What you'll need to do is ask for salary negotion when you receive your tentative offer and you will be basing that on superior qualifications. Know the bottom line salary and benefits you would accept before you start negotiating.Be ready for their counter-offer. 2. My salary requirements are open or negotiable. 3. Many people don't know this, but YES—you can negotiate your federal salary and get a higher step before getting hired. Try countering the company's offer with a salary that's slightly above the industry average, and then be prepared to negotiate down. But you may be able to negotiate a salary above the low end of the range. Start with your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). Accepting a new nursing job or promotion? If you're an experienced nurse, start here for tips and etiquette in negotiating your pay.