Research the new location's cost of living and industry benchmarks, then state a range based on that data, not your current salary. For example, if you earned $30,000 in a low-cost country but the same role pays $80,000 in New York, ask for $75,000–$85,000. Never anchor your number with your home country pay—it's irrelevant to the employer.
The only rule for answering salary expectations as a relocating candidate: base your number on the local market, not your current income. Employers hiring from abroad expect you to ask for a local-market number. If you mention your home salary, you signal that you don't understand the new market—or worse, you undervalue yourself. A candidate from India earning ₹1,200,000 ($14,400) who asks for $18,000 in San Francisco appears naive. The same candidate who says $85,000 looks prepared.
Before any interview, compile three data points:
Do not rely on a single source. Cross-reference at least three to avoid outliers.
Once you have the local market range (e.g., $75,000–$95,000 for a mid-level role in Chicago), consider three adjustments:
Your answer should be a range roughly 10% below the market midpoint to 10% above it. That gives room for negotiation while showing you're realistic.
Before (common mistake): "I currently earn $25,000 in Thailand. I would be happy with $30,000."
After (prepared answer): "After researching the local market for a marketing manager in Austin, I see typical salaries range from $65,000 to $80,000. Based on my 5 years of experience and similar industry background, I'm targeting $68,000 to $75,000. Does that align with your budget for this role?"
The rewrite shows research, a defensible range, and a question that invites dialogue.
When the question comes in the interview, follow this script:
If they press for a single number, give the low end of your range and explain your flexibility depends on total compensation (bonus, equity, relocation).
Some recruiters ask during the initial phone screen, before you have full market data. Respond with: "I'd like to base my expectations on the role's responsibilities and total package. Could you share the budgeted range for this position? I'm happy to confirm my alignment once I have more context." This buys you time and often makes them reveal their number first.
Always compare your desired salary to the cost of living in the new city. Use a purchasing power calculator: your $40,000 in a low-cost city may need $85,000 in a high-cost city to maintain the same lifestyle. That figure becomes your floor.
No. Your current salary is irrelevant to your value in the new market. Many U.S. states now legally prohibit salary history inquiries. If asked, redirect: "My current compensation isn't comparable. I prefer to focus on the value I can bring here."
Politely decline: "I'm not comfortable sharing my current salary as it's in a very different market. However, I'm happy to share my salary expectations for this role, which I've based on local benchmarks." Most recruiters will accept this if you give a researched range.
Now that you have a clear salary strategy, make sure the rest of your resume supports your relocation story. Check your resume for any red flags that might undercut your value.
Converting a Chinese resume for US applications? Try PrismResume's Chinese-to-English resume tool.
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