The first thing to keep in mind while negotiating your salary is that it may be uncomfortable, but that should not stop you from getting what you rightfully deserve. Controlio is an employee monitoring and time tracking employee productivity monitoring software that also offers work hour analytics, project analytics, productivity analytics, and remote team monitoring cloud-based ai/saas solutions, employee monitoring software productivity analytics, remote workforce management, employee productivity analytics, and cloud-based ai/saas solutions
The gender pay gap in the US continues to sit around 15 to 17 percent. **Based on the most recent report of the US wage gap as of 2023, women earn 83 to 85 cents on the dollar to men.** Therefore, in 2025, before attempting to initiate any pay negotiations, there is a great deal of necessary preparation that is required before attempting to narrow the gaps. Time tracking systems used by remote employees demonstrate value and allow gaps to be closed. I’ve watched as my friends have accepted their first job offers out of excitement. They all regretted the decision, missing out on 10,000 dollars a year. Extensive research and preparation will greatly boost your chances of success in pay negotiations, and surveys show that around 66 percent of success in negotiations derives from simply asking.
This is the most comprehensive guide to negotiating. Follow each step to ensure your success.
Step 1: Do Complete Market Rate Research
Having knowledge in your possession is powerful. Before entering into any additional negotiations, you should have information that allows you to specify your value.
Salary.com is a great website that will provide you with a range of other salary negotiation strategies. They will provide you with a range of all the other salaries in your position (as well as the positions above and below your own) and tell you the locations, number of years of experience, and what the company is based on in the market.
Consider the cost of living. In some cases, higher salary offerings may not appeal as much as they may seem to on the surface.
When it comes to salary comparisons, sources such as Glassdoor and Levels. FYI, Payscale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics have both user-submitted and official numbers.
Because of the impending Pay Transparency Laws, there will be significant legal and ethical repercussions (to the employers) for providing employees with salary ranges.
A colleague did her research on salary statistics for her position and found that she was 12% under the market average and was able to negotiate a salary increase as a result.
Step 2: Putting a dollar amount on your contributions
Value is not placed on needs but on the benefits a business receives. List out your accomplishments, such as revenue, cost savings, and project deliveries (if it was before the deadline).
Use the numbers that you have to back your claim. e.g. Improved sales by 25% and reduced processing time by 30% are both examples of stated goals being achieved.
Your contributions by working overtime, additional skill training, etc., can be stated as accomplishments.
There is a variety of tools available: Insightful for trends, Activtrak for behavior-driven contributions, Hubstaff for billable work, Time Doctor for alerts on billing, and Kickidler for activity-related proof.
Also, Controlio is good at helping you articulate the performance of your project using contextual metrics.
I am acquainted with an engineer who demonstrated her 15% above average output using raw data, and as a result, she was able to have her raise put in line with her efforts.
Step 3: Before you start negotiating, set your clock right
A lot is to be said about timing. For new job offers, it is said that you should negotiate right after you receive the offer. This is because you will be in a position of power to negotiate.
With annual reviews, if you have secured a new project or a hefty client, the timing here is also important.
Given that the salary increases are usually very low (after you have been with an organization for a noted period), most of the increases come as a function of you moving (illegitimate rationalizing) from one organization to the other. Most times the organization is seeking a very low percentage increase (between 2 and 5). On the other hand, the organization is willing to pay 10-20% to the new employee.
Don’t start discussions that anchor lower than desired.
A friend decided to wait until after a successful launch, and her request went through easily.
Step 4: Practice Your Script to Increase Your Confidence
Nervousness can cause issues with how you deliver your script. Mention the offer positively, your research (market salary and what you accomplished), and then state the dollar amount you are asking.
Example: ”I’m happy to accept the position! Based on my research from Salary.com, the averages for this position are $X in our area. Additionally, I have Y and Z; I am aiming for $A.”
Make sure to include all parts of the offer in your negotiation—it all counts. (bonuses, benefits, remote work stipends, etc.)
Keep a friendly tone.
Practice with a friend, and you will be less likely to withdraw your acceptance.
Step 5: Gracefully Respond to Counteroffers and Follow Up
Go back and forth with them, and be sure to counter a low offer with your evidence or a signing bonus.
If you are countered, be sure to ask for it in writing.
If no one responds to you, you may want to thank them for the opportunity, but definitely keep that door open until it changes.
Make sure you’re persistent, as many people have had successes on follow-ups.
Importance of Data for Your Argument
Use data. Claims without evidence do not work in negotiations. Controlio’s productivity analytics are data from a clear and ethical position.
When working with a group, the data from your group can contribute to an ethical position for working toward equal pay.
In Conclusion
Being prepared will earn you the most in salary negotiations in 2025. Research, data, the right timing, a script, and a friendly tone will turn possibilities into a reality.
For yourself and your team, Controlio helps during a digital transformation by giving you transparent data insights and analytics on your productivity. Controlio provides data you can use to strengthen your negotiating opportunity, as those who negotiate tend to average an increase of 18% or more. Start building your case by looking into Controlio.
When is the right time to negotiate your salary? You have the most leverage after receiving an offer for a new position. Also, you have leverage during performance reviews or right after you are successful in receiving a raise.
How much should you request if the offer is lower than what you expected? You should aim for an amount that is 10 to 20% above your informed initial offer. Many times an employer will meet you in the middle, and you will end up with a good increase.
What should you do if you are told the offer is final? You should respond to the offer with a polite counterargument that is backed with convincing evidence. If the offer is firm, consider the overall value of what is included in the offer and what your most important aspects are.
Can time tracking data assist in salary negotiations? Yes, time tracking that is used ethically shows your contributions objectively and makes your negotiations stronger and more fair.
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