Landing a remote role with an international company is a big win. You’re stepping into a new market, with new expectations, and a lot of room for growth.
Of course you have to built a strong resume, apply to the right opportunities buut one of the most important things you’ll do in this process will be negotiate your salary and benefits.
There are different scenarios when talking globally, in some countries as United States salary is not a secret and is mandatory to be published but in others like Colombia and Argentina is not, making the negotitation process totally different.
Still, it’s up to you to make the most of that conversation. And that’s exactly what this article will help you do.
💡 First: Why Asking the Top is Not Always the Best Idea
Many professionals feel nervous about negotiating. You might think:
- “I should be grateful for the opportunity.”
- “I need that job”
- “I don’t want to come off as pushy.”
But here’s the truth:
💬 Negotiation is expected.
💬 It’s part of the process.
💬 And it shows that you know your value.
The salary range in the job description is just that, a range. If the company lists $3,000–$4,000 per month, they’re likely expecting candidates to land somewhere based on experience, skill set, and fit.
The first thought could be I’ll ask for the top of the range. If they can afford it, the more the better, right? But it doesn’t work like that.
Your skills and experience are analyzed, as well as how much you will cost. Even if you’re a good candidate, there could be others with stronger skills, more knowledge with a specific tool, or a background in that industry. So how much you’re going to ask becomes part of your strategy, just like when you built your resume. Asking for a middle point that also means a 20% raise from your current salary could be a good move. Sharing your range could also work, I would like to have between 4,000 – and 4,500 USD, making sure the base is something you will accept and letting the company make the final decision on what to offer.
🔍 Step 1: Know Where You Stand
Start by reviewing the salary range in the job description and comparing it with your current salary (of course, only if it’s the same or a similar role and seniority. Not just that. Industry and company size have a huge impact on different ranges).
Then, ask yourself:
- Do I meet the core requirements? like ok? amazingly orUAU level?
- Do I bring something extra? like a rare skill, language fluency, or remote experience?
- If I read the company between lines. What extra can I bring that’s not on the JD?
That is only the first step. Two companies are not enough. Search typical salaries for similar roles in your region or market. You can use tools like:
💬 Step 2: Start the Conversation
You’re not demanding. You’re opening a conversation.
If the offer is not finally as expected or you asked for some PTO extra, and you believe your profile justifies more, here’s a sample script:
“Thanks for the offer. I’m really interested in the role and excited about the team. Based on the scope and what I bring, I was hoping for a bit more in terms of compensation. That said, I’m happy to start with the current offer, jump into the work, and revisit the salary after three months once I’ve had a chance to prove my value. Let me know if that sounds reasonable.”
Keep it polite, direct, and grounded in what was already shared in the job description.
Remember: Offering option A or B is great as well, negotiate is an Art so make it clear, flexible and direct to avoid misunderstandings.
🛠 Step 3: Its no JUST the Salary
Not every negotiation is just about the paycheck. You can also ask about:
- 🏖 Paid time off
- 💻 Remote work stipend or equipment allowance
- 🎯 Performance bonuses
- 📚 Learning budget or conference access
- ⏰ Working hours (especially if you’re in a different timezone)
Sometimes companies can’t move much on base pay but can be flexible with benefits. If that’s important to you, bring it up. If you have a salary in mind for your base but can add a bonus based on performance or specific results, or ask for a budget for a coworking space… sometimes salaries are part of a structure with other people. Offering those different wins could work.
🧠 Step 4: “I want more”
The goal is not to “win” the negotiation. It’s to reach an agreement that feels good for both sides. If you are not flexible or ask things as non negotiable you could be showing skills that are not what the company want.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stay direct and professional, even if you’re pushing for more.
- Show excitement about the role, you want the job, not just the money.
- Be prepared to hear “no”, and decide what your non-negotiables are.
If they come back with a counteroffer, take time to review it. You can say: “Thanks for the update, I really appreciate the flexibility. Let me take a day to review this and I’ll get back to you.”
💡 Real-Life Example: LATAM Designer Negotiates Up
María, a designer from Argentina, applied for a remote job with a US startup. The role listed a salary range of $3,000–$4,000/month. She had five years of experience, strong English, and a portfolio full of international work.
Company: Hi María, we’re excited to extend you an offer for the Product Designer role. The base salary is $3,100/month, with all the benefits we discussed. Let us know what you think!
María: Thanks so much for the offer. I’m really happy about the opportunity and the team. I’ve reviewed everything, and based on the responsibilities and my background, I was wondering if there’s room to bring the base salary closer to $3,600?
Company: We’re happy to offer you the Product Designer role at a base salary of $3,300/month. would you be open to revisiting the salary after the first few months? Something closer to $3,500 if everything’s going well after three months?
María: That sounds great. I really appreciate the flexibility. I’m excited to get started and contribute. Let’s do it!
Final Tips to Keep in Mind
✅ You have more power than you think
✅ The range is public, use it as a tool but be smart. Asking for the top of the range could push you out of the role. Do your research and list what you can bring to the table
✅ Negotiation is a skill, and it gets easier with practice
✅ Always get everything in writing
Negotiation is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice. We all have to negotiate all the team, If you’ve ever asked for a raise, pushed for commissions, or questioned a job’s conditions, you’ve already started doing that.
Keep going. Be curious. Be fair. Be confident.
You’ve got more leverage than you think.
