Perform research to find a realistic figure. Use your current earnings as a baseline. Contrast your current earnings with what you feel your current professional worth is in your job market, and allow for a range of flexibility with that number. Hold on to that figure before you offer it.

Before you offer your salary, discuss the benefits you receive from your current employer. Now is fair game to find out what they offer. Share any bonuses or incentives, your commute, retirement packages, stock options, PTO, etcetera. Once you find where they're meeting, exceeding, or wanting in this regard, you can adjust your number accordingly. Be open, realistic, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise.