How to Answer: What is your current salary?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a SpaceX job interview.
34. What is your current salary?
What You Need to Know
A potential employer will often base your professional worth on your current salary. But there are other factors worth volunteering as well, such as how frequently you receive a pay increase if it is more than once a year, as well as any bonuses, perks, or incentives you receive, such as stock options or mutual contributions towards your retirement. Before your interview, write down any benefits or incentives you receive that count as income or lower your cost of living, and decide which are worth detailing when answering this question. Be transparent about your most recent and projected earnings.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I currently earn a base salary of $178,000, plus a car allowance of $900/month and health benefits. I am looking for a competitive salary in my next position."
Written by Rachelle Enns
If you are currently unemployed: Example
"My most recent position paid me a base salary of $145,000 plus overtime and health benefits, with performance reviews and pay increases of about 5% every three months. I am looking for a competitive salary in my next position."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Mechanical Engineer Example
"I prefer not to discuss my current salary, but I do know similar positions offer a salary in the range of $150,000 - $200,000. I am willing to negotiate for the right position. Health, stock options, time-off, and any other incentives can be discussed as we get further into talks."
Written by Joseph Murphy on November 4th, 2022
Manufacturing Engineer Example
"Currently, I am making about $90,000/year before any bonuses. The cost of living at my current job is significantly lower than in Hawthorne and as such, I would be looking for a significant increase in salary over what I am making right now to compensate for the increased cost of living."
Written by Timothy Cannon on November 18th, 2022