As technology continues to develop, there’s a big demand for software engineers. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the demand for software engineers to expand by 22% by 2029. That’s compared to the average predicted growth rate across all occupations, which hovers around 4%.

That demand doesn’t necessarily mean that getting a job offer or negotiating a higher salary will suddenly become easier. It’s always good to have a few strategies in your back pockets for how to negotiate your salary as a software engineer.

How to Negotiate Your Salary as a Software Engineer

A new job offer is always exciting, whether it’s your first job or if you’re negotiating multiple offers. That said, it’s important to make sure you’re being compensated fairly. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you can take to successfully negotiate your salary:

• Do your homework
• Consider the full offer
• Let them lead the numbers
• It’s what the company needs
• Advocate for yourself
• Practice beforehand

Let’s take a closer look at these tips to learn more about how to secure a higher salary.

1. Do Your Homework

To successfully negotiate your salary, the first and perhaps most important step is to do your homework. You should know the national average salary for the job title and how it varies for your region.

Research the company and the role you’ve been offered, and come to the meeting prepared with examples of how you can fit into the work and culture of the organization. Also, have a good idea of your bottom line before entering negotiations. This will help you keep your confidence and remain steadfast in your own value during the process.

2. Consider the Full Offer

Yes, salary is important, but other aspects of your employment agreement might also contribute to your happiness. Does the offer include stipends, equity, or bonuses? What does your benefits package look like?

Also consider the job duties, workplace culture, travel, hours expectations, opportunities for promotion, company investment in employee development, and more. Remember that a high salary could come with higher hours and less desirable benefits. At the same time, it’s possible to choose a path that yields a lower salary right now but might have better prospects down the road. Many of these decisions depend on your outlook on the value of the full offer.

3. Let Them Lead the Numbers

As a general guideline, it’s best not to be the first to share any concrete numbers. It’s usually a better strategy to wait for them to make the first offer, then counter it.

Here are some more specific pointers from Mark Rodriguez, a Senior Placements Manager at App Academy:

• Don’t provide a figure right away. If you’re prompted to do so, write competitive market rate” or “000000” in the salary expectation section of the application.
• If you’re asked for a salary during an interview