Salary is a sensitive topic for job seekers, but it’s one that many employers expect candidates to address, particularly during the early stages of the hiring process. Including salary requirements on your resume can help streamline the hiring process, avoid mismatched expectations, and demonstrate your professionalism. But doing it the wrong way can hurt your chances before you even land an interview.
This guide walks you through when and how to mention salary expectations on a resume, where to put them, and what examples to follow. You’ll also receive tips on how to phrase your salary range effectively and links to resume resources that support a more strategic job search.
When Should You Include Salary Requirements?
Include salary expectations only if:
- The job posting specifically requests it
- You’re submitting a federal or government resume
- You’re applying for a contract or freelance position with budget limits
- You’ve discussed with the recruiter, and they’ve asked you to share it on paper
If the job ad doesn’t mention anything about pay, don’t bring it up. Most hiring teams prefer to discuss compensation later, and adding it too early can put you at a disadvantage if you’re above (or even below) their target range.
Where To Put Salary Requirements on a Resume
The best way to include salary requirements is in a small, clearly labeled section at the bottom of your resume or as a short note under your contact details or resume summary.
Avoid placing it in bold or drawing too much attention to it. This is supporting info, not your headline.
Acceptable locations:
- Below your summary, in a single line
- At the bottom of your resume under a section like “Additional Information”
- In a separate attachment (if instructed)
Need help choosing a format that fits this detail naturally? Check out these professional resume examples for inspiration.
When Should You Include Salary Requirements?
Include salary expectations only when the employer explicitly asks for them. This can occur in several situations. A job posting might request that you “submit your resume with salary requirements,” or a recruiter may ask for your salary expectations upfront. Another time this could happen is when you’re applying for a government or federal position that requires this detail.
Leaving out your salary expectations, when asked, can signal that you didn’t read the job description carefully — or worse, that you’re avoiding the topic altogether. Neither leaves a strong impression.
In some industries, such as contracting or freelance work, salary or rate transparency is a standard practice. These types of roles often come with fixed budgets, and disclosing your range early on can help both parties determine whether to move forward.
However, if a job ad doesn’t mention pay or doesn’t request it in your application materials, it’s usually best to leave it out so hiring managers can focus on your skills and experience first. Discussing compensation too soon can make it appear that salary is your primary concern, rather than the opportunity itself.
Remember: if you’re asked for salary requirements in the job description or application form, include them. If not, let your resume focus on your value first.
Real-Life Examples of Salary Requirements in Resumes
Here are more detailed ways to incorporate salary requirements into real resumes, along with added context to help guide your own approach.
Administrative assistant (Entry-level):
Salary requirement: $45,000 to $50,000 annually. Based on comparable roles in [City/State] and scope of daily administrative duties, including scheduling, budgeting, and team support.
IT support technician (Mid-career):
Expected salary: $60,000 to $70,000. Range is flexible depending on on-call responsibilities, system coverage needs, and company benefits like overtime and tech reimbursement.
Nonprofit manager (Government application):
Salary requirement: GS-11, Step 3 level, in line with the federal pay scale for program oversight and grant reporting duties. Flexible based on duties, agency mission, and location.
Marketing strategist (Private sector):
Target salary: $75,000 to $85,000 annually, open to discussion. Range informed by 6+ years of experience in digital campaign planning, analytics, and client management in similar industries.
Warehouse supervisor (Contract role):
Desired hourly rate: $28 to $32, depending on shift structure, safety responsibilities, and required certifications.
Make sure your range reflects your experience, the job’s scope, and industry standards. And if you’re not sure what your target range should be, start with a resource like Salary.com or the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Should You Include Salary Requirements in a Cover Letter Instead?
Yes — if you need to mention compensation, a cover letter is usually a better place to do it.
In a cover letter, you can provide more context and tact to explain your expectations. You might mention your research, relevant experience, or that your range is based on responsibilities.
Example:
Based on market data and my experience in digital marketing, my salary expectations are in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. I’m open to negotiation depending on the scope and growth opportunities available.
Still need help with your resume summary or cover letter intro? Check out these resume objective examples for more ideas.
Pros and Cons of Including Salary Requirements
Pros
- Shows you’ve researched the market
- Can speed up the hiring process
- Sets expectations early and avoids misalignment
Cons
- Could disqualify you early
- May limit your negotiation power
- Can feel too transactional in a creative or people-first industry
When in doubt, wait until the employer brings it up, or discuss it after your qualifications have made an impact.
Salary Research Tools To Help You Set Realistic Expectations
Before you list any number on your resume, use the following resources to validate your target salary:
Look at the average pay for your job title, region, and experience level. Then tailor your range accordingly.
Final Tips for Sharing Salary Expectations Professionally
- Research first. Use trusted data, not personal needs, to guide your range.
- Be realistic. Overshooting can quickly take you out of the running.
- Show flexibility. Phrase your expectations in a way that leaves room for discussion.
- Prioritize the resume. Let your qualifications and achievements shine first, as salary comes second.
Remember, salary is just one part of total compensation. Benefits, bonuses, and work-life balance often weigh just as much.
Frequently Asked Questions: Salary Requirements on Resumes
Start with tools like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET Online to research current wages for your role in your area. Factor in your years of experience, certifications, and any specialized skills. A realistic range is $5,000 to $10,000, depending on your role.
You don't have to, unless the job posting explicitly asks for it. In most cases, it's perfectly acceptable to leave it off and discuss it later in the hiring process.
Yes. If your range is too high, it may eliminate you early. If it's too low, you risk being underpaid. That's why it's essential to conduct thorough research and include a thoughtful, flexible range only when necessary.
It depends on the job type and how compensation is typically structured in your field. For salaried roles, like marketing managers, analysts, or administrative coordinators, it's best to list an annual salary range. That's the standard format most hiring managers expect for full-time positions.
For contract roles, freelance gigs, or hourly positions (like warehouse associates, security guards, or part-time assistants), it's more appropriate to give an hourly rate. Use the format: $22 to $26 per hour, with negotiation possible depending on duties and benefits.
Ensure your format aligns with the employer's language in the job advertisement. If they post an hourly range, respond with one of your own. Consistency makes it easier for recruiters to compare your expectations to the role's budget. Regardless of format, clarity is key. Avoid vague statements like "competitive" or "reasonable salary expected."
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