What to negotiate in a job offer

Salary matters — but it is not the only line worth moving. Plenty of candidates miss easier wins because they don't know what is actually negotiable. Use this as a pass over the whole offer, not just the number at the top.

1. Base salary

The most obvious item, and often the anchor for everything else. Even a small increase compounds — raises, bonuses, and the next offer all start from here.

2. Sign-on bonus

Sign-on is often easier to approve than a salary bump. It doesn't permanently change payroll, which is why it shows up when base is stuck.

3. Annual bonus

Negotiate the target percentage, a guaranteed first-year bonus if the year is already underway, and what "performance" actually means.

4. Equity or stock

If there is any: number of shares or units, the vesting schedule, refresh grants, and what happens if you leave. The headline grant is rarely the whole story.

5. Title and level

Title feeds the next promotion, the next external offer, and which compensation band you sit in. A small change here can be worth more than a small change to base.

6. PTO and flexibility

Extra PTO, remote days, or schedule autonomy are often easier to grant than cash — and they change the job you actually live in.

7. Timing of reviews

If salary is fixed now, negotiate an earlier performance review or a written date to revisit compensation. A locked first year is less expensive if the second year starts sooner.

What this is for

The best negotiators think in total compensation, not just salary. This checklist is the map; your offer is the territory.