How to negotiate salary as a contractor to an employee

So you’ve made it to full time, huh? Well, congrats! This is an exciting time and we can’t wait to help you negotiate a salary that reflects your value..

We know this can be a scary and intimidating topic but we’ve got a few simple steps that can make a huge difference.

Know your worth

Say it again! Know your worth, folks. That means researching market rates for your position, experience, and skills in your industry and location. You can find all this using Glassdoor, Payscale, or the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Don’t forget to take into account the cost of living in your area, the size and industry of the company, and the responsibilities of the position.

Now that you’ll be a full-time employee, you also have to consider the added benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, PTO, and more. 

Compare where you’ve been to where you want to be

Take a look at your contract as a freelancer. Does it have your compensation and benefits outlined? Now compare that with the offer for your permanent position. Consider the differences in your compensation, benefits, and job responsibilities as leverage for your negotiation.

Obviously, if the offer is way lower than what you’re currently getting you should negotiate for a higher salary or additional benefits. But if the offer is similar to or higher than your current compensation, you can always ask for additional benefits like vacation time, a flexible schedule, or a signing bonus.

Build a positive working relationship 

During the negotiation process, be transparent and honest about your expectations and values. It doesn’t hurt to show enthusiasm for the position either. This can help build trust and lead to terms you’ll both be happy with.

But don’t forget to consider the company’s climate either. Say they’re in a hiring freeze or experiencing budget constraints. It’s probably not the best time to negotiate a higher salary. That doesn’t mean you can’t get more in other ways, though, like a performance-based bonus later down the line. 

Make a choice that’s right for you

If the company doesn’t have a compensation package that aligns with your worth and needs, you need to ask yourself if it’s really the right opportunity for you. Maybe it is for the time being, maybe it’s not. Only you will know!

Now that you have all the tools for a kick-butt negotiation, go out there and ask for what you deserve! You got this.