How to Research Salary Ranges Before a Job Interview

You landed the interview—nice work. But before you start prepping your answers about strengths and accomplishments, there’s something you don’t want to forget: salary. Sooner or later, the question will come up. And how you respond could shape everything from your paycheck to your long-term job satisfaction.

Here’s the thing—talking money doesn’t have to be awkward. In fact, walking in with a clear idea of your value can help you stand out in the best possible way. If you want to show up informed and ready to negotiate like someone who knows their worth, this guide will walk you through how to research salary USA, what to say when asked, and how to own the conversation with clarity.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Where to look when you need to research salary USA for your next role
• What to keep in mind when you’re ready to negotiate pay 2025 style
• Tips on how to ask about salary in an interview without killing the vibe
• Smart ways to answer the salary expectations interview question with confidence
• Common mistakes to avoid—and how to stay in control of the conversation

Why Salary Research Matters More Than Ever in 2025

In today’s market, pay isn’t just a private number—it’s part of the bigger picture. Between inflation, remote work policies, and new transparency laws, more professionals are asking smart questions about compensation—and so should you.

The truth? Most people don’t negotiate. According to Glassdoor, the majority of U.S. employees wish they had asked for more money after receiving an offer. The reason they didn’t? Many just didn’t know what they should be asking for.

When you take the time to research salary USA, you’re not just doing it for numbers—you’re doing it to go into your interviews with facts, not guesswork. And when it’s time to negotiate pay 2025, that kind of preparation sets the tone for the entire conversation.

Read next: How to Negotiate Your Salary in 7 Strategic Steps: Get The Salary You Deserve

How To Research Salary Ranges Before A Job Interview

Step 1: Use Trusted Salary Research Tools

Start with the platforms that people actually trust. These sites offer reliable, role-specific data to help you get a real sense of what the market looks like:

• Glassdoor: Offers crowdsourced salary info by company and role.
• Levels.fyi: Especially good for tech professionals looking at specific levels.
• Payscale: Creates a custom salary report based on your experience.
• Salary.com: Offers simple salary benchmarks by job title and location.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Good for industry-wide and regional averages.

Compare data across platforms to get a well-rounded picture. If you’re applying to remote jobs, make sure to check compensation trends in the company’s home state and yours—some businesses adjust pay based on location.

Step 2: Know the Market for Your Role

Not all job titles are priced the same across cities or industries. A UX designer in San Diego may earn something very different from one in Nashville. The more you understand what your role is worth in different markets, the better prepared you’ll be.

Here’s what to look at:

• The going rate for your job title in your location
• How your experience compares to others at that level
• What benefits, perks, or bonuses are typical for your industry

Having this range in your back pocket helps you show up to a negotiation calm, collected, and ready to negotiate pay 2025 with substance behind your numbers.

Step 3: Practice Your Pitch

When someone asks, “What are your salary expectations?” you don’t want to stumble. You want a response that sounds informed—not memorized, but grounded in real data.

Try something like:

“Based on my research and what I know about similar roles, I’m targeting $95,000 to $110,000, depending on the full benefits package.”

See? Clear, honest, and open to discussion. It’s how you answer the salary expectations interview question with poise—not panic.

Step 4: Timing Matters—When Should You Bring Up Salary?

If you’re wondering how to ask about salary in an interview without sounding pushy, you’re not alone. Timing really is everything.

• With the recruiter: It’s okay to ask early on—just be respectful.
• In early interviews: Let them lead, unless they ask you first.
• In final rounds: Definitely bring it up if it hasn’t been addressed.

If you’re not sure how to phrase it, try this:

“Before we move forward, could we talk about the compensation range to make sure we’re aligned?”

It’s honest. It’s professional. And it shows you respect everyone’s time—including your own.

Step 5: Define Your Walk-Away Number

Everyone should know their non-negotiables. If an offer comes in below your “must-have” number and there’s no room to move, you should feel okay walking away. This number isn’t random—it’s the one you land on after honest reflection and solid research.

Set three figures:

• Your base minimum (to live and save comfortably)
• Your market value (based on what others in your field earn)
• Your reach number (the salary that reflects your top-tier value)

Once you have those in mind, you’ll walk into salary talks focused and grounded, not flustered.

Step 6: Evaluate the Full Package

Sometimes, a job pays a little less but includes great benefits. Don’t ignore that. When you’re looking at an offer, consider:

• Health coverage, dental, and vision
• Retirement contributions or 401(k) matching
• Paid vacation and leave policies
• Remote work flexibility or hybrid options
• Equity, bonuses, or annual raises

Choosing the right job isn’t just about salary—it’s about the whole lifestyle. Make sure the full offer reflects what you value.

Read next: Are You Underpaid in 2025? Here’s What a Competitive Salary Really Looks Like!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Research

You can’t wing this. If you don’t research salary USA ahead of time, you risk underselling yourself or asking for too much without justification. A few hours of prep could mean thousands of dollars.

Overreaching Without a Plan

Confidence is good—but context matters. If you’re going high, back it up with achievements, experience, and solid market data. That’s how you negotiate pay 2025 the right way.

Freezing in the Moment

That “deer in headlights” feeling? Totally avoidable. Write out your answer to the salary expectations interview question, practice it with a friend, or record yourself. The more you rehearse, the smoother it’ll sound.

Avoiding the Topic Entirely

Silence isn’t strategic. Knowing how to ask about salary in an interview is part of being a professional. If they don’t bring it up, you can—and should—take the lead before an offer is made.

Bottom line? Be proactive. The more intentional you are, the better your results will be.

Read next: Remote Work Salary Trends in 2025

Know Your Worth—and Say It Out Loud

Talking about salary can feel uncomfortable—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it’s one of the most important conversations you’ll have in your job search. And when you’re prepared, it’s a chance to show that you’re confident, capable, and aware of your value.

Whether you’re figuring out how to ask about salary in an interview, answering the classic salary expectations interview question, or trying to negotiate pay 2025 with impact, it all starts with the same foundation: preparation.

So take the time. Do the research. Practice your pitch. And remember—you’re not just applying for a job. You’re advocating for yourself.