Negotiating your salary can feel intimidating, especially when you're trying not to come off as pushy or entitled. This guide breaks down seven key strategies to help you advocate for your worth with confidence and professionalism. 

Pay negotiations are usually the most daunting part of professional life. Fear of appearing ingratiating or entitled prevents people—especially new professionals—from requesting what they are entitled to. Pay negotiation is not, however, about being confrontational; it is about presenting an argument for your value with professionalism and preparation. Here are seven important things to remember to negotiate pay without appearing entitled.

7 key aspects to consider to negotiate pay without sounding entitled:

1. Do Your Research First

Before discussing salary, come prepared with facts. Consult industry standards, company standards, and comparable roles with comparable responsibilities in your local marketplace. Tools such as Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn Salaries can provide useful comparables.

Why It Matters: Market rate is fact-based, not ego-based.

2. Discuss Your Value, Not Your Needs

Employers are interested in what you bring to the table—your student loan and rent payments are none of their business. Redo your conversation in terms of skills, deliverables, and value you've made or can make.

Tip: Phrases such as, "Based on my contribution to X project…" instead of "I need more because…":

3. Time It Right

Timing is everything. Preferably, discuss finances in the context of a job offer, performance review, or at the end of a significant project—not on the occasion of meeting or for team meetings.

Why It Matters: Timing is intentional and demonstrates professionalism and business sense.

4. Rehearse Your Pitch

Speak assertively. It can be assertive—albeit not arrogant—if you've practiced what you want to say. Practice a clear, concise script that recites your credentials and what you can offer.

Tip: Avoid using overly deferential expressions like "I'm sorry to ask" or "This might be too much…. You are entitled to be polite but clear.

5. Utilize Collaborative Language

Punctuate the dialogue so that it sounds like a discussion, not a request. Use lines like "I'm eager to receive a package that captures the extent of this position" or "Let's brainstorm together?"

Why It Works: It indicates you're an equanimitable partner who's willing to prioritize fairness over selfishness.

6. Be Ready for Resistance

Not every negotiation will be a "yes" right away. Be prepared to accept counteroffers or non-monetary rewards like telecommuting, extra time off, or training stipends.

Why It Matters: Being flexible is an indicator of maturity and keeps the door open for a future possibility.

7. Know When to Walk Away—Dignified

If the bid is significantly below your value and there's no negotiation value, it's okay to exit, but do so professionally. Leave the door open for future collaboration.

Tip: Thank them for the experience and express your desire to stay in contact.

Asking for more in negotiations is not asking for more, it's expressing that you know your value and informing them politely. You can navigate through this encounter without sounding entitled with the right attitude, information, and tone, and leave with the pay you deserve.