What are the top salary benchmarks for startup companies?

1 What are startup salary benchmarks?

Startup salary benchmarks are the average or median salaries that startup employees receive based on various factors such as their experience, skills, function, and location. These benchmarks can help you compare different offers and assess your market value. However, they are not fixed or universal, and they may change over time as the startup ecosystem evolves.

2 How to find startup salary benchmarks?

There are several sources you can use to find startup salary benchmarks, such as online platforms, surveys, reports, and networks. AngelList is a popular platform that connects startups, investors, and job seekers. You can browse thousands of startup jobs and view the salary range and equity offered by each company. Option Impact's annual Startup Compensation Survey provides compensation data for private companies. Hired publishes a Startup Salary Report with average salaries for various roles and locations across the US and UK. Additionally, leveraging your personal and professional networks to get insights into startup salaries can be beneficial. Ask your friends, mentors, peers, or recruiters who work or have worked at startups about their compensation and experience.

3 How to negotiate your startup salary?

Negotiating your startup salary requires research and flexibility. Before entering the negotiation, make sure you have done your homework on the company, the role, the market, and your value. Additionally, you should prepare a list of your achievements, skills, and goals that demonstrate your fit and potential. It is important to remember that startups may have limited cash flow and resources, so they may not be able to offer a high salary. However, they may compensate with other benefits, such as equity, bonuses, perks, or growth opportunities. During the negotiation process, it is essential to communicate your expectations and motivations clearly and respectfully while listening to the employer's perspective. Ultimately, you should strive for a win-win outcome that reflects your value and aligns with the company's vision.

5 How to choose the right startup for you?

When choosing the right startup for you, it is important to consider the stage, industry, location, and role of the startup. The stage could range from pre-seed to IPO and can affect salary, equity, culture, and risk. The industry can range from e-commerce to biotech and affect growth, demand, and regulation. The location could be anywhere from San Francisco to Singapore and can affect cost of living, lifestyle, and opportunities. Finally, the role can range from engineering to sales and can affect skills, responsibilities, and compensation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?