Counter offer letter template
A salary counter offer letter that thanks them for the offer, states the pay you are asking for and gives two reasons.
- ๐บ๐ธ US format ยท Letter size
- Free
Fill in what you need. The preview updates as you type.
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Counter once, with reasons
This is a general template, not legal advice. Ask for everything you want in one letter, not in rounds. Base the number on market data or a competing offer, keep the tone glad to join, and be ready to accept if they meet you partway.
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Counter Offer Letter
Jordan Lee
123 Main St, Apt 4
Austin, TX 78701
(555) 010-0000, jordan.lee@example.com
October 12, 2026
Taylor Kim
Director of Marketing, Northwind Commerce
1 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94105
Dear Taylor Kim:
Thank you for offering me the position of Growth Marketing Manager at Northwind Commerce. I am excited about the role and the team, and I would like to accept. Before I do, I want to raise one part of the offer.
The offer lists a salary of $85,000 per year. I would like to ask for $94,000 per year, for two reasons. First, the role carries budget responsibility for four channels, which I have managed for the past two years at a monthly spend of $30,000. Second, salary data for growth marketing managers in the Bay Area with my experience clusters between $92,000 and $98,000.
I would also like to discuss the following: a signing bonus of $5,000 to offset the relocation; moving the start date from November 2 to November 16.
The rest of the offer is acceptable as written, and I am ready to start on the date we discussed. I am glad to talk this through by phone at your convenience, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
ย
ย
Jordan Lee
How to use it
Type the hiring manager with their title and company, the position, the pay they offered and the pay you want. Then your reasons, one per line: the responsibilities of the role, your experience, market data with a range, or a competing offer. Each line becomes a sentence, and the letter asks for your number right after them. Add other items, such as a signing bonus or a later start date, on their own lines.
The letter opens by saying you want to accept and closes by saying the rest of the offer is fine, which is what keeps a counter from sounding like a rejection. Turn on Email version if the offer came by email.
Things to watch
Check the percentage in the warning under the preview. Five to fifteen percent above the offer is common; above twenty-five percent you need a competing offer or very specific data. Never counter an offer you would not accept if they said yes. When they agree, send the job offer acceptance letter from this site with the new numbers.
Calculators that go with this
Frequently asked questions
Should I counter by email or phone?
Phone first if you can; a short call shows confidence and lets you hear their reaction. Follow with this letter or email so the number and your reasons are in writing. If the recruiter prefers email, the email version alone is fine.
What if they say the salary is fixed?
Ask about the other items instead: a signing bonus, extra paid time off, a six-month salary review, remote days or a later start date. Those are often easier for a company to approve than base pay.
Why is there no address or date?
This is written as an email, not a mailed letter. Copy the subject line into the subject box and the rest into the body of your email. If you need a printed letter, use the letter version of the same template.
Is what I type saved anywhere?
No. Everything stays in your browser and nothing is sent to our server. If you refresh the page it is gone, so print, save a PDF or download the DOCX when you are done.