How to state your salary expectations without selling yourself short
The question "What are your salary expectations?" makes many applicants nervous. A figure that's too low can cost you for years, because later raises are usually calculated from your starting pay. A figure that's too high without justification can end the process. The key is data and how you present it.
Resmi.ID Team · 5 min read ·
Photo: Recha Oktaviani / Unsplash
Step 1: research the market range
Start with similar job ads in the same city at a similar experience level. On KarirResmi, many job ads show their salary range openly; collect five to ten examples and look at the lowest and highest figures.
For general context, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded a national average monthly wage for employees of about Rp3.33 million in August 2025, with wide gaps between sectors: information and communication was highest (about Rp5.28 million) and other services lowest (about Rp1.97 million). These are national averages, so use them as context, not as a benchmark for a specific role.
- Check the minimum wage that applies in the regency or city where you'll work, as the absolute floor.
- Ask contacts in the same industry, for example "For a role like this in Surabaya, what's the usual range?"
- Check whether the figure in a job ad is base pay only or already includes allowances.
Step 2: work out your needs and your value
- 1Add up living costsTotal your housing, commute to the workplace, meals, and family obligations.
- 2Set your floorThe lowest figure you'd still be comfortable with, including extra costs such as moving cities.
- 3List your added valueExperience, certifications, or specialist skills the job asks for that justify an above-average figure.
- 4Build a rangeSet the lower end slightly above your minimum, with a spread of roughly 10–20%.
Step 3: say it calmly
If you're asked early in the process, you can give a range while leaving room for discussion:
"Based on my three years in this field and the range for similar roles in Jakarta, I'm expecting Rp7–8 million a month. Of course I'm open to discussing it, depending on the scope of responsibilities and the benefits offered."
If you feel you don't know enough about the role yet, you can politely ask first:
"Before I give a figure, could you share the budgeted range for this role? I'd like to make sure my expectations match the scope of the job."
If a form asks for a number, enter the middle of your range, not the bottom. Make it clear whether it's gross or take-home pay to avoid misunderstandings.
If you're asked about your last salary
Some companies ask what you earned in your previous job. Answer honestly, as the figure can be checked through payslips or references. You can, however, steer the conversation towards the value of the new role, especially if its responsibilities are much bigger.
Example: "My current base salary is Rp5.5 million plus a transport allowance. For this role, which includes leading a team of five, I'm expecting around Rp7–8 million." This is honest and explains why your new figure is higher.
If you're a fresh graduate who has never been paid a salary, simply say this is your first full-time job, then give a range based on your research into similar vacancies and the minimum wage where the job is located.
When the offer arrives
- Thank them and ask for one or two days to consider; this is normal.
- Ask for written details: base pay, allowances, employment status, probation period, and start date.
- If the figure is below your expectations, make one counter-offer with a brief reason, such as a certification the role needs.
- If base pay can't move, ask about alternatives such as allowances, an earlier salary review, or training support.
Sample reply: "Thank you for the offer, I'm keen to join. Since this role requires the occupational safety (K3) certification I already hold, could the base salary be adjusted to Rp7.5 million?"
What to avoid
- Naming a figure far above market data with no explanation.
- Lying about your salary at a previous job.
- Accepting a verbal offer with no documents at all.
- Applying pressure with an offer from another company that doesn't exist.
If the company sends a job offer letter through KarirResmi, you can read all the details and sign it electronically via docs.resmi.id. Make sure everything agreed during negotiation is written in the letter before you sign.
References
This information is general. For important decisions, check the latest rules at official sources or consult the relevant authorities.
