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Employment Updated August 12, 2025

Desired compensation

'Desired compensation is the pay and benefits you want for a job.' 'It’s your target salary and perks to feel fairly rewarded.'

Category

Employment

Use Case

Used to specify expected salary or benefits during job negotiations

Variants

Base salary, Bonus, Equity, Benefits

Key Features

In Simple Terms

What it is
Desired compensation is simply what you want to earn or receive in exchange for your work, time, or effort. Think of it like setting a price for something you’re selling—except instead of a product, you’re valuing your skills or labor. It’s the amount of money (or benefits) you’d be happy with for doing a job.

Why people use it
People use desired compensation to make sure they’re paid fairly for their work. Just like you wouldn’t sell a bike for less than it’s worth, you wouldn’t want to work for less than you deserve. It helps you:
  • Avoid being underpaid
  • Feel satisfied with your job
  • Plan your finances better
  • Negotiate confidently with employers

  • Basic examples
    Imagine you’re babysitting. You might decide your desired compensation is $15 per hour because that’s what others earn for similar work. Here’s how it helps in real life:
  • Job applications: When asked for salary expectations, you might say, “I’d like $50,000 per year,” so employers know your range.
  • Freelancing: A graphic designer might charge $100 per project because that covers their time and skill.
  • Raises: If you’ve been working hard, you might ask for a 10% raise because your effort justifies it.

  • Desired compensation is like setting a fair price for your time—it ensures you’re rewarded properly for what you bring to the table.

    Technical Details

    What It Is


    Desired compensation refers to the total remuneration package an individual expects in exchange for their labor, skills, and expertise. It falls under the broader category of employment terms and is typically negotiated during hiring or performance reviews. Compensation can include monetary and non-monetary components, such as salary, bonuses, benefits, and equity.

    How It Works


    The mechanism of desired compensation involves a negotiation process between the employer and the candidate or employee. Employers assess market benchmarks, internal pay structures, and budget constraints, while candidates evaluate their skills, experience, and industry standards.

    Technology used in this process includes:
  • Compensation benchmarking tools (e.g., Payscale, Glassdoor)
  • HR management systems (e.g., Workday, BambooHR)
  • Salary calculators and predictive analytics

  • Key Components


    Desired compensation is typically composed of:
  • Base salary: Fixed annual or monthly pay
  • Bonuses: Performance-based or signing incentives
  • Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, etc.
  • Equity: Stock options or RSUs (Restricted Stock Units)
  • Perks: Flexible work arrangements, wellness programs

  • Common Use Cases


    Desired compensation is relevant in scenarios such as:
  • Job offer negotiations between candidates and employers
  • Performance reviews where employees seek raises or promotions
  • Career transitions, such as switching industries or roles
  • Remote work arrangements, where location-based pay adjustments may apply