7 Salary Negotiation Tips for BIPOC Folx

Hazard pay for emotional tax included

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6 min readJun 22, 2021

Droves of companies have reached out to my business looking for qualified employees of color since Black Lives Matter took center stage back in 2020. I work in the justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) field. My team helps companies calibrate inclusion with metrics-based accountability. We do not specialize in recruiting, but its tempting to consider now that formerly under-appreciated demographics are in super high demand — and recruiters can’t seem to find us anywhere.

Companies are under more pressure than ever to hire Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to avoid the appearance of corporate Blackwashing. This is not the time to settle for an insufficient salary, lackluster benefits, and a paltry vacation package. Here are a few tips to help you pull up an equitable seat at the table without compromising your needs and your value.

1. Research the market value of your position and title

You should never accept a salary offer without knowing what your peers (especially white peers) are being paid for the same work. Payscale.com can help you determine the market rate for your desired position. Talk to people in your area, field, and company as well. Just don’t let the entire interview process slip by without ever having that discussion.

Employers are happy to skip the negotiation and just make you an offer that you feel obligated to accept or reject. ALWAYS negotiate. Ask about salary if they don’t ask you first. If they ask you say, “I’m aware that the industry range for this position is _____. I am expecting to be at the top of that range because _____.” Know your comparable value and be able to back it up with your experience, passion, dedication, etc. Color outside of the lines. Be unconventional in your rationale. Creativity and innovation are great assets in an employee so make your case like your (quality of) life depends on it. Put the hiring manager in a position to communicate that you aren’t worthy of a respectable salary. Make them justify lowballing you. Flip the script on who gets to be uncomfortable talking about money.