Starting salary and your first salary negotiation

This guide is for international students and graduates who are approaching their first full time job in Denmark – or who want to understand salary expectations and negotiation culture well in advance.

The content is based on IDA’s member data, salary statistics and advisor experience within technical and STEM fields in Denmark.

Have you started looking at what jobs are waiting for you before you finish your studies?

Part of the process is also thinking about salary. When you start looking for a job before you finish your studies, the thought of salary negotiation can make you nervous. It is not a situation that many people feel comfortable in and for many there is a lack of knowledge about what is “fair”.

In Denmark, salary increases are often given as percentage based adjustments rather than large renegotiations. This means that starting at a lower level can be difficult to fully “catch up from” later.
IDA’s advisors regularly see international graduates accept their first offer without negotiation – often because:

• they are unfamiliar with Danish salary levels
• they assume negotiation is viewed negatively
• they don’t know what is considered “reasonable”

In reality, salary negotiation is expected in most private sector roles in Denmark – and being prepared is seen as professional, not demanding.

And if you are new to the job market, salary negotiation may come earlier than you expect. You might as well prepare for the salary conversation already during your studies, because here you can take it easy, practice your arguments, find the right level and what you prioritize.

Bottom line: A difference of just a few thousand DKK per month at the start can have a significant long term impact.

Therefore, it pays to understand what you are worth in the job market now, especially if you start looking for a job before graduation and want to make your offer on an informed basis.

There is no single answer to what your salary should be. It is the market and your negotiating skills that determine the outcome.

But a really good start is to use the salary calculator for upcoming graduates. This will give you a sense of where you stand on the salary scale. And then you need to be aware that the negotiation can come at different times in the employment process.

Your starting salary depends on factors such as:

• Your degree and job role
• Industry and sector
• Private vs. public employment
• Geographic location in Denmark
• Relevant student jobs, internships or company projects
• Technical skills and specialisations

In Denmark, employers also look at the total compensation package, not just base salary. This may include:

• Employer pension contributions
• Paid holiday (typically 5-6 weeks)
• Bonus schemes – there are many different incentive schemes that you can consider to see if they are right for you
• Flexible working hours and remote work
• Paid courses or professional development

IDA’s Salary Calculator gives you a realistic salary range based on real data from thousands of STEM professionals working in Denmark.

When employers estimate a salary proposal for a recent graduate, they don’t just look at your education. They also look at what you’ve done along the way, and you can use that to argue for salary and benefits in negotiations.

Pricing is ultimately a question of supply and demand. And while it can be difficult to know what you can offer a specific company, it’s important to ask yourself the following questions:

• What can my skills and profile offer a prospective employer?
• How difficult is it to attract the type of workforce that I can deliver?

IDA advisors see that the following experience often increases starting salary offers:

• A relevant student job
• Projects or thesis written in cooperation with a company
• Internships or applied research projects
• Practical experience with relevant tools, software or technologies
• A high demand for your academic background

This is why two graduates with the same degree may receive very different salary offers.

When you know a realistic salary range, you have a salary proposal you can take with you, prepare your arguments in advance, and avoid accepting an offer below market level, knowing that you are making your choice based on facts.

When you are invited to the job interview, it might be a good idea to read IDA’s thorough guide for new graduates on salary negotiation. You can find it here: First salary negotiation as a new graduate: How to do it

Knowing your market value is not about pushing up your salary, but about making an informed choice. And you don’t get the salary you deserve, but the one you negotiate.

Four practical tips for salary negotiations in Denmark

• Don’t accept the first offer without checking market data
• It is normal – and expected – to negotiate in many roles
• If salary is fixed, consider negotiating benefits (pension, holidays, flexibility, courses)
• Use data and preparation, not intuition alone