The Ultimate Guide to Negotiating Your Remote Salary

The Remote Salary Landscape

Remote work has disrupted traditional salary structures. Some companies pay based on location, others pay global rates. Understanding these models is crucial for negotiation.

Salary Models in Remote Work

1. Location-Based Pay

Salary adjusted based on where you live

• Pros: May benefit high cost-of-living areas
• Cons: Moving to cheaper areas reduces pay
• Examples: GitLab, Basecamp (partial)

1. Global Standard Pay

Same pay regardless of location

• Pros: Predictable, fair feeling
• Cons: May not account for local conditions
• Examples: Buffer, Help Scout

1. Tiered Pay

Locations grouped into tiers

• Tier 1: Major tech hubs (SF, NYC, London)
• Tier 2: Secondary cities
• Tier 3: Lower cost-of-living areas

Research: Know Your Worth

Before negotiating, gather data

Salary Databases

• Levels.fyi: Tech-specific, detailed breakdowns
• Glassdoor: Broad coverage, user-reported
• Payscale: Industry benchmarks
• LinkedIn Salary: Role-specific insights

Remote-Specific Resources

• RemoteOK salary data: Remote job market trends
• Buffer's salary formula: Transparent methodology
• AngelList: Startup compensation data

The Negotiation Framework

Step 1: Anchor High (But Reasonable)

When asked for salary expectations

• Research the top of the range for your role
• Add 10-15% as negotiation buffer
• Be prepared to justify with data

Script: "Based on my research and experience, I'm targeting a range of $X to $Y for this role."

Step 2: Consider Total Compensation

Look beyond base salary

• Base salary: High negotiability
• Equity/stock: Medium-High negotiability
• Signing bonus: High negotiability
• Annual bonus: Medium negotiability
• Benefits: Low negotiability
• PTO: Medium negotiability
• Equipment budget: High negotiability
• Professional development: High negotiability

Step 3: Use the Right Timing

Best times to negotiate

• After receiving an offer (highest leverage)
• During annual reviews
• After major accomplishments
• When taking on new responsibilities

Remote-Specific Negotiation Points

Equipment and Setup

• Home office stipend ($1,000-2,000 common)
• Annual equipment refresh budget
• Monitor, chair, desk allowance

Flexibility and Time

• Async work expectations
• Core hours requirements
• Timezone flexibility
• Additional PTO or unlimited PTO

Professional Development

• Learning stipend ($500-2,000/year)
• Conference attendance
• Certification reimbursement

Health and Wellness

• Home internet reimbursement
• Coworking space allowance
• Mental health benefits
• Fitness stipends

What to Avoid

• Accepting the first offer without negotiation
• Sharing your current salary (illegal to ask in many places)
• Negotiating over email when a call would be better
• Being aggressive or ultimatum-based
• Forgetting to get everything in writing

After the Negotiation

Once you've agreed

1. Get everything in writing before accepting
2. Review the offer letter carefully
3. Ask questions about anything unclear
4. Set expectations for future reviews

Ready to find a remote role worth negotiating for? Explore high-paying remote positions on RemoteDash and take control of your career.