How To Include Salary Requirements in Cover Letters

Unless the employer specifically asks you to include salary related information in your cover letter cover, it is best not to include it. This is important for several reasons.

First, it is easy to quote a salary that is higher than the employer’s budget, which may force the company to reject your application. If your salary expectation is lower than expected, the employer may think that you don’t value your skills and experience. A lower salary requirement may also make the employer send you an employment offer that is far lower than what they planned or your expectations.

Therefore, only include salary requirements in a cover letter when asked to do so. In fact, failure to do so when asked may lead to the company rejecting your application because you didn’t follow the instructions correctly.

Learn more: How to Answer ‘What Are Your Salary Expectations?’

Because of the sensitive nature of salaries, it is often challenging for candidates to mention a specific amount. However, there are strategies for including salary information in a cover letter without selling yourself short or going beyond the company’s budget. Here are ways to include salary requirements in a cover letter:

Provide a salary range instead of a fixed figure

One of the best ways to include salary requirements in a cover letter is to quote a range rather than a fixed amount. Before using this method, it is important to have done your research regarding the current remuneration for the role and the industry. There are several online resources from government and corporate databases that will help you quote a salary amount that is close to yours and the employer’s expectations.

It is important to note that most employers will choose the lowest of the salary ranges you provide. However, make sure you are getting adequate compensation for your professional worth.

Tell the employer your salary requirements are negotiable

Another way to include salary requirements in your cover letter is to tell the employer you’re flexible with salaries. You can say that your salary expectations are negotiable based on the employer’s budget and need. It is also possible to quote a figure or salary range based on the duties and responsibilities of the role alongside other potential employee benefits you could get if employed.

Answer the salary question indirectly

Sometimes, it is better to not be direct about the salary requirements. This strategy is useful when it is difficult to find reliable, up-to-date information about how much the company pays employees in the role you are applying for. You can say that the salary for the role is up to the employer, and you are most concerned about being able to deliver if given the job.

Learn more: How to Appropriately Answer a Desired Salary Question

Here are steps to consider when calculating your salary requirements when you need to include the information in your cover letter:

Research your industry

One of the most important factors to consider when calculating salary requirements for a cover letter is the industry. Various professions have specific salary structures for different positions. Researching the prevailing remuneration in the industry can help you arrive at a salary figure that will be acceptable to you and the employer.

Consider the geographic location

Employers consider the cost of living, cost and modes of transportation, and several other variables specific to different geographic locations when calculating employee salaries. For example, a role that requires living in Washington, D.C. can pay differently from the same role in rural Oklahoma. The same goes for jobs that require going to the office as opposed to one that can be done remotely.

Factor in your level of education

Your educational qualifications are also an important determinant of pay. A candidate with a doctorate in a field will often expect a higher salary for a position than someone with a master’s or bachelor’s degree. However, remuneration will ultimately depend on the job requirements and the employer’s budget for the position, so do your research so you can choose a salary range that best aligns with the employer’s needs and your education.

Evaluate your experience

If you have extensive experience in the company’s industry and operations, you can usually expect to get more compensation than someone with minimal or no experience at all.

Figure out the desirability of your skills

A candidate with an in-demand skill is often able to command a higher salary. For example, you will likely have a higher salary requirement if you are proficient in all the major languages spoken in every region where a company has operations than someone who can only speak the English language.

Determine your career level

If you are applying for an entry role, your salary requirements should be lower compared to when you are applying for a more senior role with management or leadership experience.

Review professional certifications and licenses

If you have higher professional certifications and licenses, you could demand higher salaries than candidates with the minimum qualifications for a role. Since you’ve invested in your professional development, the employer can compensate you more for your extra credentials and the additional capabilities you would add to their company.

Get a free, personalized salary estimate based on today’s job market

Here are examples of how to include salary requirements in a cover letter:

Example 1

Based on my qualifications, professional achievements, certifications, and the extensive job duties and responsibilities of this role, my salary requirement is $90,000 per year. Note that we can still negotiate based on your budget, requirements, and the company’s complete compensation. I believe I can be a lot more flexible with my salary requirements if I have a better picture of the role’s career advancement opportunities.

Example 2

My desired salary for the role is based on my previous salary history, the posted job description, my level of experience, and my research on the current compensation in the industry. Considering the time and effort I have invested in myself to get the highest industry certifications and the potential edge it will give the company over its competitors, I would request for a salary in the range of $75,000 to $90,000. The actual salary is negotiable, based on other relevant factors such as professional development opportunities, employee benefits, and career advancement.

Example 3

Based on the listed job duties and responsibilities, I would like to secure compensation in the $50,000-$70,000 range. This is equivalent to the average salary for professionals with my industry and academic qualifications living and working in this city.

Example 4

My salary requirement is $65,000 (negotiable). This is on par with the average compensation for a professional with my level of experience in the local industry. My salary expectation is flexible, depending on other benefits you can provide such as career advancement, bonuses, and your overall compensation package.

Example 5

Per your request, based on the posted job description, my credentials, and industry research, an acceptable salary range for this role is $45,000-$50,000. This quoted range does not include benefits and other employee bonus opportunities. My salary requirements are negotiable, depending on the opportunities to earn bonuses, career advancement, and professional development.

Example 6

At the moment, I am not ready to discuss my salary requirements. I understand that salary matters in the hiring process, but I’d rather focus on providing more vital information that will boost my candidacy for this role. If you think my qualifications are an ideal fit for the position, I would be more than happy to discuss my salary expectations with you. However, I assure you that my salary requirements are flexible considering my experience, the job duties, and your overall compensation package.

Example 7

Salary is essential, but I don’t consider it as a vital requirement when I’m searching for a job. I believe a company that aligns with my career aspirations and recognizes the value my experience and formidable credentials will add to their organization will compensate me well for my efforts.