What are your salary expectations?

There’s no universal right number: junior QA salaries vary a lot by country, city, company and industry. What matters is that you’ve done your research and can answer calmly.

1. Prepare before any call

• Look at job ads that publish salary ranges. In some countries and US states employers must share a range in the ad or before the interview.
• Check salary surveys or comparison sites for your country, and official statistics where available.
• Ask testers in local communities, or recruiters, who usually know the market.
• Decide your realistic range and your minimum, and whether you mean gross or net, monthly or yearly.

2. Early in the process, ask for their range

I’d like to understand the role a bit better first. Could you share the range you’ve budgeted for this position?

3. If they insist, give your researched range

Based on what I’ve seen for junior QA roles in [city], I’m looking at something between [X] and [Y], depending on the full package and the growth opportunities.

4. Be honest

• Never invent a current salary or a competing offer.
• In some places employers aren’t allowed to ask about salary history. You can still politely decline: “I’d rather focus on what’s fair for this role.”
• If an offer is lower than your research suggests, you can ask once, politely, with reasons.

Learn more: Tell Me About Yourself and Why QA