Guide
Remote salary guide
Remote salaries vary more than office salaries because employers handle location differently. Two people doing the same job for the same company can be paid very differently depending on where they live. This guide explains how remote pay is set and how to use real data when you negotiate.
The three ways companies set remote pay
Most employers follow one of three models:
- Location-based pay: salary is adjusted to the cost of labour where you live. This is the most common model at large companies.
- Single global rate: everyone in the same role and level is paid the same, wherever they live. This is less common and popular with remote-first startups.
- Regional bands: a small number of pay zones, such as US, Europe and the rest of the world.
Use published ranges, not guesses
Pay transparency laws in places like California, New York, Colorado and parts of Europe require many employers to publish a salary range. These ranges are the best evidence you can get, because they show what companies actually plan to pay.
Eplicant's salary insights page collects the published ranges from live remote listings and groups them by job family and level, so you can see what employers are offering right now.
How level affects pay
Level often matters more than job family. The gap between a mid-level and senior role is usually larger than the gap between two similar fields at the same level. Read the job description to work out the level: years of experience, scope of responsibility, and whether you would lead others.
Look at the whole offer
Base salary is only part of the package. Compare:
- Equity or bonuses, and how they are paid out.
- Paid leave and public holiday rules.
- Health cover and pension contributions, which vary a lot for contractors.
- Home-office and equipment budgets.
- Whether you are an employee, a contractor or hired through an employer of record. Contractors usually pay their own taxes and benefits.
Negotiating a remote offer
Give a range based on published data for similar roles, and set its lower end at a figure you would happily accept. If the employer uses location-based pay, ask which band you fall into and how it is calculated. Ask politely and back it with evidence; most remote employers expect it.
Watch the currency
Many remote roles pay in US dollars, euros or pounds. Ask which currency you will be paid in, how often, and who pays transfer fees. Exchange rate swings can change your real income over a year.