BLS Occupational Employment Statistics publishes annual salary distributions for every SOC occupation in every state. Our salary pages show all 5 percentile points (10/25/median/75/90).
For a negotiation, the 25th to 75th percentile range is the most useful anchor. It captures most full-time workers in the role at that location and screens out outliers. Most reasonable counter-offers should land somewhere in that band, with seniority and specialization pushing toward the 75th and 90th.
Pick a role and state below to open the dedicated salary page with all data on display.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'negotiation range'?
It is not a single number. It is the band of plausible salaries for the same role at the same location. Anchoring on the median alone leaves money on the table; anchoring on a single high outlier signals lack of preparation.
Should I aim for the 90th percentile?
Only with credentials and experience that justify it. The 90th percentile reflects senior, highly specialized, or hard-to-recruit workers in that role and state. Aim there if you are senior or come from a top employer in the field.
What if my role isn't on the list?
We currently publish 207 occupations from BLS. If yours is not yet on our list, search BLS directly at bls.gov/oes for the same data, or pick the closest SOC code from our list as a baseline.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, tax, or career advice. Estimates use simplified models that may not reflect every situation. Consult a licensed professional before making compensation, tax, or career decisions.