How can you research salary ranges without breaking confidentiality?

1 Use online resources

One of the easiest ways to get a general idea of the salary range for your position, industry, and location is to use online resources, such as salary calculators, surveys, reports, or websites. These tools can provide you with average, median, or percentile data based on various factors, such as experience, education, skills, or company size. However, you should be cautious about the accuracy, currency, and relevance of these sources, as they may not reflect the specific situation or expectations of your target employer. You should also avoid sharing your personal or contact information with these websites, as they may use it for marketing or recruiting purposes.

2 Network with peers

Another way to get more specific and realistic salary information is to network with people who work in similar roles, industries, or locations as you. You can reach out to your existing contacts, such as former colleagues, classmates, mentors, or friends, or expand your network through professional associations, events, or online platforms. When you talk to your peers, you should be respectful, discreet, and honest about your intentions. You should not ask them directly how much they make, but rather seek their advice or insight on the salary range or trends for your field or area. You should also offer to share your own knowledge or experience with them, if appropriate.

3 Consult with experts

A third option to research salary ranges without breaking confidentiality is to consult with experts who have access to or experience with salary data, such as career coaches, counselors, or advisors. These professionals can help you analyze your qualifications, skills, and goals, and provide you with customized and confidential guidance on how to determine and negotiate your salary. They can also help you prepare for salary discussions , handle salary questions, or overcome salary objections. You can find these experts through your alma mater, your current or previous employer, or online platforms that offer career services.

4 Benchmark with data

Once you have gathered enough salary information from various sources, you should benchmark it with data from your current or previous employer, or from your target employer. This can help you validate, adjust, or compare your salary expectations, and identify any gaps or discrepancies. You can use data such as pay scales, pay grades, pay bands, or pay policies that are publicly available or accessible through your network or contacts. You can also use data such as job descriptions, performance reviews, or market research that can help you highlight your value, achievements, or potential. You should not disclose or use any confidential or proprietary data that belongs to your current or previous employer, or that violates any agreements or laws.

5 Be flexible and confident

Finally, you should be flexible and confident when you use your salary research to negotiate your pay. You should not rely on a single or fixed number, but rather on a realistic and reasonable range that reflects your worth and your market. You should also not reveal your salary research or sources to your potential employer, unless they ask you or you have a compelling reason to do so. You should use your salary research as a tool to support your negotiation, not as a weapon to demand or justify your pay. You should also be prepared to negotiate other aspects of your compensation package, such as benefits, bonuses, or incentives, that can add value to your offer.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?