Don’t Undersell Yourself: Tech Salary Negotiation Guide

You’ve done the interviews, impressed the hiring panel, and landed the offer. Now comes the part many people dread: tech salary negotiation. In an industry where demand for skilled talent is high, underselling yourself could mean leaving thousands of dollars (or naira) on the table. The good news? Negotiating your salary is not only normal, it’s expected. Whether you’re just starting out or already climbing the ladder, mastering salary negotiation can set the tone for your career growth and long-term earnings.

Research Market Rates Before Negotiating

Before you even start the conversation, arm yourself with data. Employers respect professionals who know the going market rate.

• Look at local sources in Africa; salary reports or LinkedIn insights can give you region-specific benchmarks.
  
• Compare roles across companies. A junior developer at a fintech startup in Lagos may not earn the same as one at a multinational in Nairobi.
  

When you walk in with numbers, you’re negotiating from a place of confidence, not guesswork.

Highlight Your Unique Value

Numbers matter, but so does your personal value proposition. Employers want to know why you, specifically, are worth the higher figure. Think about:

• Experience: Do you have hands-on experience with a hard-to-find skill, like AI model tuning or blockchain integration?
• Impact: Did your last project save your company time, money, or improve customer satisfaction?
• Extra contributions: Beyond coding, maybe you mentor juniors, lead workshops, or manage client relations.
  

Frame your skills in terms of business outcomes, companies don’t pay for “years worked,” they pay for results delivered.

Use Silence to Your Advantage

This is one of the simplest but most effective negotiation tactics. When the recruiter says, “Our budget is ₦X,” don’t rush to fill the silence. Pause, let it hang. Silence often pressures the other side to improve their offer.

• Avoid being the first to state a number. Let the employer go first whenever possible.
• If asked directly, counter with: “I’d like to understand the full package before discussing numbers.”
• When you do give a number, aim higher than your minimum acceptable salary; you need room to negotiate.

Sometimes, a company genuinely can’t budge on salary. That doesn’t mean you walk away empty-handed. Benefits can add serious value:

• Health insurance or wellness perks
• Remote work flexibility
• Professional development budget (courses, certifications, conferences)
• Stock options or equity if you’re at a startup
• Extra vacation days
  

Think long-term. A slightly lower salary but strong benefits can still be a winning deal.

Always Get Agreements in Writing

Verbal promises are nice, but only written agreements protect you. Always ask for the final salary, benefits, and conditions in your offer letter or contract before signing. This prevents misunderstandings later.

A common pitfall in Africa’s tech job market is employers “forgetting” what was discussed verbally. Don’t rely on memory; rely on documents.

Never accept the first offer; always negotiate, even if it’s just a little. Every conversation you have about salary sets a precedent for future raises and promotions. Negotiating confidently today means getting paid what you deserve tomorrow.