Working in America
Negotiating your US salary in USD: base, bonus, RSU, sign-on
US compensation is more negotiable, and more complex, than in most markets. And newcomers routinely leave money on the table by accepting the first number. This guide explains how US offers are built (base salary, annual bonus, equity/RSUs, sign-on bonus, benefits) and how to evaluate the whole package, not just the headline.
What you’ll learn
- The components of a US offer: base, bonus, RSUs, sign-on, benefits
- Researching level and pay bands before you respond
- Anchoring and structuring a professional counter-offer
- Using competing offers without bluffing
- How RSU vesting works and how to value equity realistically
- Negotiating sign-on and relocation support
- Why negotiating is expected, and how not to overplay it
It covers researching pay bands and levels, anchoring and counter-offer tactics, how to use competing offers professionally, the mechanics of RSU vesting and how to value equity realistically, and how to negotiate relocation support. It frames negotiation as a normal, expected part of US hiring, not a risk.
Educational content only, these guides are not legal advice.Read the full disclaimer →
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