate with me deeply.
Considering my experience and the value I aim to contribute, I would like to discuss the possibility of a revised salary of [Proposed Salary]. I hope we can arrive at a compensation that reflects my potential contributions while aligning with your budget.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Casual Friendly Salary Counter Offer Email
Subject: Quick Discussion About Salary
Hi [Manager's Name],
Thanks so much for the offer for the [Position] role! I'm really excited about joining [Company Name] and working with the team.
I was wondering if we could discuss a slight adjustment to the salary. Based on my experience and industry standards, I’d like to propose [Proposed Salary]. I hope this can work for both sides.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Creative Salary Counter Offer Letter
Subject: Proposal for Salary Alignment
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] as [Position]. Your team’s dedication and innovative work make this an ideal environment for me to contribute and grow.
In line with my skills, experience, and market research, I propose a revised salary of [Proposed Salary]. I am confident that this adjustment will be fair and motivate me to deliver exceptional results.
I look forward to discussing this further and moving ahead together.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Quick and Simple Salary Counter Offer Email
Subject: Salary Counter Offer
Dear [Manager's Name],
Thank you for offering the [Position] role. I am eager to join [Company Name] and contribute my skills.
I would like to propose a salary of [Proposed Salary], considering my experience and responsibilities. I hope we can reach an agreement.
Best,
[Your Name]
What / Why You Need a Salary Counter Offer Letter
Purpose of a Salary Counter Offer Letter
- A Salary Counter Offer Letter is a formal or informal message used to request a revision to an initially proposed salary.
- Purpose:
- Ensure compensation aligns with skills, experience, and market benchmarks.
- Maintain professionalism during negotiations.
- Communicate value and expectations clearly to the employer.
- Helps create a fair agreement while demonstrating negotiation skills.
Who Should Send a Salary Counter Offer Letter
Appropriate Senders
- Job candidates receiving an initial offer.
- Current employees negotiating a raise after promotion or role change.
- Professionals with relevant market data supporting their request.
Whom Should Receive a Salary Counter Offer Letter
Recipients of the Letter
- Hiring manager or recruiter extending the job offer.
- Direct supervisor or HR manager when negotiating internal promotions.
- Compensation or payroll departments, if company protocol requires.
When to Send a Salary Counter Offer Letter
Ideal Timing
- Immediately after receiving the initial job offer.
- After evaluating the responsibilities, benefits, and market standards.
- Before formally accepting the offer to allow negotiation.
- Upon receiving performance review results prompting a salary discussion.
How to Write and Send a Salary Counter Offer Letter
Steps for Writing and Sending
- Review the initial offer and assess market value for your role.
- Decide on tone: professional, friendly, or creative depending on relationship.
- Clearly state appreciation for the offer.
- Present your proposed salary with rationale (experience, skills, market data).
- Express flexibility and willingness to discuss further.
- Choose mode: email for speed, letter for formal or senior-level negotiations.
- Proofread and ensure clarity before sending.
Formatting a Salary Counter Offer Letter
Format and Style Guidelines
- Length: 1 page maximum; concise but thorough.
- Tone: Professional or courteous, avoid aggressive or demanding language.
- Structure: Opening (thanks), body (proposed salary and justification), closing (polite request to discuss).
- Mode: Email for quick negotiation, letter for formal or senior-level offers.
- Wording: Clear, polite, data-driven, and confident without overstatement.
Tricks and Tips for Salary Counter Offer Letters
Best Practices
- Include specific achievements or unique skills to justify the request.
- Use market salary research to support your proposal.
- Remain polite, confident, and professional.
- Offer flexibility to negotiate other benefits if salary is fixed.
- Send promptly to maintain momentum in the hiring process.
Common Mistakes in Salary Counter Offer Letters
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Being overly aggressive or confrontational.
- Failing to justify the proposed salary with facts or experience.
- Delaying response and missing negotiation windows.
- Including irrelevant personal information or demands.
- Sending a poorly structured or unclear letter.
Elements and Structure of a Salary Counter Offer Letter
Key Components
- Greeting addressing the appropriate person.
- Expression of gratitude for the offer.
- Statement of proposed salary with justification.
- Optional discussion of benefits or alternative compensation.
- Closing with a polite request to discuss or negotiate further.
- Signature including name and contact information.
After Sending a Salary Counter Offer Letter
Follow-Up Actions
- Await a response while remaining professional and patient.
- Prepare to discuss and justify your proposal during follow-up conversations.
- Be open to compromise or alternative benefits if full amount cannot be offered.
- Confirm any agreed changes in writing before final acceptance.
Pros and Cons of Sending a Salary Counter Offer Letter
Advantages
- Opportunity to secure fair and competitive compensation.
- Demonstrates negotiation and communication skills.
- Reinforces self-worth and professional confidence.
Disadvantages
- Risk of rejection or strained relationship if handled poorly.
- Could be perceived as demanding if tone is inappropriate.
- May prolong the hiring process or require additional discussion rounds.





