Some postings ask you to state your salary expectations in your cover letter or in a separate field during the application. Since this is a sensitive topic, how you handle it matters. This article covers how to manage this situation. For the general cover letter structure, see How to Write a Cover Letter.
Don't Mention It Unless the Posting Specifically Asks
Salary expectations aren't a standard part of a cover letter. Unless the posting specifically asks, there's no need to include this topic in your cover letter — this is usually handled during the interview process.
What Should You Do If the Posting Asks You to State It?
Some postings (especially in certain countries or industries) ask directly for a salary range during the application. In that case:
Give a Range
Instead of a fixed number, offer a realistic range based on your market research:
"Based on my experience and current market conditions, my salary expectation is in the [X]-[Y] range. This range is flexible depending on the full details of the position."
Add It Briefly, Near the End
State this information not in the main body of the letter but in a short sentence near the closing — the cover letter's main focus should still be why you're a fit for this position.
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Build Your Resume FreeDo Your Research in Advance
Before stating a number or a range, you should have researched market conditions for that position and industry — the research methods in our article How to Answer the Salary Question in an Interview apply here too.
What Shouldn't You Do?
- Don't write a random number. A range given without research risks being either too low or too high.
- Don't ignore the request. If the posting specifically asks for this and you skip it, your application could be considered technically incomplete.
Conclusion
Salary expectations don't need to be part of your cover letter unless the posting specifically asks. If it is requested, the safest approach is to state a realistic, research-based range in a short, flexible section near the end of the letter.