Real-world examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions

Real examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions in 2024–2025

Let’s start with what you really want: concrete wording. Below are real-feeling examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions, updated for 2024–2025 U.S. market ranges. You can tweak the numbers for your city or country.

All of these assume you’ve done some research on pay ranges using tools like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) and salary sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, or Payscale.

Marketing assistant: example of a clear, data-based answer

Here’s an example of salary expectations wording for an entry-level marketing assistant in a mid-cost U.S. city:

“Based on my research on entry-level marketing roles in this area, my understanding is that similar positions typically range from about \(48,000 to \)55,000 a year. Given my internship experience with social media analytics and email campaigns, I’d be comfortable in the \(52,000 to \)55,000 range, depending on the overall benefits package and growth opportunities.”

Why this works:

• It shows you’ve checked real data on entry-level positions.
• You give a range, not a single rigid number.
• You tie the higher end of the range to your skills.

If you need slightly softer language, another example of a good response would be:

“From what I’ve seen, entry-level marketing roles in this city often fall between \(45,000 and \)52,000. I’d like to be in the $50,000 range, but I’m open to discussing the full compensation package, including benefits and professional development.”

Both of these are strong examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions because they balance confidence with flexibility.

Software engineer: examples include tech hubs and remote roles

Entry-level software engineer salaries vary a lot by location. Here’s how you might answer in a major tech hub like Seattle or Austin:

“For an entry-level software engineering role in this market, I’ve seen ranges typically between \(90,000 and \)115,000, not including bonuses or equity. Based on my internship experience with Python and React, and the projects in my portfolio, I’d be looking for something in the \(100,000 to \)110,000 range, depending on the full compensation package.”

For a fully remote role based in a lower-cost region, an adjusted example of salary expectations might be:

“From my research on remote entry-level software engineering roles, it looks like many fall in the \(75,000 to \)95,000 range, depending on location and benefits. I’d be comfortable in the \(85,000 to \)90,000 range, with some flexibility based on the overall package and growth opportunities.”

These are some of the best examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions in tech because they:

• Reflect realistic 2024–2025 ranges.
• Mention bonuses and equity without demanding them.
• Keep the door open for negotiation.

For more detailed pay data by occupation, you can cross-check with the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/.

Customer service or call center roles: real examples for hourly pay

Not every entry-level job is salaried. Many are hourly, especially in customer support. Here’s a realistic example of salary expectations for an entry-level customer service representative:

“From what I’ve seen in this area, entry-level customer service roles typically pay between \(18 and \)22 an hour. With my previous experience handling high-volume calls and resolving billing issues, I’d be comfortable in the \(20 to \)22 an hour range, depending on benefits and opportunities for overtime.”

If you’re brand new with no experience, you might lean slightly lower and add more flexibility:

“My research shows entry-level customer service positions here usually pay around \(17 to \)20 an hour. I’d be happy in that range and am especially interested in training, performance-based raises, and the chance to grow into more advanced roles.”

These are helpful examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions when you’re paid hourly instead of annually.

Entry-level finance or accounting: examples of professional tone

For roles like junior accountant, financial analyst, or accounts payable specialist, you’ll want a slightly more formal tone. Here’s a strong example of expectations for an entry-level financial analyst in a large metro area:

“Based on salary data for entry-level financial analyst roles in this region, I’ve seen typical ranges between \(62,000 and \)72,000. Given my degree in finance, my internship with budgeting and forecasting, and my Excel and Power BI skills, I’d be targeting the \(68,000 to \)72,000 range, depending on the total compensation and bonus structure.”

For a smaller company or lower-cost city, an adjusted example of salary expectations could be:

“My understanding is that entry-level accounting roles in this area are often in the \(50,000 to \)60,000 range. I’d be comfortable somewhere in that band, ideally around $55,000, but I’m open to discussing the full package, including benefits and training support for the CPA exam.”

These examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions in finance show that you:

• Know the local market.
• Connect your skills and certifications to the higher end of the range.
• Signal long-term interest in the field.

Human resources and recruiting: example of balancing salary and learning

Entry-level HR assistant or recruiting coordinator roles often come with strong learning opportunities. Here’s how you might phrase your expectations:

“From my research, entry-level HR assistant roles in this city usually fall between \(48,000 and \)58,000. I’d like to be in the low-to-mid $50,000s, but I’m especially interested in the chance to learn HRIS systems, support recruiting, and grow into a generalist role over time.”

Or for a recruiting coordinator role:

“I’ve seen that entry-level recruiting coordinator positions here often range from \(50,000 to \)60,000. I’d be comfortable in the \(52,000 to \)57,000 range, depending on benefits and performance-based incentives.”

These are good examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions that highlight both pay and professional development.

Nonprofit and public sector: real examples when pay is lower

Nonprofit and government jobs sometimes pay less but offer other benefits like stability, loan forgiveness, or strong retirement plans. Here’s an example of expectations for an entry-level program coordinator at a nonprofit:

“From what I’ve seen, entry-level program coordinator roles in nonprofits in this area tend to be in the \(42,000 to \)50,000 range. I’d be comfortable in that range, ideally around \(47,000 to \)50,000, especially if there are strong health benefits and support for professional development.”

For a city or state government role, another example of salary expectations could be:

“My understanding is that entry-level public sector positions at this level usually pay between \(45,000 and \)52,000. I’d be looking for something in the upper part of that range, but I know government roles often have structured pay scales, so I’m open to the appropriate step for this position.”

If you’re considering public service loan forgiveness or similar programs, it’s worth reading up on resources from the U.S. Department of Education at https://studentaid.gov/.

How to build your own answer from these examples

All of these examples of examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions follow a simple pattern you can copy and customize.

You:

• Start with “Based on my research…” or “From what I’ve seen…”
• Mention a realistic range for similar entry-level positions in your area or field.
• Place yourself within that range, with a bit of flexibility.
• Tie your target number to your skills, experience, or education.

Here’s a fill-in-the-blank style example of salary expectations you can adapt:

“Based on my research on entry-level [job title] roles in [city/region], I’ve seen typical ranges between [\(X] and [\)Y]. Given my [degree/skills/internships], I’d be comfortable in the [\(A to \)B] range, depending on the overall compensation package and growth opportunities.”

Or, for hourly roles:

“From what I’ve seen, entry-level [job title] positions in this area usually pay around [\(X to \)Y] per hour. I’d be happy in that range and am especially interested in [training/overtime/bonuses/advancement].”

These flexible templates, plus the earlier real examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions, give you a toolkit instead of a single script.

Trends affecting entry-level salary expectations in 2024–2025

When you build your own answer, it helps to understand what’s happening in the job market right now. Here are a few trends that shape realistic examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions:

1. Location still matters, even with remote work.
High-cost cities (New York, San Francisco, Boston) usually offer higher starting pay than smaller cities or rural areas, even for remote roles. Many employers now use location-based pay bands.

2. Skills can move you up the range.
Certifications (like CompTIA for IT, Salesforce for CRM, or CPA-track for accounting) and in-demand skills (data analysis, coding, advanced Excel) help justify aiming for the upper part of the range.

3. Benefits are a real part of compensation.
Health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement all have real dollar value. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks benefit costs here: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.toc.htm. If a company offers strong benefits, you might accept a slightly lower base salary.

4. Inflation and cost of living.
Over the last few years, inflation has pushed many employers to adjust entry-level pay upward. When you look up salary data, try to use the most recent numbers (2023–2025) rather than older reports.

How to research before you give your own example of expectations

If you want your answer to sound confident, you need at least a rough idea of the going rate. Here’s a simple way to get there:

• Check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for national medians and typical ranges: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/.
• Use salary tools on major job boards (Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn) and filter for entry-level, your city, and your field.
• Look at actual job postings to see if they list a range.
• Ask recent grads, alumni, or mentors what they’ve seen for similar roles.

Then, use that information to build your own example of salary expectations that fits your situation.

FAQ: Common questions about salary expectation examples

How do I answer if I truly have no idea what to expect?
You can keep it open while still sounding informed. For example:

“I’m still learning about typical pay ranges for entry-level roles in this field, and I’m open. My priority is finding a good fit where I can grow. Could you share the range you’ve budgeted for this position?”

This invites them to go first, without sounding unprepared.

Can you give more examples of flexible answers that don’t lock me into a number?
Yes. Here are two more real examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions that stay flexible:

“I’m looking for a fair offer based on the responsibilities and market rates for entry-level roles in this area. I’m confident we can find a number that works for both of us.”

“Salary is important to me, but I’m also focused on learning and growth. I’m open to any reasonable offer within the typical range for entry-level positions in this field.”

Is it okay to mention benefits when I share my expectations?
Absolutely. Many candidates say something like:

“I’m targeting a base salary in the mid-$50,000s, depending on the overall benefits package, including health coverage, retirement contributions, and professional development support.”

This shows you understand compensation as a full package.

What’s an example of a bad way to share salary expectations?
Avoid answers that are either too rigid or totally uninformed, such as:

“I need at least $80,000 or I’m not interested.”
“I don’t care about salary at all, whatever you think is fine.”

Both make it hard for the employer to work with you. The better examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions in this article give a clear range, some reasoning, and a bit of flexibility.

Should I answer differently for internships or part-time entry-level roles?
Yes, adjust your wording. For internships or part-time work, you might say:

“For a part-time entry-level role like this, I’ve seen pay in the \(18 to \)22 an hour range. I’d be comfortable in that range, depending on the schedule and learning opportunities.”

That still follows the same pattern: research, range, and flexibility.

If you use these real examples of salary expectations for entry-level positions as a starting point—and plug in your own research and numbers—you’ll walk into your next interview sounding prepared, confident, and reasonable. That’s exactly the combination hiring managers are looking for when they ask, “So, what are your salary expectations?”