How should I interpret the results or use them in a negotiation?
Understanding the data
Each survey report reflects a specific peer group, not a broad market average.
The goal isn’t to generate an industry-wide median — it’s to create a trustworthy micro-benchmark anchored to peers like you.
When interpreting results:
- Treat median and quartile ranges as directional indicators, not absolutes.
- Look for patterns across company size, role level, or total compensation mix.
- Remember that individual factors (scope, funding stage, geography) still influence pay outcomes.
In general, the tighter the focus of the peer group, the more each peer is equally valid for you. This is one of the differentiating factors of Salary Confidential, and you can read a more in-depth article about this here
Using it effectively
When negotiating, reference the data as a range supported by verified peers, not as a fixed demand.
For example:
“Across peers with similar experience and company scale, total compensation typically falls between $X and $Y.”
This phrasing conveys credibility without overstating precision — and perfectly aligns with the spirit of peer-generated data.
Read our negotiation guides
We have several guides on negotiation that perhaps can be of use. In particular, you may find the chapter on how to use market data in negotiation especially relevant