Salary negotiation isn’t just about the number on your paycheck. If you’re only focusing on base salary when you get your new job offer, you’re likely leaving money—and other valuable benefits—on the table.

Negotiation is about maximizing your total compensation, career growth, flexibility, and quality of life.

Let’s break down everything you can negotiate in a salary negotiation. Keep in mind, some of these depend on the role and industry, but here are all the things I have seen negotiated across tech and similar fields like law, finance and consulting.

Base Salary (Of Course, But Don’t Stop Here)

This is the number everyone fixates on, and while it’s crucial, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Many companies have salary bands, and while there might be limits, there’s often more flexibility than you think—even if you don’t bring competing offers to the table.

Bonuses (The Quick Way to Boost Your Earnings)

Bonuses can make a huge impact on your earnings. Key bonuses to negotiate:

Signing Bonus: A lump sum when you join.
Performance Bonus: Tied to individual or company success.
Retention Bonus: Paid to keep you around for a set time.
Relocation Bonus: Helps cover moving costs.

Equity & Stock Options

If you’re joining a company that offers stock, you can negotiate:

Stock options, RSUs or PPUs: Know what you’re getting and how it vests.
Vesting schedule: Can you shorten the cliff or negotiate early vesting?
Refreshers: Can you get a stock refresher once all your stock has vested?
Change of control clause: What happens to your stock if the company is acquired?

Career Growth & Promotions (Your Future Earning Potential Matters)

Your job title and responsibilities impact future opportunities. You can consider negotiating:

Title: A more senior title can open doors.
Scope of work: Clarify what you will—and won’t—be responsible for.
Promotion timeline: Can you set a review date for a raise or title bump?
Access to high-profile projects.
Leadership opportunities: Manage a team, budget, or important initiatives.

Flexibility (Figure Out Your Core Needs)

Flexibility can make a job offer really great. You can negotiate:

Remote work options (hybrid, fully remote, or flexible days).
Work hours (start time, compressed workweeks, part-time options).
Travel expectations (limit travel or negotiate reimbursement).
Sabbatical or extended leave options.

Professional Development

Companies benefit when you grow. You benefit from it while at the company but also in future job hunts. You can consider asking for:

Executive coaching or mentorship programs.
Tuition reimbursement for courses or certifications.
Conference attendance and networking opportunities.
Association memberships (like professional organizations or leadership programs). For some opportunities you need a company to sponsor you.

Benefits & Perks (Beyond Salary)

Total compensation isn’t just cash. Maximize your benefits:

401(k) match or pension contributions.
Vacation and paid time off (negotiate extra days).
Childcare benefits (reimbursement, backup care, flexible schedules to take care of kids).
Health insurance (premiums, coverage, out-of-pocket limits). Though this is less negotiable at large companies and usually the same for everyone.
Parental leave (maternity/paternity leave, eligibility, duration).
Gym memberships, wellness stipends, or mental health benefits.
Transportation stipends or commuter benefits.

Workplace Set-Up & Support (Little Things Add Up)

You can negotiate how you work, not just where you work:

Office setup (dedicated office, work-from-home stipend, upgraded tech).
Reimbursement for home internet and phone bills.
Administrative support (assistants, team resources).
Budget for professional tools, software, or research.

Final Thought: Everything is Negotiable

Most companies expect you to negotiate, yet many people leave money on the table because they don’t realize how much is up for discussion.

The key to a successful compensation negotiation isn’t just asking for more by guessing numbers that sound good.

It’s knowing how to ask collaboratively and having a strategy of what you want to ask as a first priority, second priority, etc.

And remember: the worst they can say is ‘no.’

And, even then, a first ‘no’ is something my clients can usually get past.

Ready to level up your career? Reach out if you’d like to work together on your next salary negotiation.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with a professional before making decisions related to salary negotiations or employment contracts.

Everything You Could—and Should—Negotiate in a Salary Negotiation