DOE stands for “Depending on Experience”, or often phrased as “Commensurate with Experience” and is extremely common in job adverts. “Commensurate” simply means the same as “depending, in the sense that they will pay more if you are more experienced. It signals that the employer has a salary range rather than a fixed figure, and where you land within that range will depend on your skills, qualifications, and track record.
Read an article about “Commensurate With Experience”
What this means in practice
A DOE salary is a negotiation. The employer has a budget in mind but does not want to publish the top of the range. Candidates with more experience will be offered more, while those at the lower end may be offered the minimum. The challenge is that without knowing the range, you are negotiating blind.
How to negotiate effectively
Research market rates for the role and location using salary comparison tools. When asked for your expectations, give a range based on your research rather than a single figure. If the employer asks you to name a number first, it is perfectly acceptable to ask them for the budgeted range instead.
Questions to ask
- What is the salary range budgeted for this role?
- What criteria determine where in the range a candidate is placed?
- Are there performance-based pay reviews in the first year?
